tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55057293085457944592024-02-07T18:04:35.819-05:00The Life of a Young Navy WifeThe Life of a Young Navy WifeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger164125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505729308545794459.post-14773885108170354482012-06-30T22:21:00.000-04:002012-12-07T18:51:19.301-05:00Moved<div style="text-align: center;">
We have Moved!</div>
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Hey friends! </div>
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After 3 wonderful years blogging with blogger i've decided to move to a more comfy and easier to navigate for you space.</div>
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Can't wait to see you over there! </div>
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<a href="http://embracingthislife.com/">http://embracingthislife.com/</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrY5uvf3UlOuLobel7TA7AEq0X_g-dwcH4utvjtCPhg0ulSlKNNlgx-L5RtcuTcig9A4bq_MVX1Y9swnXycwY5pVRoWDPkzEUKX7wDBCgEwfPBKW38e98jDPx3QUrHB52pJ34B4aX51xU/s1600/button+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrY5uvf3UlOuLobel7TA7AEq0X_g-dwcH4utvjtCPhg0ulSlKNNlgx-L5RtcuTcig9A4bq_MVX1Y9swnXycwY5pVRoWDPkzEUKX7wDBCgEwfPBKW38e98jDPx3QUrHB52pJ34B4aX51xU/s1600/button+for+blog.jpg" /></a></div>
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~laura~<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505729308545794459.post-41618405458470173632012-05-31T15:00:00.001-04:002012-05-31T15:00:22.415-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Not measuring up</u></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">We live in a <b>harsh</b> society.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">A society that I was well protected from and kept innocent of growing up.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Do you ever tire of constantly not measuring up in this countries eyes?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sometimes in my mind the phrase comes over me</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">'Let me be a women'</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Just let me be a women I think! I know how to <u>nurture</u> and raise a child. I know how to be a <u>helper</u> to my husband. I know how to be a friend who loves and how to volunteer my time. That stuff is all built into me by my creator.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">But I live in a society who seems to be against everything I measure up to be and it <b>hurts</b>. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Normally I let things roll off my back, or try at least, but today something struck me as especially cruel and it stung deep.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I was told that being a stay at home mother is not a job. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">There is so much war in this world at it hits home often.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I don't plan to defend my role as a mother to the ones who don't see me as worth anything.. I don't have to do that to the misunderstanding women who carelessly spouted off such a statement.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">She didn't get it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">To be a helper to my husband and stand by his side the way Nancy Reagen did to her husband is a job I love. As well as to nurture a young child over the years and to spend myself on Him is a tiring but rewarding job.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I don't have a pay check, I don't have a degree, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">but I love to learn from other, through books, and research and have spent a great deal of time educating myself on all sorts of things from flowers to our worlds history. I'm interested and didn't check out of reality when I became a wife at the age of 19 and a mother at the age of 21. And yet somehow our society believes that to be the case. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Becoming a mother placed me in a role of raising a human being who is my blessing but a responsibility I take very seriously. I am in charge of raising my son to know his creator and love him, be a law abiding citizen, and to be a respectful man.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">If that's not a job well I don't know what is one.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I believe there is no one standard way to be a mother, they come in all different forms.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">There's the mom that loves to slip on an apron and stand at the door when her kids come flying in after school. There's the mom who puts on a uniform and steps into an office from 9-5 and dashes off as soon as possible to see her children again. They don't look the same but they love the same and that's what's important in my opinion.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I look forward to the day when the critics will be silenced and I will stand before my heavenly father who will see that i kept His word in my heart and lived it. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sometimes being a christian in this harsh society is rough because we are a minority but I know when we rest in eternity with our God it will have been worth it to have been different here.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Trying to measure up to the worlds standards is exhausting and i'm thankful to know Jesus and be able to hear what God thinks of me.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Be encouraged today! you measure up in God's eyes.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505729308545794459.post-6382043153846031592012-05-25T16:29:00.001-04:002012-05-25T16:29:14.849-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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We are walking through the beautiful botanical gardens, my good friend and mentor, her children, and my little guy. She is once again pouring wisdom into my life. Reminding me to let the big things go in my marriage and let my man be who he is and i'm locking those words in as to never forget and remember to apply.</div>
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I was all swelled up with love for my husband this morning.</div>
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The military seems to have seasons of easy and then very difficult. I have watched my husband walk through these last few years in the navy with a positive attitude in a most humble way.</div>
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He makes me proud.</div>
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He doesn't just care about his own career path but of those around him. That's what sets him apart in my opinion.</div>
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I have watched and helped him study for tests these last few months and seen him take true initiative in moving ahead in his career.</div>
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He is passing tests and doing great.</div>
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I want to see him awarded for his sacrifice and hard work.</div>
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I didn't know that today he would come home discouraged by work.</div>
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Something that is VERY rare to see and literally breaks my heart into pieces for him.</div>
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You see if you mess with a woman's husband, you disturb his <i>helper</i> in life as well.</div>
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In my true wife nature i'm <b>angry</b> for him.</div>
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He went for a run and I went to pulling weeds and seeking God's council.</div>
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I think God is going to keep us in the dark for now but when we look back on this time we will be able to see where he stood in all of this and how he intended to work all this out for good.</div>
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I know we are both under his umbrella of authority and that brings me comfort on days when my man hurts.</div>
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He is a loyal, hard-working, well deserving man who doesn't cut corners. </div>
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He will make one incredible leader and he will have the experience to relate with others. Sometimes systems fail you and there's nothing you can do or say but I wrap my arms around him and tell him i'm sorry and then let him have space and I take to my small garden.</div>
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Don't lose site of the bigger picture and remember God is using each of these small things that we don't understand to grow us and it will all be intended for his glory.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Laura</div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505729308545794459.post-56038886311763773372012-05-24T21:56:00.000-04:002012-05-24T21:56:21.609-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">
When it doesn't make sense</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"I'm trying to figure out how to navigate through life as a christian and what that all entails" I whisper to him as that raw place in my heart aches. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>I love that in brokenness its so much easier to turn to God. (Mike Huckabee said it perfectly in this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WglW3vvKVU">video</a>.)</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>If you would have asked me one week ago what the plan was well I would have told you exactly what I believed God was leading me to do. But now this week things have unraveled leaving me unsure.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>I had my hands balled up in fists the other night. My heart ached for <u>permanence</u> which is unrealistic in the military. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Those fists scrubbed a front porch, drilled holes in different places, hung baskets and a lantern, painted furniture, pulled a cord to the mower, spray painted chairs, picked up scattered toys, and stayed tight all day refusing to accept the truth of what was deep within. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Confusion, loneliness, and a heart in need of a friend to come alongside and say 'laura, you're doing alright, i'm here'.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>I was thrilled to have plans with our time over the next 3 years. We were to be sent to a shore duty for those three years and it was going to fix my desire for normal. I looked forward to that time and even was okay with not knowing where we'd be exactly but deep inside hoped we'd be close to family again.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>When he told me of a different calling a mixture of pride and disappointment swelled up within.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>The future became unclear once again.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>I didn't have control of our circumstances.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>When I sat at that kitchen table pouring my heart over page after page of what seemed to be a clear message on what route to take with this book, i beamed.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>It was wonderful to have some control over this vision and see the beginning stages being played out. I thought God and I were on the same page.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>A week later i'm nothing but unsure and its discouraging.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>That desire for control quickly got in the way.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Those fists slowly turned to palms faced towards heaven and a heart full of an 'i'm so sorry for getting in the way Lord'</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>I'm down on my knees tonight working on surrendering.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>I do believe that when I look back years from now i'll see how God did even more then I imagined or could plan.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>proverbs 16:9</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Getting over ourselves doesn't happen overnight. Its something we choose daily. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>With all of that said here is what was worked on today :)</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkaUu3IQyWKHOjQfEUyzWpSmpSCDOJfxwUi-U0l20BxAHcn_rshOYAUSb6KIEkAhPtnRFTvACUPwRLo15XBE6GwLg4rny6xiJiomJz5pQCMjCPzjtUU_chPS73Fn4i7kQXli4fGp63E8/s1600/338225_2715508884732_1167240153_32295126_790639668_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkaUu3IQyWKHOjQfEUyzWpSmpSCDOJfxwUi-U0l20BxAHcn_rshOYAUSb6KIEkAhPtnRFTvACUPwRLo15XBE6GwLg4rny6xiJiomJz5pQCMjCPzjtUU_chPS73Fn4i7kQXli4fGp63E8/s400/338225_2715508884732_1167240153_32295126_790639668_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I still have to hang the mirror, make a new banner, decorate some more but its really coming along!</div>
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The furniture painted dewdrop turned out nice :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAH246nf_CRw216BRBwMGIb-UAzMyzGEbgpM6XqoPuC0MHLG4S0Y3LAdYr6_JK8V0rVI5P5DhCOroxPhRUEmcUj_J6_Vj-syiHKQUOHC5gKZBopbj5FpDsSWHlOeXsU4Xv70oCSx7VRfQ/s1600/475741_3505911764310_1167240153_32592743_2049617834_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAH246nf_CRw216BRBwMGIb-UAzMyzGEbgpM6XqoPuC0MHLG4S0Y3LAdYr6_JK8V0rVI5P5DhCOroxPhRUEmcUj_J6_Vj-syiHKQUOHC5gKZBopbj5FpDsSWHlOeXsU4Xv70oCSx7VRfQ/s640/475741_3505911764310_1167240153_32592743_2049617834_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I love my sweet helper!<br />
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505729308545794459.post-34754002529702444052012-05-23T14:25:00.001-04:002012-08-24T17:49:41.824-04:00To the military spouse, you matter!<div style="text-align: center;">
Military spouse,</div>
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You Matter!</div>
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Right now our bed is a mattress that sits directly on the floor. When we moved into the rental home our box spring didn't fit upstairs. For almost 6 months i've worked around that and still made a nice space to call our room. All the while trying not to compare too much to the rooms i'd love to have one day.</div>
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In the last 6 months my good friend and mentor has really pushed me to enjoy the moment and bloom where God plants us.</div>
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I have been a navy wife for almost 3 years. </div>
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A lot has happened in those 3 years. I have moved a couple of times, unpacked alone, found new churches, new doctors, new places to call home, and new friends. As a military wife you sort of figure it all out but speaking from my personal experience when the dust settles part of me longs for a bit of the same for longer.</div>
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Learning to see being a military spouse as a chosen role has really helped. God chose your family and mine, and when we're serving and honoring Him he'll bless us for that. </div>
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I am a sensitive girl who would love nothing more then to snuggle up on the couch and read a book in my cozy beach cottage home. Have my husband home by 5 each night, have the same girlfriends for life, live down the street from family, and become a member of the same church.</div>
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I long for a simple quiet life.</div>
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Its kind of selfish sounding but as a military wife God has made me extremely uncomfortable. This life is the complete opposite of what I desire. But I remember saying, 'Alright Lord, if this is where you're leading then I will follow'.</div>
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<b>His will doesn't take me away from Himself, it always has a way of pulling me in closer</b>. I don't know what season your in, work-ups, deployment, lonely, full of friendships, a home that fits you well, or a time of rest for the family, but know that you matter.</div>
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The single mom that you are when he is away, the same toys you picked up everyday for the past month, the tears that have spilled over, and the sacrifice that you have made.</div>
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God sees all of that. You're allowed your 'I just want to be sad or mad days' because you are also that woman who knows when its time to pull up the bootstraps and go on with life.</div>
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I'm proud to know so many of you.</div>
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For a young navy wife, you matter because you're an example and a safe place to look when my future is unsure.</div>
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Trust me,</div>
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You matter!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvqbEU13bWxeRHKAnP_UUHSH8SHjMi6b8jk62mZT8HYp9GoyHdK2CW3lgFUI_F7kqzzncQpjFLydyfsDlLjUf_eXU2fgA39cu9z-IS6SPkIwY_5fTyaAtDUB6vkz8I6i11ARFIZRdX90/s1600/faith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvqbEU13bWxeRHKAnP_UUHSH8SHjMi6b8jk62mZT8HYp9GoyHdK2CW3lgFUI_F7kqzzncQpjFLydyfsDlLjUf_eXU2fgA39cu9z-IS6SPkIwY_5fTyaAtDUB6vkz8I6i11ARFIZRdX90/s1600/faith.jpg" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505729308545794459.post-44383619398308880612012-05-22T16:36:00.001-04:002012-05-22T16:36:12.685-04:00You Matter!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjek-r_NxvHcIkjgc9YzasYCoJcsEShg5Nl0M5Ac4szb8jbcStIkLuVyo_QNSH-pxvTlsnxlDDxZGeQqEWxHSmvxyVENwXaIr3-_hPTkof742ZKCbwcP0N6XVOn4OpIE_3p2B3e_J7qKqw/s1600/sky.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjek-r_NxvHcIkjgc9YzasYCoJcsEShg5Nl0M5Ac4szb8jbcStIkLuVyo_QNSH-pxvTlsnxlDDxZGeQqEWxHSmvxyVENwXaIr3-_hPTkof742ZKCbwcP0N6XVOn4OpIE_3p2B3e_J7qKqw/s320/sky.png" width="191" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzA0PNH-SN82mge_w__2OyF0ZQHaGG_lRzGW1zQdSCaW5BfGOl_2mqihfusCJk9oriYmsW5Qj2agAv8mWvBsakFBDI61RbX2WjPR-o09xaTPaAx3FMVvZ35unag6Dv4QUwDRJs4k8lVQ/s1600/01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzA0PNH-SN82mge_w__2OyF0ZQHaGG_lRzGW1zQdSCaW5BfGOl_2mqihfusCJk9oriYmsW5Qj2agAv8mWvBsakFBDI61RbX2WjPR-o09xaTPaAx3FMVvZ35unag6Dv4QUwDRJs4k8lVQ/s320/01.png" width="192" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">A rather large storm has moved in the area but you are more then welcome to plop down across this dining room table and enjoy it with me!</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">{You Matter}</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Are you feeling especially not worthwhile today? </span></em> </div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Speaking from a life spent 'on the bubble' i hear you.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Throughout high school I was an average student and athlete. I fought that constant reminder that i was only just average when i didn't make the softball team, swing choir the second year, a nice role in the school music, or the varsity cheerleading squad. </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">When most of my peers went off to college at these big named schools I walked through the doors of a local community college unsure of what was ahead. I only made it through a couple semesters when I found myself sitting behind a desk taking people's money and cashing checks as a bank teller. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">You're in good company today friend, i have been there and those memories still cause a pinch to the heart.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Becoming a wife and a mother did not promote me to feeling any more worthwhile either. But when God grabbed a hold of my heart he made sense of a lot and I began to learn why this life of yours and mine matters so much to Him.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">You are worth it! </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">This week we'll expand on this more but for today I leave you with this picture.</span></em></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/22518066856387685/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="361" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinterest.com/upload/22518066856387685_lX81MPix_c.jpg" width="521" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">Uploaded by user</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/carrwp/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Bill</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505729308545794459.post-64454476926085217482012-05-21T14:34:00.001-04:002012-05-21T14:34:09.016-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxAWv8_9sV1LY-M6BvpVzzXgPY_FK06IslaYlOi70HXWEw3qZ5ZQJV0L3ZGYPbEjwsUIHkfRqnCT07VoP39ncVgPhfsBWQnaYy8s8ezfDDL6InclyEsMUlC6MUoyT2O3J-BvgQUwaS5I/s1600/IMG_5799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxAWv8_9sV1LY-M6BvpVzzXgPY_FK06IslaYlOi70HXWEw3qZ5ZQJV0L3ZGYPbEjwsUIHkfRqnCT07VoP39ncVgPhfsBWQnaYy8s8ezfDDL6InclyEsMUlC6MUoyT2O3J-BvgQUwaS5I/s320/IMG_5799.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>{Surrendering ourselves to God}</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Did you know that having children rings an alarm that can blare a constant reminder? </span></em></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">S</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">elfish</span></em></span></div>
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<em><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia;">Selfish!</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia;">Selfish!!</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Well maybe not for you but speaking from experience as a young mother i've never been more aware of how selfish I am. I remember when it hit me that this culture now looks at having more than 2 children as a mistake I stopped and thought, wow that's selfish.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Having two children doesn't require a larger vehicle. When traveling in an airport you have two hands to hold each child. It isn't such a financial burden, and its easier to handle only one or two.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">If we can keep the number of children down then we have more time for ourselves, right?</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Now don't misunderstand I know plenty of families who only have two children and this is not the case for them* </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">But if you step back and glance over our culture this is the message being whispered.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The mom with three or four children gets the disapproving glance. When out to the store she is being looked at as not doing a good job because the third child is hiding in a clothes rack while the first and fourth child are having a pinching war. Hectic as it is for her no one offers an encouraging word. Instead, they sort of shake their head and believe she should have more control if she is going to have that many children.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So we have started to have fewer children to fit into this message that its easier on us not having as many.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">How we're robbing ourselves though! Now I don't intend to send you the message that its time to have more kids but I do want to make a point that children are a gift from God. They matter to Him and its clear throughout scripture of his desire for us to love children. They teach us that its not about us, and with their slimy hands they remind us how to have fun again. They reveal the dirt in us and allow God to use them to clean up the mess in our hearts. Being a mother to only one right now i'm learning a great deal about myself and how very wrong i've been going about following God even.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">This morning I went to the Bible to find a specific passage on how Jesus tells us to follow him we have to deny ourselves and pick up our own cross. (Mark 8:34)</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">But in searching I flipped around Philippians and Paul's word really touched me on having an attitude like Christ.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Phil 2:3-4</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">As a mom being more concerned for my child isn't always the most difficult in situations when he is hurt, or needs his mom. Its in the moments when i'm exhausted and he's pulling at my leg whining that I'm reminded of how quickly I desire to be selfish. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We can't mother in the way God desires when we're apart from Him.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We have to die to self daily because he has plans for us, oh boy does he ever! Those dreams and visions he's working out in you right now are going to be something to expand the kingdom of heaven, trust me on this!</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">But its going to take a whole lot of surrendering ourselves to Him in order that he can mold us to be more like Christ. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Its going to hurt and we're not going to look like the rest of this world but if you bear with him through the times he allows you to go through the fire, the results will be a woman who gives thanks to the Lord and proclaims his greatness. (psalm 105:1)</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Going through life the 'safe' way along with the world will bring you all the worldly comforts. But going through life God's way will bring you joy and a citizenship in heaven for all of eternity.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Its your choice. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Praying for you today!</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Laura</span></em></div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505729308545794459.post-10669065513553331772012-05-19T11:24:00.002-04:002012-05-19T11:25:24.122-04:00Walk by Faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XPvqi-jyzv2lYLcr7hKa066mo4qVQJ-nXLPbnq7uqr5Oj2jOfglRsY5-jRRpa3QTtqYUGTh8-t6li0bKgfuC4rKhFjhdR8ZwGtuafqmSxctxUgsQOHaY4TwpMIjSJcxB4yJPb0LeEcM/s1600/IMG_5598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XPvqi-jyzv2lYLcr7hKa066mo4qVQJ-nXLPbnq7uqr5Oj2jOfglRsY5-jRRpa3QTtqYUGTh8-t6li0bKgfuC4rKhFjhdR8ZwGtuafqmSxctxUgsQOHaY4TwpMIjSJcxB4yJPb0LeEcM/s400/IMG_5598.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong>Walk by faith</strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>This morning I rolled out of bed with a burning desire to sit before Him again. I was up late and woke early this morning with thoughts that were wrapped around Him. When he stirs a passion in our hearts to know Him, it really is unlike any other experience we will have here on earth.</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I sat down with messy hair, a pink sweater on, and sweat pants as fingers turned pages in the Bible. I left 'Laura' early this morning and laid her aside allowing Christ to sit at the center of my heart. I was completely undone.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I was thinking about how sometimes taking a step towards God in this world can be frightening. Not being agreed with, being ridiculed, and misunderstood aren't pleasant things. When you own your faith it should make a bold statement though. It should say i'm different..not perfect, but i'm working on becoming more like Christ.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We should have love written all over our actions as we point directly to Jesus as our way to an eternal life with God.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">There can be no such thing as a comfortable christian but that's what fills our American church. The coffee is great, the music speaks tenderly to our souls, and we're sitting cozy in our pews. We turn away from the worlds issues because if we're honest they threaten to disturb our desire for comfort.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Am i speaking the truth on this? I really do believe so..and I'm going to admit that i'm guilty of having done this. There is nothing wrong with having comforts in life and God intended for us to enjoy life and does bless us but <strong>we water down our Jesus in order to not offend the world</strong>...but our message won't save any lives that way. Do you follow?</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Lets look in scripture about following God though.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">In Matthew 14:22-32 we find the story of Jesus walking on water.</span></em></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Matthew 14:22-32 (NIV)</em></span></h3>
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<span class="text Matt-14-22" id="en-NIV-23620"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"><em>Jesus Walks on the Water <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23620A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup><sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23620B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> </em></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="text Matt-14-22"><sup class="versenum">22 </sup>Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.</span> <span class="text Matt-14-23" id="en-NIV-23621"><sup class="versenum">23 </sup>After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23621C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> Later that night, he was there alone,</span> <span class="text Matt-14-24" id="en-NIV-23622"><sup class="versenum">24 </sup>and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.</span></span></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="text Matt-14-25" id="en-NIV-23623"><sup class="versenum">25 </sup>Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.</span> <span class="text Matt-14-26" id="en-NIV-23624"><sup class="versenum">26 </sup>When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23624D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>they said, and cried out in fear.</span></span></em></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-14-27" id="en-NIV-23625"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #38761d;"><sup class="versenum">27 </sup>But Jesus immediately said to them: <span class="woj">“Take courage! <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23625E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> It is I. Don’t be afraid.” <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23625F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> </span></span></em></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-14-28" id="en-NIV-23626"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #38761d;"><sup class="versenum">28 </sup>“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”</span></em></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-14-29" id="en-NIV-23627"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">29 </sup>“Come,”</span> he said.</span></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="text Matt-14-29">Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.</span> <span class="text Matt-14-30" id="en-NIV-23628"><sup class="versenum">30 </sup>But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”</span></span></em></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-14-31" id="en-NIV-23629"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #38761d;"><sup class="versenum">31 </sup>Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. <span class="woj">“You of little faith,” <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23629G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup> </span> he said, <span class="woj">“why did you doubt?”</span></span></em></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-14-32" id="en-NIV-23630"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #38761d;"><sup class="versenum">32 </sup>And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.</span></em></span></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When you look at this passage you can learn of God's sovereignty. He has power over the wind and the rough waters and its when we recognize Jesus when our fears our calmed.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">He has control over the evil and chaos in our world., take comfort in that! In Job 9:8 we read, "He alone stretches out the Heavens and treads on the waves of the sea".</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We have so much of Peter in us. We know we ought to look to Jesus but sometimes we lose site of him when the wind stirs rough waters. We are afraid of taking bold steps on the frightening waters because what will people think, what will we have to give up to have this faith?, but i think we are most afraid of losing our comforts in life.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">If we want to come to God it requires a faith full of courage because the winds of this world are strong, taking your eyes off God will cause the inevitable sinking down along with this world. And we can't afford that. Keep your eyes on Christ as you journey through your day..not on yourself, your problems, or the world's problems. (Easier said then done!)</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Be encouraged by Matthew 14:27</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Jesus tells us, "..Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid"</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We aren't blindly following a religion but a Jesus who invites us into a relationship.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">This is such a good news to me! </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Laura </span></em></div>
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<span class="huge"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>"God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because
it is not there. There is no such thing."</em></span></span> C.S. Lewis</div>
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By Faith-Keith and Kristyn Getty<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505729308545794459.post-69584304289245757692012-05-18T22:37:00.001-04:002012-05-18T22:37:11.841-04:00The War on Marriage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Want to join me for some late night conversation? I'm a stay at home mother but don't let that deceive you..I still study God's word because it fuels this passion to follow him whole-heatedly.</div>
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Here is a glimpse into what was hours spent flipping sticky pages, being challenged, and learning more about God. It was an incredible afternoon well spent!</div>
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We have to be real with each other if we're going to be friends. You have to know where I stand and why I stand there. </div>
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Our country is fanning the flames for what is to become a huge battle and its time to give them a message deeper then, "It takes faith", "Its just wrong", or the common if i ignore this will it go away? Our lives are hard and some of us are growing weary.</div>
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Its time to shed light on the truth.</div>
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Its going to get heated tonight and your blood pressure will probably go up a few degrees but if we're truly friends then hear me out and know that this bold move was prayed over all day and has been stirring in my heart for the last few months.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>The War on Marriage</strong></em></span></div>
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1.Marriage-a union created by God</div>
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2.Divorce</div>
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3.Pre-marital sex/living together before marriage</div>
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4.Homosexuals desire to be married</div>
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5.Conclusion</div>
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In the beginning God created man in his own image (Genesis 1:27-28).</div>
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"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."</div>
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"God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it."</div>
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After God created Adam he said it was not good for man to be alone. </div>
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Genesis 2:18</div>
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"The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."</div>
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Eve was created from the rib of Adam to be his helper and one equal to him.</div>
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God blessed Adam and eve with marriage, it was a gift and he told them to be fruitful.</div>
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He goes on to say in verse 24;</div>
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"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."</div>
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This union of marriage was instituted by God not any culture.</div>
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In the very first book of the bible where it talks about the beginning of earth we see the first marriage in its perfect design.</div>
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There are three main instructions that God gave</div>
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1The man leave his parents and in a public act promise himself to his wife</div>
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2are joined together by taking responsibility for each others welfare</div>
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3the two become one flesh in intimacy and commitment of sexual union that is reserved for marriage</div>
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<strong>A strong marriage includes all three.</strong></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/255720085061990445/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="323" src="http://media-cache6.pinterest.com/upload/255720085061990445_bVOmQ2pF_c.jpg" width="475" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://piccsy.com/2011/07/on-the-fence/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">piccsy.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/boriellis/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Laura</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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I wish that this could have ended right there. That we would be living in that perfect world God created but we all sinned and chose to for selfish gain.</div>
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Sin marks the turn in a once perfect marriage union.</div>
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But note that God <u>never redefines</u> marriage.</div>
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He instructs us all throughout scripture how to be the wives and husbands that honor Him.</div>
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In fact in three places it says the exact same thing.</div>
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Matt 19:4-7, Mark 10:6-9, Gen 2:22-24</div>
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All say that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female and said for this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and the two will become one flesh so they are no longer two but one. Therefore what God has joined together let man not separate.</div>
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(Please do read these yourself)</div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/255720085061667067/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cache5.pinterest.com/upload/255720085061667067_LG5HTyVV_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/2012/02/the-key-to-a-good-marriage-free-printable/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">wearethatfamily.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/boriellis/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Laura</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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In Ephesians 5:22-23 the apostle Paul writes,</div>
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"Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. for the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and present her to himself as a radiant church without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church- for we are members of his body. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery-but i am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."</div>
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We're going to leave it at this but there is so much more instruction for marriage throughout the Bible but this is the main point. Our marriage ought to be an example of the picture of Christ and His church which really is a beautiful thing.</div>
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Marriage was a gift from God to a man and a woman. </div>
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But the institute of marriage designed by the Creator is crumbling.</div>
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Divorce</div>
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Just last week a friend sat on my couch and told me she was to leave her husband and had already moved out. I love her dearly and my heart broke to hear that she was throwing in the towel. I understood because marriage is not for the weak. It takes a bold man and woman to make vows such as:</div>
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I promise to love you forever and forsake all others until death do us part.</div>
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It takes two people who love the other and consider the other more important then their own needs.</div>
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My dear friend had fallen for another man and he looked like a real prince charming compared to her husband, the toad who seemed to stop paying attention to her and meeting her deepest need to be loved.</div>
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We've messed up, and i'm owning up to that.</div>
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In my own marriage we have sinned and taken huge sprints away from the umbrella of God's authority when the rain appeared fun to dash through. And if we're being honest, we were miserable people when we disobeyed God and came back a mess. But God lovingly dried us off and gave us a brand new pair of dry clothes.</div>
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Lets dig into divorce though and hear what God's word says. In Matthew 19:3 the Pharisees (Religious Men) approach Jesus with what seems like an innocent question 'Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?</div>
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Jesus answers in verse 4 by going back to the beginning explaining where God joined man and woman together let man not separate.</div>
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In verse 8 he goes on to say, "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. 9 I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery."</div>
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Its pretty clear right there that Jesus is not for divorce. He gives us an out in the circumstances of unfaithfulness but I have to point you to the entire book of Hosea. God instructs Hosea a prophet to marry a woman who goes on to leave him and their children and sleep with other men. He instructs Hosea to buy her back and love her still. God wanted to demonstrate his own love for Israel, his chosen nation. He wanted to show that although they had gone astray and were unfaithful in their sin he still forgave and loved them.</div>
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God has redeemed many broken marriages where one spouse was unfaithful. Its truly humbling to see God restore a broken marriage.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 Corinthians 7:10-15</span></h3>
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<span class="text 1Cor-7-10" id="en-NIV-28498"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28498A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> </span> <span class="text 1Cor-7-11" id="en-NIV-28499"><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28499B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> And a husband must not divorce his wife.</span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-7-12" id="en-NIV-28500"><sup class="versenum">12 </sup>To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28500C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-7-13" id="en-NIV-28501"><sup class="versenum">13 </sup>And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-7-14" id="en-NIV-28502"><sup class="versenum">14 </sup>For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28502D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> </span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-7-15" id="en-NIV-28503"><sup class="versenum">15 </sup>But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. </span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-7-15">This verse can't be any more clear. A wife who divorces her husband is not to be remarried. (This may cause the blood pressure to rise a few degrees.) In 1 Corin. 7:39 Paul says, "A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord."</span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-7-15">We have twisted Gods word in so many ways for our selfish purposes. Because let me tell you how hard marriage is. The raw feelings you will deal with when your spouse lets you down or isn't interested in having conversation. When he would rather watch a baseball game then take a walk with you. Or when I nag him and am like a dripping faucet. Because of sin, marriage became a whole lot harder. But again, God never said it was okay to get out when things became difficult.</span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-7-15">Do you need a minute?</span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-7-15">This is a lot of information and it takes time to really wrap your heart around these words.</span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-7-15">Doesn't truth hurt sometimes?</span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-7-15">If you allow Him, God gets under your skin and makes the wrong uncomfortable. He did just that to the Pharisees who were out to stump him..but he could not be silenced.</span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-7-15"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pre-marital sex/living together before marriage</span></strong></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-7-15">Its almost unheard of these days to hear about two people being virgins when they come together on their wedding night. Its sad because we only rob ourselves the pleasure when we wait. We live in a culture where sex is everywhere and the <u>message is to indulge in it</u>.</span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-7-15">But God's design for sex as stated in Genesis was that it was meant for marriage between a man and a woman. We were to be fruitful and have children, and it was a gift to enjoy that pleasure of becoming one with our spouse. Sex outside of marriage destroys relationships, in marriage with the right attitude it can be a relationship builder i've learned.</span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-7-15">We were meant to be be joined together after the wedding night and then to live together. Yet our culture looks on that as foolish and its because marriage is a commitment and some aren't willing to fully commit but want to still play house and try to incorporate a good sex life outside of marriage with their partner. It has left a lot of grief in its aftermath though. </span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-7-15">It goes against God's original design for marriage. </span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-7-15">If you are remarried at this point make sure this time around you hold to your vows and commitment to love your spouse, God's message of salvation didn't stop at 'we are sinners' he made plans to save us. If you had sex before marriage the same truth applies.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Homosexuals desire for marriage</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">We already heard Jesus' word in Matthew 19:4 talking about marriage between a man and a woman. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I want to focus on the first chapter in Romans. The author is apostle Paul. Lets keep in mind the entire blueprint of this book of the bible though as to not take it out of context.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 sinfulness of humanity</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">2Forgiveness of sin through Christ</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">3freedom from sins grasp</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">4 Israels past, present, and future</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Lets dig together in the first chapter though. All of us are sinful and Paul gives it to us straight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I know this is long but please read for yourself</span></div>
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Romans 1 </h3>
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New International Version (NIV)<span class="text Rom-1-17" id="en-NIV-27948"> </span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-1-18" id="en-NIV-27949">God’s Wrath Against Sinful Humanity</span></h3>
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<span class="text Rom-1-18"><sup class="versenum">18 </sup>The wrath of God <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27949AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></sup> is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness,</span> <span class="text Rom-1-19" id="en-NIV-27950"><sup class="versenum">19 </sup>since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27950AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></sup> </span> <span class="text Rom-1-20" id="en-NIV-27951"><sup class="versenum">20 </sup>For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27951AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)"></sup> so that people are without excuse. <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27951AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)"></sup> </span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-1-21" id="en-NIV-27952"><sup class="versenum">21 </sup>For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27952AS" title="See cross-reference AS">AS</a>)"></sup> </span> <span class="text Rom-1-22" id="en-NIV-27953"><sup class="versenum">22 </sup>Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27953AT" title="See cross-reference AT">AT</a>)"></sup> </span> <span class="text Rom-1-23" id="en-NIV-27954"><sup class="versenum">23 </sup>and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27954AU" title="See cross-reference AU">AU</a>)"></sup> made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.</span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-1-24" id="en-NIV-27955"><sup class="versenum">24 </sup>Therefore God gave them over <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27955AV" title="See cross-reference AV">AV</a>)"></sup> in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27955AW" title="See cross-reference AW">AW</a>)"></sup> </span> <span class="text Rom-1-25" id="en-NIV-27956"><sup class="versenum">25 </sup>They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27956AX" title="See cross-reference AX">AX</a>)"></sup> and worshiped and served created things <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27956AY" title="See cross-reference AY">AY</a>)"></sup> rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27956AZ" title="See cross-reference AZ">AZ</a>)"></sup> Amen. <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27956BA" title="See cross-reference BA">BA</a>)"></sup> </span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-1-26" id="en-NIV-27957"><sup class="versenum">26 </sup>Because of this, God gave them over <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27957BB" title="See cross-reference BB">BB</a>)"></sup> to shameful lusts. <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27957BC" title="See cross-reference BC">BC</a>)"></sup> Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27957BD" title="See cross-reference BD">BD</a>)"></sup> </span> <span class="text Rom-1-27" id="en-NIV-27958"><sup class="versenum">27 </sup>In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27958BE" title="See cross-reference BE">BE</a>)"></sup> </span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-1-28" id="en-NIV-27959"><sup class="versenum">28 </sup>Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27959BF" title="See cross-reference BF">BF</a>)"></sup> to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.</span> <span class="text Rom-1-29" id="en-NIV-27960"><sup class="versenum">29 </sup>They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27960BG" title="See cross-reference BG">BG</a>)"></sup> </span> <span class="text Rom-1-30" id="en-NIV-27961"><sup class="versenum">30 </sup>slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27961BH" title="See cross-reference BH">BH</a>)"></sup> </span> <span class="text Rom-1-31" id="en-NIV-27962"><sup class="versenum">31 </sup>they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27962BI" title="See cross-reference BI">BI</a>)"></sup> no mercy.</span> <span class="text Rom-1-32" id="en-NIV-27963"><sup class="versenum">32 </sup>Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27963BJ" title="See cross-reference BJ">BJ</a>)"></sup> they not only continue to do these very things but also approve <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27963BK" title="See cross-reference BK">BK</a>)"></sup> of those who practice them.</span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-1-32">In verse 26 is directly talks about woman exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones and then in 27 it says in the same way men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men. Why am I going here? Because I can't just simply tell you that homosexuality is a sin, i need you to know where God says this. How he never intended marriage to be between two women or two men. The problem is that two woman might really love each other or two men might love each other and they may have a better chance of staying committed then a man and his wife even. But let me say that a woman can love a man that is not her husband (vise versa). But it still doesn't excuse the sin of adultery which God calls sin. God is clear about homosexuality being a sin. Not any more worse then another sin but still not okay by Him. But homosexuals define themselves as just that being homosexuals not by choice and i do believe they are attracted to the same sex and have been for some since a young age. How can you argue to them that its wrong? They will twist Gods word some hating you and your God for telling them they are wrong and others twisting God's word to say He is fine with it. But stepping out from under the umbrella of God's authority is messy and there isn't much lasting joy. </span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-1-32">Roughly 4 million people over the age of 18 identify themselves as gay, lesbian, bi-sexual. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/07/gay-population-us-estimate_n_846348.html">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/07/gay-population-us-estimate_n_846348.html</a> </span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-1-32">They want to be heard, and they want to be accepted yesterday. They want the government to recognize their unions as marriage too and at their heals are the men who want to have multiple wives. This isn't something the christian can simply ignore in hopes it will go away. In the same way Jesus was always ready with an answer for his critics we need to own our faith boldly but lovingly.</span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-1-32">One of my dearest friends is gay. She reads every single blog post and never fails to comment. She has walked with me this journey of life as a mother herself and a woman learning alongside me. She's my friend and I care so much for her. If she came over to my house we would laugh and talk about the good, bad, and the ugly in life. I respect her because she's kind, loving, a good mother, friend, and she has supported my dreams since the beginning of my blog. </span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-1-32">Her and I differ on this and that's okay because I have the utmost respect for her still. And if ever she needs a friend i'm here not judging. Even if she got married today to a woman, we'd still be friends and I'd still want to be her friend.</span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-1-32">God placed her in my life for a purpose and i'm glad he did.</span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-1-32">In the same way that I will love my divorced friend, my remarried friend, and gay friend God loves them that much deeper.</span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-1-32"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Conclusion</strong></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-1-32"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">It all comes down to selfishness which means to be devoted to oneself. (websters) We don't want to deny that which brings us pleasure, do we? I'm guilty of it all the time. It would be much easier to flirt with another man to meet the need of wanting attention then to patiently love my own husband and wait on him. Or even deeper, to consider him better then my needs and go about meeting his before mine are met. Marriage is hard but God defined it simply between a man and a woman.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-1-32"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">In Matthew 7:1 we are warned "Do not judge, or you too will be judged" Its one thing to take a bold stand in your faith but a completely other thing to sit judging the world. Let God be the judge of humanity. Its a very fine line and one i've struggled with myself. </span></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-1-32"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">If you disregard this as a hypocritical bitter christian woman's opinion, okay, that's fine. :)</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-1-32"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">But trust me,</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-1-32"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Not being under the umbrella of God's authority only robs you of the joy Christ gives so freely.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-1-32"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">And I can't stress this enough...</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-1-32"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Ephesians 6</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-1-32"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."</span></span></div>
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Satan is on the prowl like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. He is after our homes, marriages, children, hearts, minds, and souls. His main goal is to separate us for our loving God. And I think he's done a great job of disrupting this world so far. </div>
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Our enemy is not our spouse, the divorced man or woman, the homosexual fighting for their rights, <strong>its against satan.</strong> And it's personal..choose to duke it out with him by living your life being obedient to God loving him deeply, and considering others better then yourself. </div>
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The majority of people who claim to love God are not motivated by hate when disagreeing with homosexuality, premarital sex, or divorce but they have love for those individuals. </div>
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If we are going to have this relationship with God then we need to be all in...no more hanging out on the fence because he makes it clear in Revelation 3:16</div>
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"But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold. I will spit you out of my mouth!"</div>
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God lovingly laid out his plan for our salvation and we've touched on it many times together.</div>
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He invites us into a relationship with him through Jesus Christ's death on the cross paying our debt.</div>
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No matter what our past choices have been, he offers to make us white as snow.</div>
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I hope you will stick around for more of my story. That you will see how I was guilty of sins and how God redeemed a very broken girl. I haven't lived righteous all the days of my life.</div>
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But this has never about pointing to myself, its pointing to a <strong>perfect</strong> God.</div>
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As a christian it is my mission to witness the hope I have in Christ. </div>
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Its time we all start to protect marriage and aim to walk as righteous people loving God and others.</div>
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It won't always be this heavy around here but trust this message comes from a tender place in my heart.</div>
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If your opinions differ then what was all stated here I do hope you'll return and that we can simply agree to disagree. :) </div>
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This is my answer to all of the ridicule I have received in the last years over these issues, people have demanded an answer and this is what i've discovered to be God's truth based on His word. I've prayed all day you'd receive this message well.</div>
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Laura</div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505729308545794459.post-90222902728035822182012-05-10T22:56:00.001-04:002012-05-10T22:56:30.170-04:00<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>{In a moment}</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>I have lived 23 wonderful years on this earth.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>I was raised in a home with a father and mother who loved, encouraged, corrected, and forgave like Christ.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>I have four siblings who are the greatest people I know. Two sisters, Two brothers..they're my favorite. They loved me too, and God used them time after time to lead me out of valleys and to celebrate with when we reached the mountain tops.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>I had this desire for a husband like no one I know. With all my wild plans of becoming a pastors wife God led me to a sailor.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>At the age of 19 I wore a white dress and married my man. I have a husband who is stubborn enough to have kept me for almost 4 years. They have been years of coming to terms with who I am and doing all of my best growing right smack dab in front of this man...who still can look me in the eyes and tell me how he loves me after the heartbreak I caused Him.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>My man hasn't had any health scares, is laid back, loyal, and thinks he is the funniest thing around town. He is both charming and handsome.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>I thought we were going to part ways at month 3 but as things would work out we have had almost 4 years and we're in love.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>When I was 21 my life consisted of rubbing a very large belly and dreaming about tiny socks and onesies. As my husband was away defending our country I was praying Him through and writing to him often about how wonderful pregnancy was. I had heartburn but it was no cause for complaints. That baby in me was healthy!</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>I only had one scare when that red stained and my heart sunk. I told God I still loved him no matter what the doctor would tell me. And when I heard that heartbeat I cried and rejoiced in my God's sovereignty. The nurse told me she was amazed at the calm in me. All I could do was smile.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>My husband returned in time for the arrival our our handsome son Garrett.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>He came out and we locked eyes and as I shivered the tears strolled down in that most beautiful moment of my entire life.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>He is over 14 months old now and he has been a happy and healthy child. We love on him all the time and spoil him like no ones business! Every single stinking day that boy gets a most welcoming greeting from His daddy and plenty of hugs and kisses. He doesn't see his extended family much but I have seen first hand how God has redeemed that lost time.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>I have known Jesus as my Savior for almost 18 years. </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>He has allowed each moment of my life to happen exactly this way.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>He must have smiled when I told Him my plans for how this life would go even still as of last week.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>He knows the plans for my life.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Jeremiah 29:11</em></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>New Living Translation (NLT)</em></span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11" id="en-NLT-19623"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>For I know the plans I have for you,” says the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.</em></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">He has given me </span></em></span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">23 years</span></em></span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">a singing voice</span></em></span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">two eyes to see</span></em></span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">hair to fix</span></em></span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">two working legs and two working arms</span></em></span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">a heart that has not failed</span></em></span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">a soul that loves deep</span></em></span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">a family</span></em></span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">a faith</span></em></span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">a plan for my salvation</span></em></span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">But lately i've stayed up late thinking about how in mere minutes this whole life could look very different.</span></em></span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I could die</span></em></span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Garrett or Darren could be taken</span></em></span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We could lose everything we own</span></em></span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">sin could shatter </span></em></span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I could face news of never being able to have another baby</span></em></span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I don't live in fear but God has been leading me to treasure what I have in this moment. </span></em></span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Do you know how freeing it is to choose to live fully in the here and now and walk joyfully throughout your day giving thanks?</span></em></span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I kiss that little guy extra much lately and hug my man in a stretched out fashion.</span></em></span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I don't look at our military life as hard but as a calling and one to which we are answering with no complaint.</span></em></span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So love extra much today friends. Savor the sweet moments throughout your day.</span></em></span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Know that in a moment life can change but that God is sovereign and will shower you with hope.</span></em></span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I have plans but so does God, and his are always to give me a future and a hope.</span></em></span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I love you all so much!</span></em></span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Laura</span></em></span></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505729308545794459.post-2646443969506576362012-05-08T21:29:00.004-04:002012-05-08T21:29:53.296-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>{Sacrifice}</em></span></div>
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<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">2. </span></strong><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">a.</span> </b>Forfeiture of something highly valued for the sake
of one considered to have a greater value or claim.</div>
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<a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/sacrifice"><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://www.thefreedictionary.com/sacrifice</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaS3wLuDNvwOSMnzsj9h5Cgd2BaQxy75fdXillT_l7ozOK37wjto0KgC6tZlSO3wmtOzhG3jdgSo_ks7McyIjyJE1PH69oYNsVb9GjG297zmFGp-16YC8w0NENSBSCutxfz6z-3WueNqc/s1600/577423_3302904089245_1167240153_32512992_2043057117_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaS3wLuDNvwOSMnzsj9h5Cgd2BaQxy75fdXillT_l7ozOK37wjto0KgC6tZlSO3wmtOzhG3jdgSo_ks7McyIjyJE1PH69oYNsVb9GjG297zmFGp-16YC8w0NENSBSCutxfz6z-3WueNqc/s320/577423_3302904089245_1167240153_32512992_2043057117_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>{Selfless}</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><em><span style="font-size: small;">Having, exhibiting, or motivated by no concern for oneself;
unselfish</span></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/selfless"><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://www.thefreedictionary.com/selfless</span></a></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I was sitting outside tonight thinking about motherhood and how today was really hard.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> All I wanted to do was drop my teething toddler off at a family members house and drive away for a cup of coffee and time alone.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Unfortunately all of our family lives hundreds of miles away. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I don't have an easy job.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Sometimes I down play my role as a mother because its not the most glorified job.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">But it's an honorable one and requires much sacrifice and a selfless heart.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">All evening I wanted to grab a book and sit outside and soak up this beautiful day without a whiny baby grabbing on my leg throwing himself on the ground.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I wanted to be <strong><u>selfish</u></strong>.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">In fact at one point I lost my cool and scolded Garrett harshly because I was angry that he was getting in the way of a beautiful evening outside.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Normally he is calm and happy but teething Garrett is a very different child.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Then the Holy Spirit whispered into my heart and I felt so bad for losing my cool.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I immediately crawled down to the floor where my boy was sitting and told him how sorry mommy was and asked him to forgive me for being frustrated.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Then I reached both arms out and squeezed him tight while planting a huge kiss on his forehead.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Then we loaded that little mouth of his with more orajel and I forgot about the book and sunshine and played on the ground with him all night.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">It was good to lay down what I wanted for the sake of my child.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">He needed me. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Having a responsibility of care taking 24/7 is exhausting and there are moments I want to crawl into a hole when i've messed up but I see how much love my child has for me even when I mess up.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">He really wants to make his momma happy and when he disappoints it breaks his heart.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I'm learning and working through the selfish side of me. I'm thankful that mothering comes natural though, that its normally easy to love and lay down my own wants out of concern for my child.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">One day when he is leaving my home i'll be amazed at how time flew but for now I need to simply soak up these days, even the ones full of tears and sore mouths.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">If you're a mom know that your role is special and requires much of you but it will be worth it.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The days are long but the years are shorter so treasure the moments.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I am praying for a full nights rest for my little man.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">How are you praying for your own today?</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Laura</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-small;"></span></em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505729308545794459.post-85274885387810048102012-05-02T22:49:00.001-04:002012-05-02T22:49:37.777-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-drRwRXhLjmv2bxOBMB1FBellPC_shUgzetGp2z5dB12h87nS8eY-PDSorq8dUVvOsNQM1AMPYiuJxbWVoCRP2qQTIhcaQQODN6xl6GkmDbe7_lJWig-eeSxdFr1eq6DF8195hZe9WU/s1600/527409_3356400826630_1167240153_32535661_1070733996_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-drRwRXhLjmv2bxOBMB1FBellPC_shUgzetGp2z5dB12h87nS8eY-PDSorq8dUVvOsNQM1AMPYiuJxbWVoCRP2qQTIhcaQQODN6xl6GkmDbe7_lJWig-eeSxdFr1eq6DF8195hZe9WU/s320/527409_3356400826630_1167240153_32535661_1070733996_n.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">He coughs and dry heaves then calls out, 'Mammaa'. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">My heart aches as hands rub the back of his head and back. Its easy to comfort a sick child even as the mind races. That mother instinct is wonderful and without giving much thought you are in motion, rubbing, soothing, whispering, 'its okay sweet boy, momma is here'.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Another cool wash cloth, change of the sheets, but laundry at 3:00am doesn't disrupt a mother.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">It's a blessing.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Not the sickness..but the child who has a working immune system, who is calling out to his mother. Who is now feeling better and smiling once again.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">It was an honor to spend the night up with my sick child, because I knew that somewhere there was a mother longing for her child and would give anything to sit up with them one last time. I don't understand why some people see such pain but here is what i'm learning..</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">it can all change in a moment.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">That's why with each day...one day at a time...we can both learn to <strong>embrace</strong> </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Our God</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Our families</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Our jobs</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Our gifts</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Our days</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Even our pain</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Call me crazy, but this embracing makes life worth living.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We're encouraged to embrace wherever it is we find ourselves and choose an attitude where God's light can come pouring forth.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">~*~</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I ran today with a new pair of shoes. They're incredible and I ran harder and faster then ever before. i was beyond happy as my legs were supported and felt no aches from the pounding on the pavement. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I had worn those old tennis shoes for over 4 years!</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">They fit, were comfortable, and easy to slip on. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I knew what to expect out of them.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">But my knees and ankles were suffering, so I finally chose to take care of the problem and invest in a new pair of shoes.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">only $20 :)</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Did you know that changing an attitude is similar to getting into a new pair of shoes?</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">This life can be hard, you already know that though.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">But maybe today you need to get out of the comfortable attitude you always choose that leads you to feeling discouraged in the end..and try on a new attitude of joy. That fits well and allows you to run the race in life and when we come to the finish line you can slip off those shoes and hear how well you did by the most High King.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Hope you're encouraged tonight!</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Laura</span></em></div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505729308545794459.post-44901857088212761072012-04-17T12:29:00.000-04:002012-04-17T13:06:24.707-04:00<div align="center">
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I grabbed my computer and headed outside to soak up this gorgeous day! </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I wish you could join me but you'll have to take my word when I say it's perfect out here.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I was tempted to sit back and soak it up alone while my boy naps but I have a story too good not to share with you! </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We headed out for a morning jog/walk and my mind was wrapped around stories like these.. </span></em></div>
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<a href="http://wendymayo1.wordpress.com/">http://wendymayo1.wordpress.com/</a></div>
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Her 12 year old son passed away</div>
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and this one too..</div>
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<a href="http://www.wavybel.blogspot.com/">http://www.wavybel.blogspot.com/</a></div>
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A young husband passed away from a stroke, he had been on a run with friends.</div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">These stories reminded me of how quickly our lives can change. Its why I want to soak up these days because tomorrow or even this afternoon my whole world could look very different. The thing that was the most encouraging was these two stories were of faith in Christ still. They had not lost hope completely and that was encouraging after seeing what their circumstances were.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">But as feet pounded pavement my words went up to God like this,</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">'lord don't let my life be in vain, I always want to be ready for that moment when we meet.'</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We continued on and I prayed for the families and others and was lifting up thanks for my own health today. I started thinking about all that has been going on lately and lost in thought I looked over and saw a road leading to somewhere we hadn't been yet. Normally I stay on the same route to be safe because it's comfortable and I know what to expect.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I like being comfortable.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">:)</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">But I ran a little quicker as the houses around the corner were as i'd say fabulous! I started thinking about how right now this reflects the path i'm taking in life..experiencing something different.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">A little further this picture unfolded..</span></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBF9KBuHLOd9kTQlrAjOqxl69wzS2cBmF_P4RM8KliR51YZcGH1Z8KklqFhAbSgCuouJ1TBUALiWuw9mwgkvX2Ac2wboTYA1Lk4Twf0emN5KyXu0sVKV2GhpCiNhe8cQP0gEziQgCDj0/s1600/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBF9KBuHLOd9kTQlrAjOqxl69wzS2cBmF_P4RM8KliR51YZcGH1Z8KklqFhAbSgCuouJ1TBUALiWuw9mwgkvX2Ac2wboTYA1Lk4Twf0emN5KyXu0sVKV2GhpCiNhe8cQP0gEziQgCDj0/s320/untitled.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I don't know if you're following but when this came into view I started beaming!</div>
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This park was there all along but I didn't want to take a different route because again, I love sticking with what's comfortable.</div>
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But what a fun place to discover. :)</div>
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Look at this little guy! He LOVED our new route that will now allow him time to get out of the stroller and play.</div>
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God blesses our obedience, i'm convinced of that!</div>
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So trust Him today and know that around the corner of obedience a blessing awaits.</div>
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Praying for you today!</div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505729308545794459.post-60305795285343815022012-04-16T23:53:00.000-04:002012-04-16T23:53:00.073-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3yQpo2RlVyXl058yD-Prse0NmoF7IPeyoaQ863rqZe1Ki0b6k194Osurjm6tJRo3rYymiLceeXEvU3YpROifIJ-PfO6Lo_sJi_psExdOHKC83QZpci3tLh4K5PFa7pP-_zXYxgHXInE/s1600/IMG_5218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3yQpo2RlVyXl058yD-Prse0NmoF7IPeyoaQ863rqZe1Ki0b6k194Osurjm6tJRo3rYymiLceeXEvU3YpROifIJ-PfO6Lo_sJi_psExdOHKC83QZpci3tLh4K5PFa7pP-_zXYxgHXInE/s320/IMG_5218.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><h3 class="heading passage-class-0" style="text-align: center;">
Deuteronomy 31:8(NIV)</h3>
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<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-5737">8</sup> The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> {How comforting}</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Today I kept busy working outside like a mad woman..pulling up weeds and hauling huge 56 lb bags of mulch around to pour onto flower beds. It was intense and sweat poured down rosy cheeks. But I smiled and had a great time being distracted from life. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">God is good in allowing us times of silence that we don't have to say much of anything. I wonder what he thought as he watched upon his daughter working hard the land he created, I did wonder if it pleased him as much as me..or if he wished I could have seen how his earth was meant to be for me to enjoy without work..One day!</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I had an intense morning among good friends.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">But i'm glad for their support and encouraging words. Some choices we make are plain old hard but having good friends helps smooth the way. I remember over a year ago when we first moved here and knew no one and I was praying hard that God would send the right people. He brought an armful plus some to this girl. I can't tell you how many wonderful friendships i've made since moving here. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The variety of personalities among them make me smile the most. They're all amazing in their own way.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">My good friend and I walked this morning and talked about God's church and being in the military and finding a home church in the midst of moving every few years. It's difficult but can be done. Sometimes a year into being at one you may be called out in a new direction because that's the best for your family. It's hard..REALLY hard for a girl like me. I don't want to hurt anyone and I want to remain friends with everyone. But sunday morning as i sat in a brand new church something sparked in me this happiness and I knew..just knew that was the peace i'd prayed for. My man was happy and I can't explain what that does to me.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> The entire day our home could be described as happy. It's now monday and we're still beaming. That message I heard yesterday is still challenging me tonight and i'm mulling it over considering what it is that I need to let go of that hinders my walk with the Lord.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We talked about that morning's message and were open to each other. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">He liked having something more familiar even though he insists a church should have a gym. :) (God gave him that passion and love for sports and I believe one day God will use that for His glory.)</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">But knowing what we were leaving behind wasn't happiness to me, it is hard. I ran into this today though.</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Much of life is about making choices, many times hard ones, and navigating the results. Don't regret the choices you make.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">-Eric Thomas</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>How fitting, right? Then it became clear to me. This family of God's isn't broken down into smaller congregations that there'd be separation..No God intended us to be united as one body..That means ALL of his family. I can still love and grow close to those that i've come to care for from the church we attended this last year. </em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Good lessons being learned!</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">And here are some pictures of what was worked on around the home.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">:) </span></em></div>
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I am tired! Goodnight friends :)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505729308545794459.post-7110917819045722222012-04-15T23:00:00.001-04:002012-04-15T23:00:17.284-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This melody has filled our walls this evening,</div>
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'I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back, the world behind me the cross before me..la la da da'</div>
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:) </div>
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I hope they don't mind my singing but no one has protested at this point! </div>
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Sometimes when your soul wells up you have to let out a hallelujah, right?!</div>
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Why that particular song? Well I like that in Christ I can choose to put the world behind me..i can put all of my past sin behind me...I can live freely from condemnation..only in Christ.</div>
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And it's only by Christ that I can know God in an intimate relationship. Not anything I can do.</div>
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Lets go deeper.</div>
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Tears were spilling over the rims of my eyes as I tried to type out words that God was sharing with me. </div>
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'laura, don't you miss this stuff it's important!' I thought</div>
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I was listening to a testimony by Kay Arthur. I wanted to remember her words but mostly God's word that she had willingly shared.</div>
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"Sin will cost you more then you ever intended to pay and take you further then you ever wanted to stray"</div>
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-Kay Arthur</div>
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Ouch.</div>
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More tears..</div>
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"Though your sins be a scarlet, you shall be as white as snow"</div>
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-Kay Arthur</div>
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Wow</div>
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More tears..</div>
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Word after word of truth came pouring forth sweet as honey and hands shook as fingers tapped away at the keys. I wanted to catch all of God's truth because his word acts like a healing balm that this girl needed.</div>
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My past crippled me because I couldn't change it and thought i was defined by it. </div>
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Choices made have consequences and it breaks my heart. For years I have held onto the past, hanging those sins around my neck like the woman who wore the Scarlet letter around hers. </div>
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I left it there. I wasn't good enough and so I ate for comfort, I felt sorry, I tried to mask hurt, but deep within the bondage was unbearable.</div>
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How could a christian who claimed to love the Lord feel this way often?</div>
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What was missing, I would cry out to God with clenched fists. Where was he so long ago..why did he let me make a mess!? I demanded answers then and I must have looked pitiful.</div>
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But oh how He loves..and he already had a plan to bring me back...to a life full to the brim with freedom.</div>
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Kay Arthur also talked about how Sin angers God. Whether it's done to us or by us and I find comfort in knowing that. He hates it. And when we chose to disobey him we became separated from him. </div>
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He however had a way mapped out for us. You may have heard this before..but listen..really listen,</div>
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He sent Jesus, his son to be our redeemer.</div>
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We were going to die and be separated from Christ for all of eternity. That was our penalty. </div>
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<u>I stopped there.</u></div>
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I sinned and hung that Scarlet letter around the neck walking around in shame for years. </div>
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Have you ever been there? It hurts, right? Living life defeated is an awful way to live.</div>
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People start running to anything that will comfort that emptiness and try to heal themselves..alcohol, affairs, drugs, pornography, relationships, entertainment, money, you get the point.</div>
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We hurt when we don't know the rest of the story.</div>
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So lets go deeper.</div>
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The lord who heals calls us into a relationship with Him. Through the Bible (his word) we discover the rest of this beautiful story. We all heard about it this past Easter i'm sure. The story of Jesus' death and resurrection. </div>
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He comes to you and I and smiles at us..he must shake his head as he speaks 'I came that you would have life, in abundance' (John 10:10) Then he reaches and pulls that sin we've been carrying around our necks and points to the cross. His yoke is easy he says and burden light. He draws us near with more words...</div>
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"I am Jesus Christ, your kinsman-redeemer" (Ruth 3).</div>
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Have you forgotten? </div>
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Do you feel that?</div>
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<b>Freedom</b></div>
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It is the sweetest thing. He lifted that sign from around this neck as I bowed low. He will do it for you too.</div>
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Tears dropped onto my hand and shirt as I received the rest of the story into my heart.</div>
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The part about Grace, love, and joy..unspeakable joy.</div>
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This time it wasn't a glimpse of him only to end by the next afternoon, but a filling and desire to live out life fully following Him, knowing him.</div>
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No looking back because my sin is behind me, The cross is before me so there's no turning back..for I have decided to follow Jesus.</div>
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I will continue to fill these four walls with that melody as long as God gives me the voice to.</div>
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<3</div>
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I will definitely update you on our most recent change very soon! But know that we are doing really good, and prayers were answered. </div>
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Until next time, know i'm praying for you! </div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">He is sitting in his chair eating french fries, eyes glued to the television.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Legs were folded neatly together while the heart admired the gift of motherhood.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Sometimes being a good mom is having a living room picnic while talking about our adventure to the library all while in watching the television. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">But that gift of being together was a treasure.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">This is my life..</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>My greatest adventure</em></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>He grows and we teach him about love while pouring into him. He will leave one day and if we've done what God called us to, he'll be just fine. </em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Being a parent is not simple. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">•Staying consistent</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">•Being the disciplinary</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">•Being an example to the sponge-like child</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">•loving on the hard days and through the straining moments</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">•Faithfully praying </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">•trusting God as they grow more independent from you</span></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9iw9KmwWXQ7NVHRLHYnq7P7N6QD4UswzXIBL7NaxiqakYN56rXk8LGWGjY9l17sRvB_XIBvKTSKDVzplIKPgx0Vf7iIdWckgoyLN-smmWvJS96V3Eu28BSYTDXxMWr8XfyP97JiK5V4/s1600/IMG_5001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9iw9KmwWXQ7NVHRLHYnq7P7N6QD4UswzXIBL7NaxiqakYN56rXk8LGWGjY9l17sRvB_XIBvKTSKDVzplIKPgx0Vf7iIdWckgoyLN-smmWvJS96V3Eu28BSYTDXxMWr8XfyP97JiK5V4/s320/IMG_5001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>For now he thinks he's able to discover the world away from mom. But it's my job to keep him safe. I'm not letting these moments slip by.</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I know they're going to go fast and so that's why on some occasions..</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We make a mess in the kitchen and don't clean it up because i'm craving his giggles and he needs mom's attention.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We play chase instead of putting another load in the washer</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Clutter piles up inside while we remain outside for the day.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">It will get done in the late hours of the day when he's resting.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We're close. Each day we wake up with huge smiles for each other and throughout the day we chat and laugh together. I teach him about boundaries and how to be gentle and kind. We read books, try to learn sign language(he's not interested), we sit outside and he looks puzzled over a piece of grass between his fingers. We eat three meals together and he laughs throughout while I make silly faces meant for only him. I laugh at his babbling.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">He has always been laid back and easy going. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">If he gets upset we tell him to pull it together but who can really reason with a one year old? :) We attempt to anyway!</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">His daddy comes home and he always hops up from whoever he is and lets out a screech of excitement while walking straight into the arms of his hero.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Every single day.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">There's a man he calls dad that he can't get enough of. And that dad is the second best father i've ever known. I wish you could see those two together because you'd understand.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The evenings are full of playing, relaxing, with a short break for dinner. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I can't forget to thank God I'm reminded. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">{this is from Him to me}</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">What a gift for an undeserved girl!</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Now this is grace lived out</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">~*~</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">If you're overwhelmed today as a mother</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Remember that your child is a gift from the Lord so embrace them.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Treasure the days as their mother, don't speak poorly of them, pray for them always, and remember to give yourself grace daily. </span></em></div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505729308545794459.post-75681018567068295262012-04-10T23:02:00.001-04:002012-04-10T23:02:43.197-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">{Some Change}</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>One source describes change as the act or instance of making or becoming different.</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have been seeking an answer from the Lord for over a year about how to deal with a certain (very important) part of my life. I talked it over with family, and friends but claimed to not know what to do still. Was I listening? Was I not facing reality? Or was I scared? </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Well, I throw my hands up and tell you i'm not sure! </span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>But here is what i'm sure of..</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I was sick about where I was, angry, annoyed, and plain old tired with a little bit of confused.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I was losing sight of my savior, marriage, the goodness in people, and the gifts God gave me.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">But today as things unfolded in two separate conversations it appeared an answer finally came when i wasn't even searching for it.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Although I joked with the Lord about his time table being way off, I realized he knew exactly what he was doing.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I'm going to walk away from a place that I care about. That part is hard. But with no bitterness or anger, just for the purpose of moving ahead to a place we fit better. While God remained quiet I was given a chance to work through a few things making it acceptable to move forward now.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I could have never become different with this change if I was stuck in unresolved conflict.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">He cares deeply and has a plan.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Some lessons we go through are plain old hard.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">But tonight as I was given a glimpse into this new chapter I couldn't stop smiling because something in me was at home and I needed that more then ever! </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Tonight i'm going to bask in this peace that has come over me and thank God for it and his calling to move forward under his umbrella of authority.</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Remember that chair I bought? That I cleaned and was anxiously getting ready to tackle the slipcover project? Well that chair stinks. It smells awful and it's been cleaned and cleaned with no hope of ever smelling better. </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>I'm debating what to do right now. </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Pitch it out? Sell it? Take it apart and start over?</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>This $15 chair is turning out to be a little more then that. :) </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Right now i'm leaning towards selling it and getting my money back. </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>Lesson learned. </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>In the future i'll make sure to not just see the price but check it over first even if I look ridiculous smelling it up close!</em></span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I hope you're having a great day and had a wonderful Easter! </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I'll make sure to post pictures soon :)</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Thinking about you!</span></em></div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505729308545794459.post-60758625973378757652012-04-02T21:53:00.000-04:002012-04-02T21:53:38.357-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMo-Z9TpBUE3RoiFcHljva9stqE-gpNqwcg6QF19NpcUPOUsgpYEybRdXvrWZefQDVxDJfDfIvxVFWeS8wuZPEsLZqAmRsoeQZZytHxdHYjrIeNxaUtS5uzd9wNpWPO9n6HgpU9jOg7I/s1600/spring+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMo-Z9TpBUE3RoiFcHljva9stqE-gpNqwcg6QF19NpcUPOUsgpYEybRdXvrWZefQDVxDJfDfIvxVFWeS8wuZPEsLZqAmRsoeQZZytHxdHYjrIeNxaUtS5uzd9wNpWPO9n6HgpU9jOg7I/s320/spring+tree.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>'How is everything going, are you doing okay?' she asks through the phone. In a split second I decide to be real.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>I go on, "I feel like everything is restrictive in my life, and I understand that in the long run it will bring peace but i'm not quite there yet. We are on a new budget and I can't spend much, i'm trying to be healthier and have to work out a lot and if i want to lose this weight I can't eat as much. Then there's my daily walk with God that involves things i need to do or i'm off which makes all of these new changes overwhelming.'</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>And she does what God asks of her..</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>{Reassures}</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>There is some treasure hidden in my heart that is God's word. He keeps reminding me of it as often as He sees fit.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Hebrews 12:11</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">It's not pleasant. Trust me. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Regarding budget:</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I don't go to Target anymore because no longer can I blow through $100 on things we don't really need but I want. That is my favorite store.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Regarding Health:</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">If I want to lose weight then I need to get up daily (except one day for rest!) and either take a walk or run. Then I need to choose to eat smart and do it in moderation. I can't snack on junk and expect to lose pounds.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Regarding faith:</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">If my day is going to go right then the first thing that needs to happen is me sitting before God surrendering and listening to His word. If I choose not to then satan is given an early opportunity to help me choose my own way for that day.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So here is exactly what God let me know today.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">He doesn't intend for me to feel this stuffy..He gave me a choice to accept these things bring freedom.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">A budget that seems tight is actually keeping us out of debt and giving him a chance to reveal himself in the neatest ways.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Working out and eating better is going to bring freedom in this body to not be plagued with disease or sickness (God-willing). I will be able to have energy and do the work God desires me to. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Lastly in my faith, Jesus came so that I'd have life and through him I'm free. By meeting with him and following Him that will bring freedom in the deepest way.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">He intends good, and it's through these disciplines that are not pleasant that I will lead a life full to the brim with freedom.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Thank you Lord for that gift!</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Alright a few pictures now :) </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Last night I was wide awake at 2:00AM! I couldn't sleep and decided to browse craigslist, hoping that'd help me to be sleepy.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>I found this beauty..</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>For $30 to be exact.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Over a month ago i'd organized my pantry with a friend and we decided if I could find a small piece of furniture to fit some things we cleaned out like Tupperware and G's thing that would be great. So I browsed through thrift stores but didn't find anything. </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>The old me would have asked darren if we could go to walmart or target and buy a piece but the new laura on a budget waited patiently and looked pass the mess in my craft room of stuff without a home.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>But there at two in the morning I found this!</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUErfKEtxO2-ERdz5rUR-5wD0rK9CU1CBeU7kuw25P7ag4jVHvFt7m1Q9pR-Av8R9vyRauYPS2DN-75KMylVKpx69fvT8qFmzhojYcWWWSMAPPFVcSXNPr_yoHWLzJx4G-LHW3-eA0kD4/s1600/5Hb5M25J23Kc3I93m4c4118e5585b55d11c4d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUErfKEtxO2-ERdz5rUR-5wD0rK9CU1CBeU7kuw25P7ag4jVHvFt7m1Q9pR-Av8R9vyRauYPS2DN-75KMylVKpx69fvT8qFmzhojYcWWWSMAPPFVcSXNPr_yoHWLzJx4G-LHW3-eA0kD4/s320/5Hb5M25J23Kc3I93m4c4118e5585b55d11c4d.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sXEbJe0e9rRT-QW7TcGBOib31cZe3K-QHdgWMIoNuDkql_8o07__WhXz2Bxkg7nr5UzIFYMoHpmPDUVI73C371iooZfFqyO3pWBNfJxd4clns2RZEEe_Uw7CUDN753hYHe3wiU50uQo/s1600/IMG_4831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sXEbJe0e9rRT-QW7TcGBOib31cZe3K-QHdgWMIoNuDkql_8o07__WhXz2Bxkg7nr5UzIFYMoHpmPDUVI73C371iooZfFqyO3pWBNfJxd4clns2RZEEe_Uw7CUDN753hYHe3wiU50uQo/s320/IMG_4831.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>This evening Darren and I went to pick it up and it fit perfectly in our vehicle. </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>I placed it in the dining room and couldn't stop smiling ear to ear. I don't even need to touch it because it's my color and completely my style.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>What do you think?</em></span></div>
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Little man decided to inspect.</div>
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Will he give his approval?</div>
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"Looks good in here"</div>
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"Cool knobs I can pull at!"</div>
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"Mommy, I approve!"</div>
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~*~</div>
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Then G and I sat down to do an Easter craft. I honestly bought this at the dollar store with no expectations of what doing a craft with G would be like. It was fun and he seemed to enjoy helping.</div>
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I love this picture of him!</div>
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When it dries we'll hang it on his door.</div>
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Sometime in the next few days we're going to dye eggs! How that will go with a one year old, well i'm not sure yet :) but fun will be had!</div>
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Thinking about you and hoping your day was wonderful.</div>
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~Laura~</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505729308545794459.post-11609848664653011762012-03-31T23:42:00.001-04:002012-03-31T23:42:22.365-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Recently I read through a post from a women who was truly upset over people not giving proper credit where credit is due. I felt guilty thinking back if i've ever slipped up and not properly cited an idea and then stopped myself. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm sorry if in the past i've done a lousy job of doing that. I wouldn't ever walk into someone's house and steal a candle sitting on their table so I don't want anyone to think i've stolen anything from them. :) </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">There are such wonderful ideas out there for fixing up your home or different recipes and i'm simply inspired by them wanting to recreate that in the life i'm living. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Lets have some grace on each other though. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So here's <strong>our deal</strong>.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">If I do have an original thought or idea..</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">use it! and don't worry about giving me credit. I will just be happy that you are using something that I came up with. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We're friends :) </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">This blog has been wonderful allowing connection with others, a chance to hear your stories, as well as grow closer to you. There have been moments I wonder if anyone is checking in but I think that's something us fellow bloggers do wonder. God has really stilled all those fears in me of not being good enough by teaching me I have a story and a message of embracing my relationship with Him, marriage, motherhood, friendships, the military, etc that maybe just one more person needs to hear that she will know she's not alone. We were meant to do life together and that's why I want to be here in this small way.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> Blogging is a humbling experience..but i'm grateful to have this corner to come and share. Thank you for coming back and listening and also teaching me.</span></em></div>
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Okay! Enough on that...lets jump into all of these pictures!</div>
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are you ready? there's a ton of them today :) but don't we all love pictures when we're too tired to read?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZu89UuOGGrVoM_ER58JAq4n1_vIkkukcU5GZnyOV6p4qy6T2LYXqAQih9GCwR6yhab8BIj7M1koxzvWeR1iby3x3X1QMboYGkBNq46Ns0zeUimlSCz-fdL-K4M30upXnG0V3vn9pDtIE/s1600/IMG_4689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZu89UuOGGrVoM_ER58JAq4n1_vIkkukcU5GZnyOV6p4qy6T2LYXqAQih9GCwR6yhab8BIj7M1koxzvWeR1iby3x3X1QMboYGkBNq46Ns0zeUimlSCz-fdL-K4M30upXnG0V3vn9pDtIE/s320/IMG_4689.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Spring banner! </div>
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I needed some cheer in our family room and this did it.</div>
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<a href="http://www.aholidayhaven.com/2012/01/free-printable-spring-banner.html">http://www.aholidayhaven.com/2012/01/free-printable-spring-banner.html</a></div>
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Now, please notice those pillows. They've been with us for almost four years now and needed a little TLC.</div>
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I made these envelope pillow cases for them! I am a new at sewing but that was a lot of fun.</div>
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In my last post is a link for where I found this idea. </div>
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There is more story to these pillow cases but we'll talk about them another time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lkcsgReAy1hxlKnHBaFdb-v3RlP6Q2vBviNgiDoYwKLSINLuivLYuq6WCaAal5foXuJRAwKE3SCRyoSWW95tgiXBeTfOEXE5UmQgPKguyC3WtGgfZs3w6oiY2KZvTbu01m2d-aH42Zw/s1600/IMAG3263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lkcsgReAy1hxlKnHBaFdb-v3RlP6Q2vBviNgiDoYwKLSINLuivLYuq6WCaAal5foXuJRAwKE3SCRyoSWW95tgiXBeTfOEXE5UmQgPKguyC3WtGgfZs3w6oiY2KZvTbu01m2d-aH42Zw/s320/IMAG3263.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
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{I needed His words in my home.} <br />And I went digging for a good printable and found this. LOVE it :) </div>
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<a href="http://onedogwoof.blogspot.com/2012/03/he-has-risen-printable.html">http://onedogwoof.blogspot.com/2012/03/he-has-risen-printable.html</a></div>
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Easter is one of my favorites.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqznD8Cq8pn3I2q-3r39bO-9ESWM0ZG_UfcQ07WuZ8U7fvG1rC9QkNkt_-PAnPZY5sZZicUfBwW1UtXwbadQW0oOgQs3ywf_SAMkjSeH4iQ3A1U-ztWidP7ElBCl96nM-wz59FMQbVbg/s1600/IMAG3287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqznD8Cq8pn3I2q-3r39bO-9ESWM0ZG_UfcQ07WuZ8U7fvG1rC9QkNkt_-PAnPZY5sZZicUfBwW1UtXwbadQW0oOgQs3ywf_SAMkjSeH4iQ3A1U-ztWidP7ElBCl96nM-wz59FMQbVbg/s320/IMAG3287.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This picture didn't come out too great but can i ask for your help in what to do in the front? Flower ideas that are inexpensive? I have two empty pots hanging out on the porch. I've been weeding this last week so i'm ready to plant..but don't have the know-how. :)</div>
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My Easter Decoration from Dollar General. $3</div>
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My in laws sent us a sweet box of goodies that we opened today.</div>
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This was in it! Adorable :) G and I read this book tonight. I saw a very cute peter rabbit picture at goodwill the other day for a few dollars and wanted to buy it to fix up G's room in this theme but couldn't justify doing that at this point. Oh well! </div>
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Our Church had an Easter egg hunt that the little guy couldn't get enough of. It's hard to believe he's actually walking.</div>
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'Look momma! I got one!'</div>
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I love this picture of him :) He is checking out all of his goodies.</div>
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We're not done yet :)</div>
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Bag of Easter eggs draping on one arm and the diaper bag on the other I swung the door open cheerfully and looked over to THIS beautiful piece. I swung back around and looked at my husband who was grinning ear to ear.</div>
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<u>That man does love me.</u></div>
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He helped a friend move today and they were going to throw this away! Darren said 'hey my wife would love this!'</div>
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That's what i call love. AND i don't even need to touch it because it's already my color. :) But..i don't know what to do with it yet or where it will go exactly. Ideas are welcomed!</div>
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AND then..I walked into the kitchen and he was putting this back together! They gave us this table too! Can you hear my excitement? Sometimes life is good and God must love seeing his girl happy by allowing this stuff to happen.</div>
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I'm accepting our new budget and he is blessing that.</div>
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I have been walking a lot this week with a few moments of running in there as well as eating much better. It's all about moderation. :) I'm seeking freedom here but that's another post :) anyways my husband brought these home and i treated myself to...TWO..</div>
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Am i the only one who wants to savor the freshness that first day? Two, three day donuts aren't the same as first day, right? </div>
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Looks like it's going to be a run tomorrow and not a walk!</div>
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Phew! are you still with me? Only a few more, I promise.</div>
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I bought this chalkboard for $1.48 and painted it..yes you guessed it, white!</div>
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I am still deciding where to hang it and how to make sure it doesn't fall since It doesn't have any hooks on the back. </div>
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If not for the Navy I wouldn't have found my way to this beautiful rental home. I have been one happy girl living here and being able to make this our home. The other night I teared up when I thought about having to move one day from this house, I wish we could take it with us. Four bedrooms and two bathrooms, a nice fenced in backyard..well this is perfect for me!</div>
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But I'm going to live fully here in this home and not think about the future. We'll take it one day at a time. </div>
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Are you loving where God has placed you? Or are you struggling feeling like the walls are caving in around you?</div>
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I don't know where you live but here's a few things i'd encourage you to do asap..</div>
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1.Let the light in! Open the shades or windows if warm enough</div>
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2.Take a walk (if it's safe)</div>
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3.Buy a yummy smelling candle</div>
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4.Ask a friend to help you fix up a room </div>
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5.Browse some blogs and be inspired (don't feel bad you don't have what others do but do collect ideas)</div>
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6.Be thankful for what you do have and embrace where you're at in life, sometimes you won't feel like it and it will require a choice..but it's worth picking a good one. :)</div>
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Praying and thinking about you tonight! </div>
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Thank you so much for stopping in today. :)</div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505729308545794459.post-32426510171601545352012-03-27T23:22:00.002-04:002012-03-27T23:22:53.841-04:00<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">{The end of a day well lived}</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I can't wait to share later this week all of the projects that have been keeping me away. I know you won't hold it against me that I haven't wrote in almost two weeks when you take a look at what i've been up to. :)</span></em></div>
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I did want to share one of the projects and the place where I discovered this oh-so-simple fix for our couch cushions. She does a wonderful job of explaining. You'll have to take a look. (The ones I made are white.)<br />
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Source: <a href="http://craftgawker.com/popular/favorites/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">craftgawker.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/boriellis/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Laura</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>My home is quickly turning <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: white;">white</span>. All of my thrift store treasures have been slathered with a dreamy white color and i'm experiencing a little heaven on earth. </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>I live with the mindset that in a short time we will move but that doesn't mean I can't make 'home happen' as best as possible for this military family. I love fixing up old things and making them new. But don't get me wrong some things are worth buying brand new. </em></span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I did head over to Goodwill yesterday to search for a pair of shoes for my son since he doesn't own any. We did find a nice pair for $3 as well as an old wing back chair for $15!! I was thrilled to bring it home and give it a little TLC. However I should have smelled the chair but how weird would that have looked? Anyways I did spend some time cleaning it up. Here's a few pictures :)....</span></em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRSg2uY7OBEFNZdZbJeVKdEmFwqaPBEe2zI_BbeJpCS829J-d7okGP0nOkMbS_nAsVbHAoai-lD1xk96UFn-GviJ5cfhbOECpN9SJVCFE4Xym_Rr6BR5cmf2ihhxtly42x2LVeFkL688/s1600/IMG_4580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRSg2uY7OBEFNZdZbJeVKdEmFwqaPBEe2zI_BbeJpCS829J-d7okGP0nOkMbS_nAsVbHAoai-lD1xk96UFn-GviJ5cfhbOECpN9SJVCFE4Xym_Rr6BR5cmf2ihhxtly42x2LVeFkL688/s320/IMG_4580.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_P_YI337EyNqP_0YofHDSrqTzH-YRm5TmHlgSS4FXCuIBzKcBonZjVf2nbbmr9jYW1sBscQtSCkhcgXr6nY9Tct-Y8GhFupXeUt3eTWkAIAGyRRZ01ZjEfO8npEpsp-D-UYv3Ja7xn8E/s1600/IMG_4583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_P_YI337EyNqP_0YofHDSrqTzH-YRm5TmHlgSS4FXCuIBzKcBonZjVf2nbbmr9jYW1sBscQtSCkhcgXr6nY9Tct-Y8GhFupXeUt3eTWkAIAGyRRZ01ZjEfO8npEpsp-D-UYv3Ja7xn8E/s320/IMG_4583.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Vinegar and warm water to help with the odor.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdR7qgjC6LqJJ6Gqf9zi6_eVpXQmOu_UG54soJFOI7xWzGt-aMPN9STpjbukkF90Xt5LmcJBmQphoHxa7Z4byPzYLarXL1KCrinLMhe-pHhIejNouxu0cAoGG_ONBUx4F0hjkmGoCMfFM/s1600/IMG_4607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdR7qgjC6LqJJ6Gqf9zi6_eVpXQmOu_UG54soJFOI7xWzGt-aMPN9STpjbukkF90Xt5LmcJBmQphoHxa7Z4byPzYLarXL1KCrinLMhe-pHhIejNouxu0cAoGG_ONBUx4F0hjkmGoCMfFM/s320/IMG_4607.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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•My sweet new reading chair•</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULa6eQW4g-ResXG0E_BscpqR437hl18Rto0wnWX0YVdwRNnGEK4EJEcVrNDJ-63sFyW7wHtSixjUQ2Hm3TFZ33QugTcNkayqot8XQgfUFlHtRkl5VBFAcKePc4DS_Q_FOPdoUYTzgak4/s1600/IMG_4591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULa6eQW4g-ResXG0E_BscpqR437hl18Rto0wnWX0YVdwRNnGEK4EJEcVrNDJ-63sFyW7wHtSixjUQ2Hm3TFZ33QugTcNkayqot8XQgfUFlHtRkl5VBFAcKePc4DS_Q_FOPdoUYTzgak4/s320/IMG_4591.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>This was a white tablecloth from goodwill for $2 (target)<br />I needed to cover it for now since I will be researching how to make a slipcover for this chair.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Basically it could be awhile before it's made.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>I did tuck it in better then this picture and it looks good for now. :)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozyUsbVuRZUGo1CvHfcvor0UtSOs0y38GGLT5vdvd75574RXrVfoPa5MAW33wlljxEGYpN2rNZ4AAS0FtGgKtucvwbutWTTHJFj8_ku4zw9jmp_bV_U2jyAnH7HNQQ_dNDKwbvRFVg0k/s1600/IMG_4629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozyUsbVuRZUGo1CvHfcvor0UtSOs0y38GGLT5vdvd75574RXrVfoPa5MAW33wlljxEGYpN2rNZ4AAS0FtGgKtucvwbutWTTHJFj8_ku4zw9jmp_bV_U2jyAnH7HNQQ_dNDKwbvRFVg0k/s320/IMG_4629.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>This is what i'm thinking! I linked this picture back to the original source so you can look at the process and understand why i'm scared to begin!</em></span> <br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/255720085061705138/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/38984352993907220_2H6tDTGC_c.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2010/03/how-to-make-slipcovers.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">thenester.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/boriellis/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Laura</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>There is a little peek into what i've been up to. I really have enjoyed being able to work on a few projects even on a tight budget. It forces me to be creative in such a deeper way. To tell you the truth I needed something to do to take my mind off of some things i've been dealing with. The stubborn girl in me wasn't ready to face God on a few issues and i'm beyond thankful for the gentlemen in him that allowed me to wait. </em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Do you ever get off track with a good routine? For me having quiet time in the morning is a choice and sometimes it's not easy to sit up with my hair a mess, reach for that bible and quiet myself before God. I'm tired and want that extra hour of sleep before my little guy wakes up! It's selfish and not wise because that time spent with him is what prepares me to follow him all day and it's when him and I decide who will lead. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Being able to approach his throne after i've fallen short is sometimes intimidating and hard but he's there waiting for me not with a condemning word but a hopeful one and a chance to move forward. I LOVE that.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">If you're discouraged today by whatever you're facing remember that <u><strong>he is for you</strong></u>.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Well I need to wrap this up and get to bed. :) </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I have just about wrapped up the first chapter of my book and am getting ready to send it to a wonderful friend who agreed to help me edit! What an answer to prayer! This is a huge ordeal for me writing because it's pouring out and sharing a story that isn't always easy to tell but this message is worth sharing. Pray for me please! </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Thinking and praying for you today. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">~Laura~</span></em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505729308545794459.post-37109313936782951192012-03-15T22:58:00.000-04:002012-03-15T23:14:57.647-04:00Deployment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPu-I-exjNv-QQX2A2oHS1I2pgJCB-UiiB3XXv1Q-4KgtBLtRYf0ts232UrKxeg6_017yIXQXp0Ru_OFdCngzFtped1jaFAy3q_BTI-k-bUBp3SFrYjMhqVQdbQB2Is9fFiSAnvg-0twg/s1600/imagesCAN72QCY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPu-I-exjNv-QQX2A2oHS1I2pgJCB-UiiB3XXv1Q-4KgtBLtRYf0ts232UrKxeg6_017yIXQXp0Ru_OFdCngzFtped1jaFAy3q_BTI-k-bUBp3SFrYjMhqVQdbQB2Is9fFiSAnvg-0twg/s1600/imagesCAN72QCY.jpg" /></a></div>
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He hugs his pregnant wife and kisses her goodbye. </div>
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A man comes up and asks to shake his hand and says, 'Thank you for your service'.</div>
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I choke back a sob. </div>
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Be strong Laura..just be strong and don't cry.</div>
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He flashes a smile one last time and turns swinging that green sea bag over his shoulder. </div>
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Step after step he moves forward not looking back.</div>
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I climb into the car and I start to smile and I pray out loud thanking God for the beautiful day and for my husband. I ask he'd keep him safe over the months to come and to keep us close.</div>
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Oh sweet friend are you walking through this season of deployment? Getting ready for one or are you anxiously awaiting the return of your man? </div>
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It's hard. Don't let anyone fool you otherwise.</div>
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There is nothing normal about having your husband gone for 6+ months.</div>
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But can I tell you what i've come to learn that i'd hope would encourage you too?</div>
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God WILL bless you and redeem that hard time.</div>
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The military may direct your families destination but God is in every detail orchestrating the path HE wants your family to be on. Trust Him and go willingly. There is nothing worse then seeing a military spouse who goes kicking and screaming. I know because i've been there and it's a shame.</div>
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You have to make a choice to accept the unfortunate circumstances of your husband's departure and embrace God's plan for your family.</div>
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<u>Here are a few things that have helped me:</u></div>
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♦Spend time with God</div>
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♦See family </div>
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♦Pray without ceasing. (For your spouse, family, and for strength.)</div>
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♦Get out of the house! (play group, over to a friends house, lunch or coffee dates with a girlfriend)</div>
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♦Serve God (I loved helping in the kids club at church).</div>
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♦Write letters, email, (and if you miss a call •breathe•or cry if that helps.) :) Don't you hate when that happens!</div>
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♦It's okay to cry some days.</div>
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♦Have the courage to square those shoulders and do life.</div>
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♦Remember the huge sacrifice you are making and see it as a gift to others. You are in the 1% that serves this country and that's an honor. Be proud of your man.</div>
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♦Remember that God has chosen you for this. He will provide.</div>
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♦Don't dwell on 'who has it harder' be thankful that you are able to go to sleep in your own bed, have the comforts of home and are relatively safe. </div>
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♦Choose to love him and work through any differences that arise during the time apart. It's going to happen and miscommunication will occur but remember to seek the Lord always.</div>
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God is still writing my story and I have to admit that my stomach still turns into knots when we receive word my husband will be leaving. There is not much glory in being a military wife but I have seen how God blesses an attitude that embraces and it's incredible! </div>
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Don't walk this road alone and defeated. There are many other families facing the same thing so dare to get to know another women and reach out to her. </div>
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I have loved how different wives handle deployments differently because it gives me the right encouragement. There is no one perfect way to handle a deployment. These are some things that i've picked up from others that i've kept close to my heart because they've worked.</div>
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And to close..</div>
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Don't ever forget that sweet moment when He walks back into your life with a smile and that embrace...oh that embrace is one you will NEVER forget! </div>
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Treasure that gift dear one.</div>
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I am praying for you today and hoping that you are doing well with whatever season you find yourself in today.</div>
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~Laura~</div>
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Would love to hear your stories on how you handle deployments! </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505729308545794459.post-24898654801908669782012-03-13T22:38:00.000-04:002012-03-13T22:38:51.404-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZgcekdbyaMLOrbY4TZu6Y5KolTTg26AQWoquTXGQqyTL16dihzjsXY2E2QDKLDTTDFawi6IXdaAcCC6P_e8Vx8AKYuWp_BQZYHbcQLobnmWep6U6KlkRZGZX1Q2a857d6nY7csChHRY/s1600/IMG_4420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZgcekdbyaMLOrbY4TZu6Y5KolTTg26AQWoquTXGQqyTL16dihzjsXY2E2QDKLDTTDFawi6IXdaAcCC6P_e8Vx8AKYuWp_BQZYHbcQLobnmWep6U6KlkRZGZX1Q2a857d6nY7csChHRY/s320/IMG_4420.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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She is blond hair, always a smile, and an eager 'hello Laura!'.</div>
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Kellie is God smiling straight at me and blessing my obedience to Him.</div>
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I have learned a lot these last few months from her. I have loved my husband in a much better way, kept our house in order through organizing and planning meals, loved my baby boy much better, found a way to stay healthy without obsessing, and am experiencing a deeper relationship with God.</div>
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I'm blessed for knowing her and having her bring me straight to Christ time after time.</div>
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She kneels on the ground next to the couch and we talk about life, our husbands, this journey as military wives, and how to love on our children in a way that God would have us. I want to cry as I tell her how grateful I am for knowing her. She's another example that God has given me on how to live life joyfully and for Him.</div>
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For the last few months she has been mentoring me and doing life alongside of me and all I can say is this woman is amazing! </div>
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The other night I was getting read for bed and it hit me. </div>
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♦This summer is going to be hard♦</div>
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1.Darren will start to go away again</div>
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2.Kellie will move away</div>
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3.Sweet Julie will be preparing to move away too</div>
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4.Isn't that enough??</div>
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I started to ask the Lord, 'why do you bring these people only to..'but I stopped immediately and thanked Him and praised him for opening my heart to these new friends and for all of this time with Darren.</div>
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He brought a friend into my life that has a strong calling to pour into the lives of others in a beautiful way. She wants to save me from making some of the mistakes she made many years ago. She is not overbearing at all..just very loving and kind.</div>
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So here it is:</div>
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Invest in someone!</div>
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I'm 23 years old figuring out how to love God, Darren, Garrett, and others. I'm overwhelmed at times and need guidance. Knowing that there is a friend praying me through and willing to share from their own experience is a huge blessing!</div>
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If you're older then take a younger women under your wing, don't harbor all of that wisdom for yourself, I know whoever that young girl is, that she would be grateful to have you spend yourself on her.</div>
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We need it ladies. We need to be reminded we're not alone and there is hope. </div>
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Don't forget God's word</div>
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Titus 2:3-5</h3>
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New International Version (NIV)</div>
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<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29912">3</sup> Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29913">4</sup> Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29914">5</sup> to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. </div>
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Being able to see this verse lived out is incredible. Make room in your schedule for her, whoever she may be. She is worth the time you can give to share your story.<br />
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I may be younger but it's been amazing to have a small group of girls I meet with Sunday nights through Delight Girls Ministry. They're sweet and full of life living in one of the most awkward times of their life. (Freshman year!) I love being able to share what God has taught me with them in hopes they'll be encouraged. It's nice to also just be there for them if they need someone to talk with. <br />
They are worth all the time I can give.<br />
<br />Praying for you today!<br />
~Laura~Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505729308545794459.post-15145281071095230332012-03-12T23:17:00.002-04:002012-03-12T23:17:33.628-04:00<br />
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People get offended easily these days, or has it always been that way?</div>
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I know what I believe and i'm not willing to compromise that. Unfortunately it gets under people's skin when you don't agree with them.</div>
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It's not one group in particular. It's humanity that throws up words in defense of whatever they've come to believe is 'The Truth'.</div>
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And the mass chaos fills our world. The endless conflicts from minor to very major.</div>
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I remember fighting with a sibling knowing that I was right on the matter and inside I was heated and angry. And it grew with me over larger matters now.</div>
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Ignorance is a lack of knowledge and a lot of people walk around with beliefs that are rooted with ignorance.</div>
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I can't tell you how often people have completely misunderstood Christ. </div>
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...</div>
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I have learned to let it go when an atheist has plastered tattoos mocking my Savior. </div>
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[I'm not their judge] </div>
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I have learned to let it go when a community spouts off that i'm not tolerant. </div>
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[I'm not their judge either]. </div>
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I have <u><strong>learned.</strong></u></div>
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{To love them}</div>
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I'm not sure what is worse some days, the News or Facebook?</div>
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Both are filled with endless opinions and stories that tell of our worlds status and it leaves a very unpleasant young women in me. </div>
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Often i'm furious and I have to walk away to take a breather.</div>
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How could so and so be so ignorant?? </div>
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Can we go here today?</div>
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Because I can't get around it. It's there..Evil. No matter how pretty my house is or how much I try to shut out the outside for this small family. Well it's there.</div>
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There are wars and conflicts that are growing larger, a young soldier that just shot down families in Afghanistan, an attack on my country that I can't shake (9/11), An ever growing demand for tolerance for everyones personal choices no matter what I believe is right or wrong, an American church that is expected to be perfect but seems to be causing even more turmoil for those looking to find Christ only to discover what they believe are hypocrites, The once Father, Mother, Child dynamic is almost out the door, abortion fight, Gay community fight, Euthanasia fight, Death penalty fight, and God continues to be pushes out...for now.</div>
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<u><strong>Ephesians 6:12 <br />New International Version (©1984)<br />For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. </strong></u></div>
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And here it is. </div>
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His word to me, to comfort and still my ever increasing tense spirit over all of these matters.</div>
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Is it better to create safe happy places and forget what's going on out there?</div>
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No...that's being ignorant. and some say that's bliss but that's satan's way of keeping you in the dark I believe.</div>
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There's a real battle going on and it's not against any person or group of people. It's not against flesh and blood! Remember this when you're standing before your spouse in a dispute, or when your child is making your life very difficult, or when a friend has hurt you, or a celebrity spouts off their political opinions :).</div>
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It's satan who is behind each unkind word, broken home, war, lie, and sin.</div>
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Like he stood next to Eve so long ago, well he hasn't moved his place. Take a glance at the news or browse through facebook and you'll see he's not left his post as the one that rules over earth.</div>
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It's hard friends. </div>
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It's worth praying and confessing to God our fears...For he is still in charge and has a plan that was already put into place when Jesus came, no even before that when he tells the serpent(satan) of Jesus' coming.</div>
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The Devil already knows the end..he has everything to lose so you betcha he's going to work hard during this time he has pull as many away from Christ as He can.</div>
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~*~</div>
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I reach my hand out and open it..laying it flat against the bed. It's dark and a lot is on my mind. </div>
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I start to cry as I confess that i'm judging again. I say, 'you are the good judge I don't need to stand as judge for anyone, i'm sorry Lord'. We start to talk about the current status of our world and then I tell him how badly I can't wait for His return to this broken world. I lay still and tears soak my pillow. I ask him to just fill the room with His presence and calm the lingering fears. </div>
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He does.</div>
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He comes close again and I close my eyes thanking Him for letting me be His.</div>
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It's not about cute blog posts, or the perfect angle on a picture, how flowing my post sounds, </div>
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no it's about loving you dear friend.</div>
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Wanting you to know the same hope i have in Christ.</div>
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I'm not trying to perfect this blog.</div>
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I'm trying to become more like Christ daily and I want you to know Him. Because He wants to invite you to walk with him daily and know him as your personal savior too.</div>
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It's a relationship, not a religion.</div>
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It's coming to His word and reading it because it's Him speaking through it.</div>
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This world is filled with evil of all sorts and pain. You can choose to judge it, ignore it, or give it to God daily. </div>
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Will you join me in stepping down from the Judges seat today?</div>
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For you see..</div>
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Psalm 7:11</h3>
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New International Version (NIV)</div>
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<br /><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14007">11</sup> God is a righteous judge, <br /> a God who displays his wrath every day.</div>
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He has us in his grasp, don't ever forget that. He has a plan to redeem what has been broken.</div>
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He loves us very much.</div>
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We are walking together and that's why I write, so you remember you're not alone today. That someone has said a prayer for you and maybe for you to see joy being lived out. </div>
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Praying for you dear one! </div>
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~*~</div>
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A few pictures..</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEeUpNkIFr5CRg0kCHVazTDVchZrPOlLxRd-H4DufjwHUI794xt213yPfkHth4K1j3OPqAvOq-Jo3IftuynwELF4UgN9o6qZoingYdh67qlkRd8-7vIy3-1VkM2Zhwg2Go4ipY1bX87vc/s1600/IMG_4419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEeUpNkIFr5CRg0kCHVazTDVchZrPOlLxRd-H4DufjwHUI794xt213yPfkHth4K1j3OPqAvOq-Jo3IftuynwELF4UgN9o6qZoingYdh67qlkRd8-7vIy3-1VkM2Zhwg2Go4ipY1bX87vc/s320/IMG_4419.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPD847m7Arv8phtB-kFXIgY-n76wiQHfhyHGYMeRHPH_wqd0eQ3_PiAcZsPyNC2jF7pMp5WshnLfBsXsz389iFp2dFIETASHUuYVcbagUY589RdXACFATlYp7f3TDtih8Si9B51X_DU4/s1600/IMG_4408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPD847m7Arv8phtB-kFXIgY-n76wiQHfhyHGYMeRHPH_wqd0eQ3_PiAcZsPyNC2jF7pMp5WshnLfBsXsz389iFp2dFIETASHUuYVcbagUY589RdXACFATlYp7f3TDtih8Si9B51X_DU4/s320/IMG_4408.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I spent all afternoon catching up on the dishes. I made the mistake of taking a few sick days..bad idea!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvEFChqTN32m-4fP9CohVVoZuPbwQyOFdvMIx1H_6RdlvyY3QjA3gXIGMB8y-Gsg4F75aiDm_R1R7rK9sgGRjych-voCg8I5SBr4tuAtXVbhTLiC437r_nz9n0Yv5wj59C9sI3GzXdiE/s1600/IMG_4410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvEFChqTN32m-4fP9CohVVoZuPbwQyOFdvMIx1H_6RdlvyY3QjA3gXIGMB8y-Gsg4F75aiDm_R1R7rK9sgGRjych-voCg8I5SBr4tuAtXVbhTLiC437r_nz9n0Yv5wj59C9sI3GzXdiE/s320/IMG_4410.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKs7dQRYDHR4Hund1FQHNN8L8VRlQ9it_-bEzH1-N0F0AadaOr4jI9IqK2VsPCJ1r34NhpodyYr0j-0v4YbX8oqRVo-rKln7sOsvSgliynsrGqjRyCO3poouHVg-vEDJuMGoAAHMeqSE/s1600/IMG_4411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKs7dQRYDHR4Hund1FQHNN8L8VRlQ9it_-bEzH1-N0F0AadaOr4jI9IqK2VsPCJ1r34NhpodyYr0j-0v4YbX8oqRVo-rKln7sOsvSgliynsrGqjRyCO3poouHVg-vEDJuMGoAAHMeqSE/s320/IMG_4411.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xyqffjeFd2n8Bw2lI-W0ao2eLlqOc1dn44C1ZfO51GmfTZYNqJsSekXaEdFaBYYW5wtL40rXSmPept-H5qOuj3okCovZq8r7kVmLlHs847RChpGnhyphenhyphenCSpfXyA3KrxLb1ZkOA1_7eXQw/s1600/IMG_4415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xyqffjeFd2n8Bw2lI-W0ao2eLlqOc1dn44C1ZfO51GmfTZYNqJsSekXaEdFaBYYW5wtL40rXSmPept-H5qOuj3okCovZq8r7kVmLlHs847RChpGnhyphenhyphenCSpfXyA3KrxLb1ZkOA1_7eXQw/s320/IMG_4415.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I had always wanted a clothes line. There is some strange joy that comes over me everytime I walk outside with a few things to hang. I'm reminded of my mother and grandmother when they would hang clothes up. That fresh smell..oh yes i'm smiling now!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kREPgyYLRhK4-L987CMBWgqvH0cxCapEEb5Wtt24dzB2S6_YaXnqMbFMqiImJUIZKwMjxPq4dXjcjyRfNXGhqOtrDjPMB4ZOJPPaBPNJdIZygMwcm5tgKyncyyKM2J36fY95iCc5WPo/s1600/IMG_4424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kREPgyYLRhK4-L987CMBWgqvH0cxCapEEb5Wtt24dzB2S6_YaXnqMbFMqiImJUIZKwMjxPq4dXjcjyRfNXGhqOtrDjPMB4ZOJPPaBPNJdIZygMwcm5tgKyncyyKM2J36fY95iCc5WPo/s320/IMG_4424.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was so good to visit with you today, until next time!</div>
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~Laura</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505729308545794459.post-91187904673552407492012-03-09T13:46:00.000-05:002012-03-09T13:46:24.879-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[Afternoon Tea]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The rain has been steady this morning making it impossible to get outside for a run with the little guy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He's down for a nap and i'm at the table enjoying pomegranate green tea.</div><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/AVvXsEiwrt4uSTSQS1CCFCY2LsGaFac63wAX8kzHAy-I_WQ7BmfWw0WlWhGHOvjzGGxw2vxPfsEnczB1OG9cieRiE5bg9PLrBleg8vGePC-RrPZ7mGcj96x64UkjDvzthjI_wEzzd8CmMZ50qY8/s1600/IMG_4252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwrt4uSTSQS1CCFCY2LsGaFac63wAX8kzHAy-I_WQ7BmfWw0WlWhGHOvjzGGxw2vxPfsEnczB1OG9cieRiE5bg9PLrBleg8vGePC-RrPZ7mGcj96x64UkjDvzthjI_wEzzd8CmMZ50qY8/s320/IMG_4252.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Do you ever have a conversation that sticks with you? It's hard to shake the contents of what was a simple sentence. </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"This budget is showing <strong>oneness</strong> in your marriage"</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"I never thought we would ever be at this point. For years..but God.." </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{Tears fall}</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBD_GzWy25Wvz2UTgDJKL-LKSWtY0lESm4QA8aZDN-31JeE5yUEnVfoLbsVHMvDrvoavJq_tVkbyrhwNsdVTu3429tkL_QFqLQJ0oiP_lWfRBh1ClN2GKAN3rVLMZaIJ7n_ZXsj4A_p0/s1600/IMG_4255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBD_GzWy25Wvz2UTgDJKL-LKSWtY0lESm4QA8aZDN-31JeE5yUEnVfoLbsVHMvDrvoavJq_tVkbyrhwNsdVTu3429tkL_QFqLQJ0oiP_lWfRBh1ClN2GKAN3rVLMZaIJ7n_ZXsj4A_p0/s320/IMG_4255.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For the beginning of my marriage it was a very empty place. I saw it as what can this marriage do for me? God's authority was not welcome in our home. We did not attend church, spend time in His word, and hardly a prayer was whispered in the walls of our home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were as different as night and day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I showed little to no respect for my husband.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">We are now in a season rich with love for the other.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">I am blown away by how God has blessed us.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I pour myself out to God and tell him no more of me, but to fill my heart with more of Him. He didn't give me a list of things to do. </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No, he scooted me ever so closely and asked if I'd join him daily and listen to him, spend time with him.</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I did and day after day as I emptied, the holy spirit was no longer quenched in me.</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I desired to be a <strong><u>blessing</u></strong> to Darren.</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When he came home from work I wanted this home to be a safe haven. </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I didn't look back but chose to learn and move forward.</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He goes to work so that I can stay at home with our son.</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That right there is enough for me to love him to pieces! </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I clean with a smile, I make his dinner with thanks, because this is where God intended me to be...at home raising our son.</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I get to see all of the firsts. I am blessed to not be a working mother that leaves early in the morning comes home to make dinner, help with homework, put the kids to bed only to have seen them for a few hours. You have to understand that the sacrifices we make are worth it. I don't want a big home, fancy clothes, if that means I can't see my Garrett.</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Note that some circumstances make this impossible, i totally get this!)</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So right there..Darren has given me enough. He has shown me love by allowing me to be a stay at home mother.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfL3xjFC4p5CnHLzlFMKcFTkDqSuNOuMe-QaUNjo5MBWmnhqRhw_uODMEDCLBQABx8udK9jNI1fRFI6IH1z3R2XbJbz11jXj1ozjxXaDHFWgSsQDMo0dnRNrn7ZznNB7Moz4NOe3_jdQ/s1600/IMG_4259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfL3xjFC4p5CnHLzlFMKcFTkDqSuNOuMe-QaUNjo5MBWmnhqRhw_uODMEDCLBQABx8udK9jNI1fRFI6IH1z3R2XbJbz11jXj1ozjxXaDHFWgSsQDMo0dnRNrn7ZznNB7Moz4NOe3_jdQ/s320/IMG_4259.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Darren and I don't work without God. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We are as different as they come. My marriage working is a testimony that God is good and does perform miracles still today. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If i'm not walking with the Lord then everything is off.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm short tempered, not kind, self-seeking, and a mess.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Where are you today in your own marriage? Are you just barely getting through? Can you honestly not stand the person that lays beside you at night? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When was the last time you reached out and put Him before you? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No marriage is perfect but God intended our christian marriages to be a place full of joy and a testimony of His love for the church.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't tell you this from a place of perfection in my marriage. We have a long road ahead of us but I know what it's like to be on the brink of divorce. I know that lie that satan tells that it will bring freedom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>It doesn't.</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Inviting God to come close and change your heart so that you can love your spouse..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well now THAT brings freedom. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I stood before God and a room full of people vowing to Darren i'd love him no matter what.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I want to be true to my promises and do whatever it takes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The biggest gift Darren and I can give to our son is to love each other well i'm learning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm thinking about you today and praying for your homes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="center"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505729308545794459.post-66836818433336418342012-03-08T22:18:00.000-05:002012-03-08T22:18:25.279-05:00Sweet Amida..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{Sweet Amida}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzje03ZXpqKwAl80W3gPXdzc4olYEu1rXCbFRfoT0KzVBy_s7a3kvo3TJdbieBwuecd4eB2oHzensnN5UmFPeWOMBn8hjHBLO8UsjkgU-kiLwLa2nYHG1B4diSOb6RhJlczD1uGmEQv0/s1600/TZ6740229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzje03ZXpqKwAl80W3gPXdzc4olYEu1rXCbFRfoT0KzVBy_s7a3kvo3TJdbieBwuecd4eB2oHzensnN5UmFPeWOMBn8hjHBLO8UsjkgU-kiLwLa2nYHG1B4diSOb6RhJlczD1uGmEQv0/s1600/TZ6740229.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Welcome to our family little one. We are beyond excited to place your photo on our fridge and <strong>pray</strong> for you often. The first letter has already been sent and we can't wait to see you grow over the coming years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My heart is giddy tonight as God reaches out to you through our family. We don't have much but goodness what a blessing this is for all of us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You, sweet one have a special place in my heart now and I can't wait to see what God will do in this. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The mother in me is excited to in a way adopt and nurture you. I already want to give you the world and protect you from any harm that should ever come your way. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love you sweet Amida.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">~*~</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh yes, I've cried over this girl and have felt a heavy burden on my heart to squeeze this into our budget. It's important to me because it's important to God. He placed me in a family that did not struggle financially. I married a man that has a steady job provided by the Lord and we always have shelter, food, and much more. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've been blessed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">God reminded me of this recently and my eyes were open to the rest of this world. My monthly budget may have seemed tight last week but today it's huge compared to the equivalent of $23.00 Amida's family brings home. So we prayed and considered this option to reach further and through</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.compassion.com/">Compassion International</a> we're able to help this little one know who Jesus is, see she gets an education, food, and is prayed and cared for from across the world. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">~*~</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Allergies have taken over in this home and we've lived with a constant runny nose and acquired funny congested voices. Last night I was going to head to bible study without Darren as he had to study. He was to keep Garrett and so I was making dinner.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">REWIND*I went to walmart to get medicine and since we're on a budget I picked up $0.88 allergy medicine. I was getting a bargain I thought! We made it home and I popped those two pills as fast as possible...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There I was standing over the stove when my world started to get fuzzy and I started to drift. I thought, 'whoa am I okay? nope..get to the couch as fast as possible' I called to darren but he was upstairs. By the time he came down I had drifted asleep completely against my will. Because all i was thinking was I need to get to bible study! An hour later I came to and darren told me the time and then I went back to sleep again..against my will.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I took an antihistamine..I was not educated in the side effects and the power of TWO of these tiny pink pills. Whoa!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So here's why i'm telling you this. I was about to head out, in the car to bible study. If I would have been in the car..well I don't even want to think of what could have happened. But I decided this morning when I finally came to that God had sent angels to protect me last night to sit me down on that couch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*He MUST have a wonderful plan for my life.*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'll be more aware from here on out what i'm taking. :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">~*~</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And finally this was meant for last night but like I said earlier this girl was out!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A video covering my time in the Book of James.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="315" width="420"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/G_IX28RZ13s?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/G_IX28RZ13s?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1