tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25406501142802108552024-02-07T21:30:53.483-08:00LifesongCharity Neehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03563255425477887444noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540650114280210855.post-82617476695106701992018-02-01T01:23:00.000-08:002018-02-01T01:26:59.942-08:00The Church May Say<div class="tr_bq">
If you've been following the news lately at all, you've most likely seen headlines, stories, and blog posts about Rachael Denhollander and her courageous stand against Larry Nassar, a former US Gymnastics doctor and her abuser. Rachael is, in my opinion, a hero. <a href="http://www.heresthejoy.com/2018/01/rachael-denhollander-lost-her-church-over-her-advocacy-for-abuse-survivors/" target="_blank">A hero the 21st century church desperately needs.</a> Her gospel presentation to the man who vilely hurt her are words that could be only said by a woman who <i>knows</i> her Lord, who <i>knows</i> her Lord has "set the captives free", and who <i>knows </i>her Lord <b>will </b>come in victory and punish evildoers with glorious, solid finality. She <i>knows </i>that her Lord heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3), and she has stood in front of a watching world and born witness to the strength given her by her mighty Father. </div>
<br />
Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, this same Lord - the all-loving Father Rachael and I share - has brought me once again through a bruising season, from which I am finally emerging. And once again, I have learned that He heals and frees and loves even in terrible darkness. As proof of this, He sent <a href="https://hymnary.org/text/now_israel_may_say_and_that_truly" target="_blank">a favorite recording of Psalm 124</a> across my path, and the passion, the emphasis of victory in every word, the defiant trust in and celebration of His goodness hit me with an incredible impact.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4udzfU_y_w1FtnfIceN91CK7upd6Y_wTpdRCfMPK0Te6UDa87dsIGNKgbuyoRM36dgfmR8p3WMaieQYA1iuqALas6RV4yiiM7Apr_w2S8sfBdhw938AOfIkcpAyzTDfpwoHR_-6XDKc/s1600/DSC08492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4udzfU_y_w1FtnfIceN91CK7upd6Y_wTpdRCfMPK0Te6UDa87dsIGNKgbuyoRM36dgfmR8p3WMaieQYA1iuqALas6RV4yiiM7Apr_w2S8sfBdhw938AOfIkcpAyzTDfpwoHR_-6XDKc/s640/DSC08492.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Rocky Mountain National Park; spring 2015</i></td></tr>
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<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Now Israel may say <b>[Church! This is you!]</b>, and that truly</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>if that the Lord had not our cause maintained</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>if that the Lord had not our right sustained</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>when cruel men against us furiously</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>rose up in wrath, to make of us their prey</i></blockquote>
<br />
The furious wrath of cruelty breathes down our backs and terrifies us. We wonder if freedom or safety are even possible. We wonder if justice will ever be done, if injustice will ever be called on the carpet. We wonder if the light will ever break through the fog of despair. We wonder if tears will ever cease or if the pain that forces them from our eyes will be healed. We wonder when victory over sin and Satan will come, if ever.<br />
<br />
Maybe this is it... Maybe this is the end of the line. Maybe this really is how it all will end.<br />
<br />
Maybe we are defeated.<br />
<br />
Maybe we are prey.<br />
<br />
Maybe the cruel men have won.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Then certainly they had devoured us all</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>and swallowed quick, for aught that we could deem</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>such was their rage, as we might well esteem</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>And as fierce floods before them all things drown</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>so had they brought our soul to death quite down.</i></blockquote>
<br />
It's just as we feared.<br />
<br />
We've been devoured. Swallowed. Drowned by fierce floods and brought to death. Where is the happiness we once had? Where is the innocence? Where is that safety we instinctively crave? We've long moved past looking for the light at the end of the tunnel - now we're just trying to stand upright in pitch black, unending darkness. Like the Egyptians during the plague, we can't see our hands in front of our faces, much less wipe the tears off our cheeks.<br />
<br />
This is intolerable, unsustainable.<br />
<br />
Why?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8aXsk1RvYpy8vK3edTvvBxRsKmxsG9v7A_fHtXH967pNHwA5X7sD4toYL4INu1RKcdmKsni_pTjH2uVeRsB7jnUCJbPdKmz5D-e6o68_hRt7Enz6ldBH5atjaIJdLY_olD3IHB5PN0k/s1600/DSC02748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8aXsk1RvYpy8vK3edTvvBxRsKmxsG9v7A_fHtXH967pNHwA5X7sD4toYL4INu1RKcdmKsni_pTjH2uVeRsB7jnUCJbPdKmz5D-e6o68_hRt7Enz6ldBH5atjaIJdLY_olD3IHB5PN0k/s640/DSC02748.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>North of Pacific Beach, Washington; winter 2015</i></td></tr>
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<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The raging streams, with their proud swelling waves</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
had then our soul o'erwhelmed in the deep.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>But </b>blessed be God, who doth us safely keep</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
and hath not given us for a living prey</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
unto their teeth and bloody cruelty.</blockquote>
<br />
Somehow, in the midst of these swelling waves, our feet brush against a Rock. A jolt of realization and hope makes our eyes flash and our hearts leap. In the dark stone tunnel, the teary eyes sparkle, because a great Light is shining to those who once were in darkness.<br />
<br />
He has kept us, even as we didn't - couldn't - realize the keeping. He has rescued the prey and prevented defeat, and once again, Daniel cries, "My God has sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths and they have not harmed me!"<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Even as a bird out of the fowler's snare</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>escapes away, so is our soul set free</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>broke are their nets, and thus escaped we.</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Therefore our help is in the Lord's great Name</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>who heaven and earth by His great power did frame.</i></blockquote>
<br />
Look, Church. Look at the bird flying free, released from the snare and the nets and the waves. Look at your souls - see the final redemption and the imputed righteousness and the hope that lies within us. Look around you at the mighty power of God in your brothers and sisters in Christ, in their lives and hearts and tragedies and triumphs, in their mountains and valleys, mornings and evenings, lives and deaths.<br />
<br />
Now turn, and look at your Lord.<br />
<br />
Your help is in His great name. The name that compels every knee in heaven and earth to bow is your strong tower. The all powerful Jehovah is yours, your undefeated Conqueror. Emmanuel, God with us, is yours, your all-sufficient Savior. The Comforter is yours, your constant help and guide.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SReXzPXS0NjAWhKI_fHuR-Qp-ulLYXTU-deQzYKjCAamcl1WSKuItYfOpFf7-mHUAjyRWu4jEaZTsDxOtBKs1XvwgjuBbguBVFqSpJKSh__eQNY0E96CRE8IMv_7l5U9S9Qw-ri6eUM/s1600/DSC08796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SReXzPXS0NjAWhKI_fHuR-Qp-ulLYXTU-deQzYKjCAamcl1WSKuItYfOpFf7-mHUAjyRWu4jEaZTsDxOtBKs1XvwgjuBbguBVFqSpJKSh__eQNY0E96CRE8IMv_7l5U9S9Qw-ri6eUM/s640/DSC08796.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bank of the Big Thompson River; spring 2015</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This is for you, Church. This is for you, Rachael. This is for you, friend with an unexpected medical diagnosis and a frightening future. This is for you, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/10/christians-egypt-unprecedented-persecution-report" target="_blank">suffering saints.</a> This is for you, friends who intimately know the darkness, hopelessness, emptiness, and loneliness of mental health struggles. This is for you, brothers and sisters with debilitating, undiagnosed pain. This is for you, broken families and marriages and friendships and congregations. This is for you, betrayed friend, in your anguished anger and shock. This is for you, <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FBip-2TKxqjQ&h=ATMw0TCWC3bJ3Qr2WDC79hwO3DRTpdH3c98laPvQUZjzhaXA-sr9fsDg2aq1OKp3d7UqeoqcHu-LfmkK3pX-abMz3Xips7CH-QVjPcYWyhMVzl2nFTdV6rRedBG21f32vjcUejsDfj9T_hTF" target="_blank">children of tragedy and trauma and upheaval.</a> This is for you, exhausted mothers and fathers, in your labors of love. This is for you, my fearing friend, who struggles deeply with understanding the grace and mercy of your Father (oh, how He loves you).<br />
<br />
This is what you may say, Church. This is what you may say - not out of coercion, or fear, but because it is truth overflowing:<br />
<blockquote>
<br />
<b><i>If it had not been the Lord who was on our side...</i> </b></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<b><i>Then they would have swallowed us up alive.</i> </b></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<b><i>Blessed be the Lord</i> </b></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<b><i>Who has not given us as prey for their teeth!</i> </b></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<b><i>Our help is in the name of the Lord,</i> </b></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<b><i>who made heaven and earth.</i> </b></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Psalm 124:1, 3, 6, 8)</span></i></blockquote>
<br />
-c<br />
<br />
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<i><a href="https://hymnary.org/text/now_israel_may_say_and_that_truly" target="_blank">{lyrics to Psalm 124 from this link}</a></i>Charity Neehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03563255425477887444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540650114280210855.post-6237003895103603742017-10-21T00:47:00.000-07:002017-11-06T23:00:38.936-08:00Bring Us Home<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>[The below was inspired by "Bring Us Home (Joshua)", from the </i>Music Inspired by The Story <i>album. The song imagines the thoughts of Joshua, the second leader of the Israelites as they traveled home, and the man who led them around the walls of Jericho as they waited for God to work in power. <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjGtae4hoHXAhXm7YMKHdAVBMEQFggoMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lyricshall.com%2Flyrics%2FMichael%2BTait%2BBlanca%2BCallahan%2BAnd%2BLecrae%2FBring%2BUs%2BHome%2F&usg=AOvVaw1DZ-8wrhp_x7Z7_lEvNQaI" target="_blank">Lyrics source</a>; <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=video&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiV0vyZhoHXAhWC7IMKHWQyA8IQtwIILjAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D3TfcmZog6h4&usg=AOvVaw1v9UDWwqGaYVn8XBc0ZikW" target="_blank">song video</a>. I claim no rights to this song.]</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUn5H3W2TXzs1RFhuhk3ZGgYbyus_re0muVUIXqkUnxwscuNF6gXufmBc8ok2uKua5ehz-Xtshjb_oiX9gNuuPyl-LmKjJ9xK3mY25F03ZLS2cyt1ozRbb4ob3-Cf7NWRQRwpfmC5eXlQ/s1600/23172447_1365066413622208_2596826233587330861_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="960" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUn5H3W2TXzs1RFhuhk3ZGgYbyus_re0muVUIXqkUnxwscuNF6gXufmBc8ok2uKua5ehz-Xtshjb_oiX9gNuuPyl-LmKjJ9xK3mY25F03ZLS2cyt1ozRbb4ob3-Cf7NWRQRwpfmC5eXlQ/s640/23172447_1365066413622208_2596826233587330861_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Bring Us Home<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>We remember the chains we carried,</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>won't forget about the day we left</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Every heart still beats with hope of a promise made,</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>a promise kept.</i> </blockquote>
<br />
We are a broken and hurting world, Lord. We need a home, somewhere to rest and find the connection and hope for which our hearts cry. We need this home now - we can't survive without one. Bring us home.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>No mercy in the high noon desert,</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>no shadow gonna block the sun</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Still covered in dust from all our yesterdays</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>and days to come</i></blockquote>
<br />
Father, You have built this need into our hearts. We are created in Your image, and therefore we instinctively know the truth of Pascal's words - "there was once in man a true happiness...this infinite abyss can be filled only with an infinite and immutable object; in other words by God himself". (<a href="https://www.ccel.org/ccel/pascal/pensees.pdf" target="_blank">Pensees, pg 84</a>) We try to fill the abyss with so many things - four walls, two arms. Small waistlines, large bank accounts. Desperate goals, promises of peace, dreams turned into harsh taskmasters. Golden calves & extra manna. But in the end, those are houses of cards and they collapse like the walls of that city.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Every turn is a new temptation,</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>you wanna bow down to something new...</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Yahweh, oh Yahweh</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>bring us a new day</i></blockquote>
<br />
Pain points us to this home, but we shrink away. We know that You have the answer, but it seems safer to cover our ears and close our hearts and take the easy way out. Because if one home won't welcome and keep us in the way we wished, another one surely will. And so we become nomads looking for the next watering hole, the next oasis, the next house built on a foundation of sand.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Bring us home</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Lead us to the highest wall</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Every single stone will fall</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>We have never walked alone</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Only You can bring us home</i></blockquote>
<br />
You have a home for us, though. Praise God, You have a home for us. A home we can find safety and solidity and peace in, right now, and His name is Emmanuel. Because of Him, You tell us that we cannot fathom the depth and breadth of Your love, that You will give us all things, that You went through the ultimate rending and tearing for us, that You love us with an everlasting love, that You are our Father. Our help in ages past and our hope for years to come, and our eternal home.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Every teardrop in the sand</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Longing for a distant land</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>We have never walked alone</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Only You can bring us home </i></blockquote>
<br />
You tell us that we can find security and fulfillment and a rock - a permanent home - in Christ our Lord, now. And so we, by unimaginable grace, enter this home and are told that here, we are forgiven. Here, we are free. Here, we are loved. Here, our dead hearts and failed card houses are not held against us. Here, we are righteous.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>...In seven days everything was made</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>And in a week,</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>It's crazy how everything can change</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Yeah, and we gonna march around this wall</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>'Til we hear the Lord's call,</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>hoping life will never be the same</i></blockquote>
<br />
So we unpack and learn to live with the other occupants, in love and truth and wisdom and grace. You guard us with a fierce love and You break down our sinful habits and hearts. You feed us with the richest bread of life and the sweetest water from the most bottomless of wells. When it hurts, You remind us that You work every last thing for our good and You will walk every dragging, stumbling, crawling step with us.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>So when your life is all a wilderness</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>And your darkest night is every one you took a breath</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>All you know to do is follow hoping for a new tomorrow</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Where your sorrows don't exist and pain is put to death</i></blockquote>
<br />
We see this and we say, "Lord, we are truly grateful. But we would know - when will the painful steps end? When will we be able to leave our fear at the door? When can we shed our frail selves?"<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>As we stomp around a seventh time</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I anticipate a taste of what He says is mine</i> </blockquote>
<br />
You answer us and say, I go to prepare a place for you. And I will come again and take you to myself, so that you may be with me. I am leading you to your Canaan. This, my sons and daughters, is your eternal home.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Cry, cry, until you see it fall</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Until you look beyond a wall and you see it all</i> </blockquote>
<br />
This home, my children, is perfect. There is no pain. There is no fear. Every tear is wiped away and every scar is healed. Every weary soul is finally and fully refreshed. Here, anger does not build callouses over your hearts; in fact, anger does not exist here. Here, voices are not raised and barbed words are not slung. Bodies do not break and brains do not panic. Here, sirens do not light up the night, bullets do not sear the air, screams do not echo across the landscape. Wind and water do not destroy you here, and fire does not wipe out your lives. Enemies do not attack my pilgrims, men, women, and children. Here, metal does not crush against metal and vehicles do not spin off into ditches, shearing neurons and slicing skin on the way. Here, your hearts will not race in shock and fear. Families do not shatter, children are not murdered, and my Word is not defamed. Here, you have the answer to your questions and hopes and tears and prayers.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Bring us home</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Every single stone will fall</i></blockquote>
<br />
Here, you are healed.<br />
Here, you will lay down your burden and stand straight and tall.<br />
Here, you do not have to fight anymore.<br />
Here, you will finally know the depths of my love.<br />
Here, you are with me.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>We have never walked alone</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Only You can bring us home</i></blockquote>
<br />
Here, you are home.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Bring us home...</i></blockquote>
<br />
Bring us home, Lord.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Only You can bring us home</i></blockquote>
<br />
Bring us home.<br />
<br />
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Charity Neehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03563255425477887444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540650114280210855.post-27864021078605133792017-10-05T20:28:00.000-07:002017-10-05T20:28:35.228-07:00PresenceI haven't posted here in a long time. Just over a year, to be exact. For many months, I've wanted to come back and write more, but the thought usually came to me while I was driving and therefore unable to do anything about it. But I'm back now, and a completely different woman than I was on <a href="http://singofyourstrength.blogspot.com/2016/09/mindful-monday-91916.html" target="_blank">September 19th of last year</a>. The Lord, in His providence, gave me both great joy and great sorrow, both very unexpectedly. Right now, the sorrow has the upper hand. I don't know how long that will last and how long He will lead me through the waters, but I know - <i>I know</i> - that He is here. Always.<br />
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I know that the Father is with me. When the pain leaves me shaking my head and in tears and the shock hits once again, I am reminded that He sent His only begotten Son through unfathomably worse pain to reconcile me to Him and bring me home. None of this shocks the God of heaven and earth, owner of infinite galaxies and tender of my heart. He shows me that He will restore the fortunes of His people (Psalm 53:6) and that He alone makes me to dwell in safety and sleep in peace (Psalm 4:8). He reminds me that I am His. He is mine. He is my Father, and I will not be afraid. He is <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj3ms-X9trWAhXGx4MKHdlnDacQyCkIKzAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D2pb_DT0MhY0&usg=AOvVaw0DKtlcBzW3tkQsrLSDl-rP" target="_blank">my Deliverer</a>. He does only wondrous things (Psalm 72:18). He rejoices in me, which I can't quite fathom, and He exults over me (Zephaniah 3:17). That blows me away, but even in that...<br />
<br />
He.<br />
Is.<br />
Here.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmz8pQu1DmdXgne8wE77hOCpdL8HJl3oRoT0eBj6Av7XOWccOT463edeQLiLCHUdjko7n8LuoI8XYFqnL1PLrGcmgKjph3zwcu2KEGspVzxrpUjV-02v_SG_o083ysAH5JDAoS4dSir6E/s1600/kansasthunderstorm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmz8pQu1DmdXgne8wE77hOCpdL8HJl3oRoT0eBj6Av7XOWccOT463edeQLiLCHUdjko7n8LuoI8XYFqnL1PLrGcmgKjph3zwcu2KEGspVzxrpUjV-02v_SG_o083ysAH5JDAoS4dSir6E/s640/kansasthunderstorm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kansas thunderstorm, I-70</i></td></tr>
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I know that the Son is with me. When earthly comfort cannot ease the ache, He whispers that He is my comfort, that I can go to Him. An overheard conversation between two friends brings the reality of His perfect life, lived for me, to the forefront once again. Music, the one thing guaranteed to calm my racing heart, tells me that "He will raise [me] up on eagles' wings, bear [me] on the breath of dawn, make [me] to shine like the sun, and hold [me] in the palm of His hand". (Shane & Shane, Psalm 91) He tells me that I am clean. Safe. Loved.<br />
<br />
He loves me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7eI_k-Xr3NGnNY_CBYEP0Iz7hYKzhxllRL5yozv9M4NMI4ofzDT8W13Y7vT7YYHV3o4JsAIzfEhE4nqg_2fbTJlTMOS3lppKM35kO2ztrqB-VJ4AllVN33E_dlxEzZqYK03BnovoiMTE/s1600/hope_chare_sunset_heart_LIGHTER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7eI_k-Xr3NGnNY_CBYEP0Iz7hYKzhxllRL5yozv9M4NMI4ofzDT8W13Y7vT7YYHV3o4JsAIzfEhE4nqg_2fbTJlTMOS3lppKM35kO2ztrqB-VJ4AllVN33E_dlxEzZqYK03BnovoiMTE/s640/hope_chare_sunset_heart_LIGHTER.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I know the Spirit is with me. The lessons are coming fast and hard all over the place - this is what it means to have Me as your all, to turn to Me in grief and confusion, to be an adult in My strength. To be willing to give up everything, everyone, for Me. Do you trust Me to be with you even if the darkness closes in and the fear seems to win? This is what He is speaking to my heart. This is His fellowship (2 Corinthians 13:14). And yes, this is His joy (1 Thessalonians 1:6).<br />
<br />
<i>The night is dark, and I am far from home</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Lead thou me on.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
He answers, "I am."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtXLKsjGN-Kbrp40KbFvPAnpZEx35LoiH5OXvWLZlDSLegn5qP0PC-5AM5TpT6-OqEh35jVL8KLP9bNQ_bIkfGroDMZYXVvkMseu1GsbCPf_G71tEiF1Z2t7QY9tF6BEnVJQrJ4Cz-NI/s1600/fallprairie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="960" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtXLKsjGN-Kbrp40KbFvPAnpZEx35LoiH5OXvWLZlDSLegn5qP0PC-5AM5TpT6-OqEh35jVL8KLP9bNQ_bIkfGroDMZYXVvkMseu1GsbCPf_G71tEiF1Z2t7QY9tF6BEnVJQrJ4Cz-NI/s640/fallprairie.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fall, Colorado prairie</i></td></tr>
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I would have never wanted to learn this, this way. I would have kept my life the way it was - my relationship, my plans, my dreams. Three years ago, I would have kept my brain health, my peace, my great designs on life. I could go back to each of the major trials in my life and pinpoint exactly what I wanted to keep before it was all torn away. But I don't get to choose. I don't get to hang on. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away - and without that, there is unmoored insanity and frightening meaninglessness. So - by His grace - I grit my teeth and rise to stand with my brothers and sisters in Christ, around the world, across time, in all eras and situations and trials and sufferings and experiences and tragedies, and say...<br />
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Blessed be the name of the Lord.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHaDzIpRFTTeTcHF8h4MVI8ENG3uURYRW6igiuqd-x-k-2MfEnUm53ls7zHyac_ftdFSmoVKuK4x4XXa2Sn06jE7ezmqTxNVt1JAFB9DkO92RCtiuOGYqS5nuvgfHm3udvx8ASawzhjI/s1600/clouds_sky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="503" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHaDzIpRFTTeTcHF8h4MVI8ENG3uURYRW6igiuqd-x-k-2MfEnUm53ls7zHyac_ftdFSmoVKuK4x4XXa2Sn06jE7ezmqTxNVt1JAFB9DkO92RCtiuOGYqS5nuvgfHm3udvx8ASawzhjI/s640/clouds_sky.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
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~charityCharity Neehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03563255425477887444noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540650114280210855.post-40109472712828089102016-09-19T08:00:00.000-07:002016-09-19T08:00:15.609-07:00Mindful Monday // 9.19.16<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1pNJnuBZsgId4dOVlbaVYQVTvBQ5c0V3zdPYLtT4uhogFHkB6J3SDz9SKxibLmfw0qT2aupg-chyxUEvwUoclpEEgqSn_UZhhkMv2FIPqSFqNzOO_2UIdTE5GGtV3WDsKISyItGfIAv8/s1600/DSC08796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1pNJnuBZsgId4dOVlbaVYQVTvBQ5c0V3zdPYLtT4uhogFHkB6J3SDz9SKxibLmfw0qT2aupg-chyxUEvwUoclpEEgqSn_UZhhkMv2FIPqSFqNzOO_2UIdTE5GGtV3WDsKISyItGfIAv8/s640/DSC08796.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Above the Big Thompson River, May 2015</i></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>For as high as the heavens are above the earth, </i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>so great is his steadfast love </i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>toward those who fear him</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Arimo, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">{Psalm 103:11 ESV}</span></span></div>
Charity Neehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03563255425477887444noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540650114280210855.post-40401594013741871242016-09-13T18:52:00.000-07:002016-09-13T18:53:05.657-07:00I Wanna Reality ShowI think I could easily hold my own with the screaming brides, precocious toddler beauty contestants, families of nineteen children, and disastrous sibling relationships.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Z9GWXy7fXLTp-p66Ngq9GxD6gNObT928dhJuHz5NvOGSIljaTQG9UN-ssjncHzXUinHkq_M2peSZl3nJZRLP6wKi91YLzkXCju-DYDmoId3sq4recMBOls7uKgLm3thuozl0ase_j-c/s1600/Screen-Shot-2016-06-21-at-11.19.03-AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Z9GWXy7fXLTp-p66Ngq9GxD6gNObT928dhJuHz5NvOGSIljaTQG9UN-ssjncHzXUinHkq_M2peSZl3nJZRLP6wKi91YLzkXCju-DYDmoId3sq4recMBOls7uKgLm3thuozl0ase_j-c/s640/Screen-Shot-2016-06-21-at-11.19.03-AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tlc.com/tv-shows/say-yes-to-the-dress/photos/syttd-season-14-behind-the-scenes-part-2/" target="_blank">Picture Credit</a></td></tr>
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Just putting that out there.<br />
<br />
It recently struck me that, for all their "reality", those shows are still seriously airbrushed. You're going to make serious rifts in your relationship? It will look Glamour-worthy even in the middle of the R-rated catfight. Looking for your dream dress? Even if something doesn't work out and you swear at your sister, your fiance, and a random dress designer, you look like a happy, slightly stressed bride-to-be.<br />
<br />
Reality.<br />
<br />
However, I propose a new reality show. TLC is hereby invited to come to our house and just film. They can catch what they want - counter full of dirty dishes, piles of clothes on the closet floor, my backside sticking into the air as I dig frantically through said pile, muddy spots all over kitchen floor, living room covered with school books/blankets/people, deranged parakeet wildly zinging around the house, demented dog with a hero complex - you get the idea.<br />
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Hopefully, you also got what I was trying to say through that graphic description -<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Let's be real.</i></span><br />
<br />
I was just taking a (technically discouraged) Facebook trip and ended up on <a href="http://www.susankmacias.com/blog/beauty-from-what-is-missing" target="_blank">this article</a>, It was just the encouragement I needed - and it made me think about what my life is like right now. I'm going to be honest, okay?<br />
<br />
I am taking twelve credit hours. For the last few months, I have really, really struggled with motivation and procrastination in my schoolwork. That has turned around and "bit me" more times than I care to remember - late nights, bleary mornings, nearly falling asleep on the road, turning things in late, missing assignments. My room (as mentioned earlier) is currently a mess. When I have time, I don't want to deal with it. When I don't have time, I look at it and it <i>really </i>bothers me. I struggle with being annoyed, picky, mean, and selfish with/to my siblings. I get upset with my lovely momma and I get frustrated by my awesome daddy. I spend <i>entirely</i> too much time thinking about guys and relationships. I struggle with giving of myself to some hard situations. And, of course, I could say thirty things more that will pop into my head as soon as I hit "publish". Family situations, friendship intricacies, business problems, invasive health problems, grief, financial issues, the daily stress of watching my country disintegrate, etc.<br />
<br />
If that was too much for you, feel free to get your kicks somewhere else. I guarantee you, though, that this is a part of your life too.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I'll be honest about the process of sharing.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<i style="font-size: x-large;">It scares me. </i>I literally felt that panicky feeling in my chest, thinking about how horrible I must sound to people out there. What responsible, oldest-child, Christian twenty-year-old leaves her room a mess, spends way too much time fooling around on Facebook, and snaps at her parents? Christian or non-Christian, I fear your judgment and your thoughts about me. I wonder what even my closest friends would think about me if I said this or that. I can see your face as you process what I am saying.<br />
<br />
I recently read Victoria Fedden's wonderful book <i><a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi1797J2I3PAhVm7IMKHTlZBFYQFggeMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FThis-Not-My-Beautiful-Life%2Fdp%2F1250075289&usg=AFQjCNFaogu__tfhA-VHCcArzdNlgq6HRg&sig2=pZgOosvX4tD0K7Kh1pxz1A" target="_blank">This Is Not My Beautiful Life</a></i>. (Warning: this is not exactly storytime-with-the-kids material - but it is amazing.) The night I started it, our family had one of those nasty nights of chaos. Some were out on a late night trip for errands, Dad was late getting home from work, everyone was hungry and beyond beyond. Dinner was late - and the real late, folkses, is eating at 10 pm. Oh, it happens. (And I'm actually proud of us. We are living life as it happens, not caught up in "dinner time".) Homework was due and there was responsibility coming out of everyone's ears. As I was burying myself in the couch before family worship, one tenth of a centimeter away from blowing Mount Vesuvius, I took comfort in the fact that Victoria's crazy life was like ours. Ok, I guess my parents didn't end up in prison (and they don't pursue shady financial deals and whatever goes along with that). In my mind, I was proudly declaring "This is real. This is us."<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>This is real. This is us.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
And that's okay.<br />
<br />
Every day, I have to remind myself - force feed it down my throat with a spatula - that God loves me. He is in control. He knows me. He knows my life. He knows my sins. He knows that Jesus is <i>right now</i> interceding for me. He wraps me in the sweetest, thickest, strongest frosting of grace.<br />
<br />
I am also learning - by His grace again - to be the friend and family member that is okay with what you tell me. It's important, people.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>You cannot carry out God's commands to love the body of Christ if you cannot or will not accept people's reality.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
So let's try.<br />
<br />
Forgive us, Lord, as we have forgiven our debtors. You have shown us mercy beyond any comprehension; help us <i style="font-weight: bold;">understand</i> and mercifully love others.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
Back to the reality show - I kid you not. If a TV producer shows up on our porch, I will (after rescuing him from above-mentioned demented dog) invite him in and tell him he has free range with his camera... with two conditions.<br />
<br />
1. Real must be shown.<br />
<br />
2. Grace, as response to the real, must be shown.<br />
<br />
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Friends, as you pack yourselves into bed tonight, with all your angers, fears, messes, and sins, remember that I am like you. You are like me. Someone else out there is like me, and they are like you.<br />
<br />
But God gives grace.<br />
<br />
The deranged parakeet, messy closet, screaming fights between siblings, costly software kinks, wandering attention span, and <span style="font-size: large;">mercy-dispensing family/friends</span>, are, I think, <b><span style="font-size: large;">how He most shows His grace. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
Enjoy my reality show, friends.Charity Neehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03563255425477887444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540650114280210855.post-80262042415841793902016-07-11T16:56:00.001-07:002016-07-11T17:13:32.049-07:00Mindful Monday // 07.11.2016I'm sure you've heard the "mindful Monday" term floating around over the last few years. I've seen my share of those posts, so I finally decided to one of my own - with a twist. The MM posts I've come across seem to mostly consist of positive thoughts and encouragement - which is all well and good, but I want to focus on the One from whom all blessings flow, who gives us the ability to be positive, and who encourages us every hour. The verse that immediately popped into my head was Psalm 8:4 (NKJV):<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Ps-8-4" id="en-NKJV-14017">What is man that You are <i><b>mindful</b></i> of him,</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-8-4">And the son of man that You visit him?</span></blockquote>
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When you hear "mindful Monday", think about this: the Creator who knows the ends of the universe is mindful of <i>you</i>. He runs an <a href="https://www.facebook.com/iReleaseEndorphins/videos/1246708738676586/" target="_blank">incomprehensible network</a> of planets, stars, and galaxies, but He sees you when you're sleeping - in fact, He never sleeps. Hang on to that, then, through all your Monday blues - when you guzzle your fifth cup of coffee and check the clock for the umpteenth time, when you fall into bed tonight, feeling so totally done.<br />
<br />
Mindful.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96iVhqbpHOSaAx479LMKLO8pX3qbDQcTNJ8WVRd1WdZva7E5rQvOJGlDvIrS1u-Me_ERXGwzPj0aGI1nLi1GKAsSE86wxv4aSqJdeN3c2NUTGpA-0lW8_-hyIw-vTyJkvmtUHa1FHf20/s1600/CIMG7856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96iVhqbpHOSaAx479LMKLO8pX3qbDQcTNJ8WVRd1WdZva7E5rQvOJGlDvIrS1u-Me_ERXGwzPj0aGI1nLi1GKAsSE86wxv4aSqJdeN3c2NUTGpA-0lW8_-hyIw-vTyJkvmtUHa1FHf20/s640/CIMG7856.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Home, December 2013</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td></tr>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Jer-32-17" id="en-NKJV-19749">Ah, Lord <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">God</span>! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You. </span></span></i></b></span></blockquote>
Charity Neehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03563255425477887444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540650114280210855.post-58591177354038071322016-07-07T00:44:00.002-07:002016-07-07T00:51:18.645-07:00The Million Dollar Question<br />
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<br />
Every high school junior/senior (and these days, freshman/sophomore) can tell you what the first question out of a new acquaintance's mouth is:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
So, what are you going to do after you graduate?</blockquote>
<br />
I faithfully answered that question in detail for the first three years of high school (I want to be a nurse, probably labor/delivery, and I would really like to go to Cedarville, but I might think about UNC too...). Once I hit the promised land of senior year, though, I began to dread that question. Not because I didn't have my mind made up (and oh, it was made up, baby), but because it happened so often. I see y'all nodding your heads over there...<br />
<br />
Now, when I talk to friends that age, I spare them of (half) the misery and preface the million dollar question with "I know you get asked this all the time, <i>but</i>..."<br />
<br />
I know. Much better, right?<br />
<br />
The thing is, I had no way of realizing that my answer to that question for all those years was wrong. Oh, not morally wrong. Just wrong because now I'm preparing to take a class called "Teaching/Learning/Technology". You see, that is definitely not part of a pre-nursing program. And what I'm getting around to is this:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
It's <i>hard</i> to know what God wants you to do. It's <i>hard </i>to make that decision (for a lot of people). It's <i>hard</i> to change your mind after you've staked your dreams on one path for five years. </blockquote>
<br />
I always wondered (and sometimes still do), "How <i>do</i> you know?" Like, this is a big decision, people. What if I pick the wrong major and am three-and-a-half years/105 credits in and realize that this really sucks? What if I waste <i>four years</i> of my life (and who knows how much money) on something that "turns out to be the wrong thing"? (It is slightly amusing to look back at these thoughts and realize how huge some things seem at fifteen, right?) <i>What decision do I <u>make???!!!</u></i><br />
<br />
Thankfully, I had guidance from some of the best. My parents, for twenty years now, have taught us the story of the men with their talents, the concept of serving the church, the truth that God has gifted each and every one of us with a unique talent with which to bless others. My mom told me, "Look at what you can do, what you're good at. Start there and see how you can use those gifts." She also reminded me that sometimes there are very practical and concrete signposts - if you can't stand raw meat, maybe you don't want to go to culinary school. If you don't get accepted into nursing school, maybe God wants you to look for something else. If you can't sit still for long periods of time, don't become a pilot. And, while I was at <a href="http://tfy.rpts.edu/" target="_blank">TFY</a>, a theological "training camp" put on by our church, <a href="http://rpts.edu/faculty.html" target="_blank">Dr. Jerry O'Neill</a> gave our group a wonderful talk on knowing what God wants you to do. This talk gave me peace in the questions that were still swirling.<br />
<br />
And then, I ran into a bit of a brick wall. Five days before I walked across the stage and took my diploma, my college and "career" plans made a sudden one hundred and eighty-degree turn. Wham.<br />
<br />
My plan was to take CNA courses the summer in between graduation and starting college since I would need that accreditation further along in my studies, and I could gain experience while working as a CNA. Here's where I admit something about me that is a bit embarrassing - I struggle with being on time. This trait has given me grief more times than I care to remember, but this particular instance probably tops them all. On this day, right before I graduated, I had a CNA orientation session that began at 9 a.m. The registrar was very specific when I signed up a week earlier - <i>the doors close at 9.</i> Period. No one is allowed in after 9:00:00. You probably can guess the next step - I made it up the stairs and down the hall to the classroom at about 9:02. To be fair, I didn't know exactly where I was going, so I<i> </i>probably would have made it with about thirty seconds to spare if I had known my way around. Still, you don't cut it that close, and I knew that. The end result of that part of the morning? No CNA class for the whole summer.<br />
<br />
The next nail in the coffin was driven about thirty minutes later, when I continued on to the appointment with the Allied health advisor at the same community college, and learned that their Associates in Nursing program was nothing like I had thought it would be, and would probably take longer than two years to complete due to class scheduling. Well, that was a lovely surprise, weren't it, mate?<br />
<br />
<br />
Fast forward another half an hour, and I was sobbing to my mother on the phone. A door had just been shut - literally and figuratively. I was so upset. What was I supposed to do now? At that time, the idea of taking a year or even a semester off was unthinkable, and I couldn't see any other way around my nice, new, pretty roadblock. However, God knew what He was doing (yes, I know) and that two-hour phone conversation got me on a new path. We discussed other degree options (education, political science) and my sweet mama calmed me down (and gently told me that she didn't think nursing was where I was meant to be, anyway). Long story short, I was frantically emailing my principal that night and asking if I could change part of my yearbook entry. He kindly gave me a few more hours to fix my "plans", such as they were.<br />
<br />
The rollercoaster of the million dollar question wasn't finished yet, however. Oh, no. Two months after I got that long-awaited Class of '14 tassel, I got extremely sick. I plan on writing more about that, so I won't describe it in detail here. The essential facts for this post are that: a) there was no way I was going to college that fall and b) I was all of a sudden reconsidering what I should do with myself <i>again</i>. This was another fun rollercoaster trip. Should I really study education? Should I branch out in a completely different direction and study music? As I type these memories, I am literally thinking "<b>Argh!</b>" to myself almost two years later - it was that confusing. Up, down, up, down, down, up, and back again. There's no rest for the wicked, and the righteous don't need none.<br />
<br />
Thankfully - thankfully - God "brought me out into a spacious place" (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/Psalm%2018%3A19" target="_blank">Psalm 18:19 [NIV]</a>) and "drew me...out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure." (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/Psalm%2040%3A2" target="_blank">Psalm 40:2 [ESV]</a>) I got better (such a superficial phrase for such a long journey) and stuck with education. "Stuck with" makes me sound really plucky and tough, but to be frank, it was a simple matter of knowing that I wanted to do this. What clinched it for me? Some of that time is a tad hazy in my memory, but I do know that I was excited (and still am). I wanted to teach. I loved working with kids. I knew I could do it. When I looked back, I could see how I was a "teacher" already - working with my siblings, working with friends, teacher's aiding for multiple instructors at our school. My family agreed that it would be a good fit for me. My aunt, who is like a second mother to me, told me that she had me pegged as a teacher from the age of two. Whoa. (That makes for a nice pithy statement in interviews, doesn't it?)<br />
<br />
I still love it. I had the experience of teaching a crew of kindergarteners and first-graders for a few weeks, and had the time of my life. I have random ideas for lesson plans pop into my head and I freak out about how cool it would be to <i>do that!!</i> I have a <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/charegirl96/to-teach/" target="_blank">dedicated board for teaching</a> on Pinterest (and one for <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/charegirl96/teaching-makes-me-laugh/" target="_blank">teaching jokes</a> - I know, I'm way too organized). I love interacting with kids as they figure out what's in front of them. I love watching other teachers in action and talking with them and my fellow education students. I have occasional moments of wanting to skip the next three years and just get my own classroom <i>right now!</i><br />
<br />
So, all that to say, I guess I have figured it out. So far. Right now, I am getting my degree in Elementary Education, so we'll see where God takes that. There is a very good chance that I will be posting in about 4 years - "Hey everyone, I am now getting my masters in ceramic engineering!" Okay, I'm kidding. It is interesting, though - at the moment, when I think of my plans, I sometimes feel this jolt of "maybe I don't want to do this." To be honest - I don't know why I feel that. I hope it goes away and leaves me alone, to quote any toddler you may know. But, I am going to continue on and trust the Lord. And, of course, remember what I've learned...<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>You don't have to know the answer to that million dollar question when you're a junior. Or a senior. Or a graduate. With SAT deadlines and scholarship applications and advisor appointments, it feels like you need to have a gorgeous, true-to-you, perfect game plan hammered out to the nth degree by the time you're buying notepaper for your junior year spring semester. Or, preferably, the summer in between your sophomore and junior year. You <i>will </i>figure it out. I promise. Don't take this and say, "Ok, I guess I'm going to play Xbox for the next 9 months" - but do remember that there is no eleventh commandment that says, "thou shalt have thy college and career figured out while in high school." </li>
<li>There is nothing wrong with taking a little time off to really consider what you want to do. I tell people that my year away from school did two things: it gave me a chance to really solidify what I wanted and it gave me a chance to earn some money (always a good thing!). If that still worries you, think about British high schoolers - everyone over there takes a "gap year" before they start their freshman year of college. They travel, work, and whatever else. It can also be a great time for you to delve into the Bible - you're not desperately finishing assignment after assignment and surviving on Starbucks.</li>
<li>Remember what I said about missing my CNA orientation because of my habitual lateness? That is one of the brightest examples in my life of God working all things together for good and bringing beauty out of ashes. If I hadn't been late and participated in that orientation and program, I would've started down a path that probably wouldn't have ended that well, especially when I got sick. He is sovereign and He knew that I needed redirected. When you hit one of those "dead ends", know that He is doing this so you can find what is best for you.</li>
<li>If nothing else, remember this - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsccUg4TDd8" target="_blank"><i>God knows</i></a>. He knows what is the best outlet for your talents (remember, He gave them to you in the first place). He knows where you'll end up (He is going there with you). He will use you to the praise of His glory (He doesn't break His promises). You don't know what you want to do? Where you want to go? He does.</li>
</ol>
I will be the camp counselor for eight fourteen and fifteen-year-old girls in a couple of weeks. I wonder if they will bring up the million dollar question ("people always ask me if I know what I'm doing once I graduate), if they will want to know an answer to the question that is really behind it ("<i>what</i> am I doing once I graduate?"). I don't have hard-and-fast answers. All I can say is what I've been told by the ones I trust - my parents, other family members, and the ministers who take Biblical advice seriously, as mentioned above.<br />
<br />
Look at your gifts.<br />
<br />
Look at how you can serve the body of Christ.<br />
<br />
Remember that you won't see writing on the wall - oh, how I wished for that.<br />
<br />
Remember that instead, it may be a zig-zag route, but you will get there.<br />
<br />
Remember that God knows.<br />
<br />
Trust God.<br />
<br />
Because that's worth a million dollars right there.Charity Neehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03563255425477887444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540650114280210855.post-88770984356769068162016-03-07T18:43:00.002-08:002016-07-11T17:27:38.679-07:00Mary Poppins and the 2016 Election Cycle<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]-->
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2MpigjnhIV2S0xee0R0VB10ewmmluftNvovBQEX3gHScXP_aieszZKof1AGfeK8uWAPIc5IU9A5mb1QwzWJjmZXokIAOn6iWHH4oMp4WgmoBiHE9G6i66ZJyo0UEqeaxoi0iqa6BlHY/s1600/tumblr_myeaforKyn1rcb0d2o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2MpigjnhIV2S0xee0R0VB10ewmmluftNvovBQEX3gHScXP_aieszZKof1AGfeK8uWAPIc5IU9A5mb1QwzWJjmZXokIAOn6iWHH4oMp4WgmoBiHE9G6i66ZJyo0UEqeaxoi0iqa6BlHY/s640/tumblr_myeaforKyn1rcb0d2o1_500.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://disneymoviesandfacts.tumblr.com/post/71258756031/mrs-banks-as-a-matter-of-fact-since-you-hired" target="_blank">Picture source</a></td></tr>
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I love Mary Poppins. It might be referred to as a “kids” or “family” movie (which it is), but I think you can never be too old to watch Dick Van Dyke dance on a rooftop. I laugh so hard I cry when Uncle Andrew hosts a tea party of the ceiling, I snicker at Mrs. Banks’ ditzy household management, and I choke up when Julie Andrews sings “Feed the Birds”. You could make a lot of cultural and relational observations from the film: the relationship between Jane, Michael, and Mr. Banks, the relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Banks, the relationship between Mary Poppins and the children. The following scenes are classic (please, say I’m not the only one who wants to live on the same street as Admiral Boom!) but it makes an interesting point.<br />
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<i>George: “I suggest you have this piano repaired. When I sit down to an instrument, I like to have it in tune.”</i></div>
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<i>Winifred: “But George, you don’t play!”</i></div>
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<i>George: “My dear, that is entirely besides the point!” </i></div>
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While laughing for the umpteenth time about this particular scene, I had an odd revelation. I, along with the rest of our family, have been more involved in this election cycle than in any other. It is obvious that we are at a massive crossroads – and most of the routes that we currently see are not that desirable. We have socialism, illogical promises, and antichristian candidates on one side, and a few RINOs, an incomprehensibly proud billionaire, and Ted Cruz on the other. That, by the way, is not a “diss” on Cruz – at the moment, we are supporting him and praying for wisdom and integrity on all sides. </div>
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However, George’s silly rejoinder to Winifred’s sweet logic is a bizarre analogy of what will go down in the history books as one of the strangest election cycles in history. I feel that this could be applied several different ways, one of which is the Trump campaign. </div>
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Christians and non-Christians alike are, rightfully, pointing out the issues and inconsistencies the Donald displays – but he consistently is winning primary after primary, even in states that were expected to vote differently thanks to their Christian, conservative population (can anyone say South Carolina?). Of course, a part of me wonders where all these people and their Trump-warnings were four years ago when Obama was campaigning for a second term… but it’s a little late for that now. Back to the point, though, it is amazing how many people – conservative Christians, no less – have thrown themselves on the “Trump train”. Their leader is “an unrepentant serial adulterer…who has openly and unapologetically boasted of his many sexual conquests and who famously cheated on wife number one by ensconcing the woman who became wife number two in a penthouse apartment at one of his casinos in Atlantic City”, <a href="http://www.afa.net/the-stand/election/2016/02/will-evangelicals-put-an-unrepentant-serial-adulterer-in-the-white-house/" target="_blank">as Bryan Fischer aptly states</a>. Fischer goes on to say that “[a]s recently as last week he was defending taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood.” How on earth does that kind of man become the “hero” to so many people who recite the Ten Commandments every Sunday morning? </div>
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Of course, for those who count themselves fiscal conservatives and not necessarily social conservatives, Donald isn’t that hot of a choice either – “he has over-leveraged four different business enterprises into bankruptcy and yet wants us to believe he’s just the man to do something about our $19 trillion federal debt.” (Thanks, again, <a href="http://www.afa.net/the-stand/election/2016/02/will-evangelicals-put-an-unrepentant-serial-adulterer-in-the-white-house/" target="_blank">to Fischer</a>.)</div>
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I could elaborate further – how Trump doesn’t hold the biblical view of sexuality, how his rudeness and immaturity will make us even more of a laughingstock, and even how the selfish, evil actions of other politicians have caused the panic that drives people to support Trump – but I will restrain myself for now.</div>
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Here’s my point:</div>
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Donald can’t play.</div>
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Not at all.</div>
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Yet, he and his supporters consistently reply, “Madam, that is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">entirely</i> besides the point!”</div>
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The piano needs to be played. It needs to be played with love, talent, and integrity. For the sake of us all – and especially, as Ben Carson stated at CPAC, “for the children” – please, please find a pianist who can play a song of freedom, virtue, and life.</div>
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That <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> the point, after all.</div>
Charity Neehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03563255425477887444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540650114280210855.post-24837353396496079682016-01-11T12:45:00.000-08:002016-01-11T12:45:18.778-08:00Mercy TimeCheckout line at Walmart, 5:30 p.m. I've made it through the entire shopping list - apples, milk, rice, chicken broth, salt, and whatever else a family functions on - and am ready to be home two hours ago.<br />
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The kind checkout lady swipes the last item: "$44.47."<br />
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I dig in my wallet, pull out the card, and swipe.<br />
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The sound that everyone dreads: <i>beep</i>. "Transaction could not be completed," says the sassy little touchscreen. (Don't you hate those things sometimes?)<br />
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Since I know that this is a problem with the bank, and not with how much money I have to spend, I start taking things out of the cart (bye bye, apples) and the lady rings a smaller list up for me.<br />
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<i>Beep</i> again. You get the idea.<br />
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After another unsuccessful try, I hear a soft voice behind me.<br />
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"Excuse me, ma'am?"<br />
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I turn around and see a tall man standing there with a kind look on his face.<br />
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"Do you need help paying for your groceries?"<br />
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I am awed by this sweet question and how he just shows up out of nowhere.<br />
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"Well, yes, my card isn't working."<br />
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"I can help you," he says, again in that so-soft voice that I can barely hear.<br />
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All the things I removed from my cart are re-scanned, and the sweet cashier once again gives the total: "$44.47." The stranger pulls out three $20 bills and sets them on the counter. He waits for the receipt to print and the change to be given, then he takes the change and walks away.<br />
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Just like that.<br />
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I thank him for the third time as he is walking away with his back to me. He doesn't stop, just turns his head and nods.<br />
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I push the cart out to the parking lot, load up the car, and sit there completely amazed at what God does, thanking him for someone that saw a need and stepped in, not wanting any accolades or compensation. I wish I had thanked him twice as many times, gotten his name, given him a hug. I pray that he knows that he has blessed us that night, and I pray that he is blessed himself.<br />
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Words can't express what I feel about what he did. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnARc39kTLC6m2tc66RlD4s-ZnmQj3urXaDxROqLsvM2BFw7Z8nKK_YMQnqUnpFrWe2CvSQWiKsYuoqh0dNILdM5DFF8rxeKPBLaAwg_Lb1VfGZujR7nlZe4RWFy6sYkLJHhNBCtbJ7lY/s1600/IMG_3569.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnARc39kTLC6m2tc66RlD4s-ZnmQj3urXaDxROqLsvM2BFw7Z8nKK_YMQnqUnpFrWe2CvSQWiKsYuoqh0dNILdM5DFF8rxeKPBLaAwg_Lb1VfGZujR7nlZe4RWFy6sYkLJHhNBCtbJ7lY/s320/IMG_3569.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Three $20 bills and a tall stranger with a heart of gold have given me an inspiration.<br />
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I want to be that person who just shows up - in the check out line, at Starbucks, in the parking lot, at church, at home, at school - and takes care of something. The person who pays for the couple in the car behind them, the person who is poof, there, and poof, gone, when someone can't pay for what they have in the bags. The person who sees someone struggling with a door and a load of stuff and runs to help. The person who sees a serviceman/woman or first responder in the restaurant and picks up their tab.<br />
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The person who sees someone struggling with all those things that run deeper than groceries, heavy doors, and a $5 latte... and is there. With help.<br />
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So that's part of what I believe is the mission God has sent us on. Show love and mercy. Leave an impact on people that leaves them feeling knocked out of their socks and wondering what it is that makes you do that. I will be looking out for those who need help - whether it's a $20 bill handed to the cashier without pause or a long hug and tissue for the tears.<br />
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I want to give others that unbelievable feeling I had while sitting in the Walmart parking lot last Saturday.<br />
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Why don't you join me?<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Jas-3-17" id="en-NKJV-30337">But the wisdom that is
from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full
of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.</span> <i>James 3:17 (NKJV)</i> </blockquote>
<br />Charity Neehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03563255425477887444noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540650114280210855.post-75804475297345808392015-12-12T21:37:00.002-08:002015-12-12T21:54:07.104-08:00#scrapper -- 12.12.15 travel journalWhat is one to do when one of your best friends decides to go on vacation - without you - for a month?<br />
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Pull out the scrapbooking supplies... and go on <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/charegirl96/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> to make her Christmas present.<br />
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After some searching, I found pins detailing smash journals and various travel journals and knew I had a winner. Thankfully, I already had a pack of appropriate paper from Walmart (Colorbok) and plenty of other supplies - twine, scrapbooking squares, fancy scissors. Off I went to Michaels - and let me tell you, friends. Michaels has <i>amazing </i>sales. Basically the Kohl's of the craft world... Thanks to, first, a 50% off coupon and then 3 uses of a 40% off coupon 3 days in a row, I managed to get all of these supplies for super, super cheap. Google "Michaels coupons".<br />
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What you're about to see - drumroll - is my version of a travel journal. The goal was to make something in which my friend had plenty of room to write, paste pictures, and insert "paper souvenirs".<br />
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First, I started with a regular 6x8, 80-page, unlined journal from Michaels. I wanted thicker pages - not your regular notebook thickness - so they could actually hold some weight.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzT_IbHfwgtNxa3CkJGk6xrvJzGuJyu-m4enxDqJsL7sXn5_L3qiwjpF7kAYDcakZidkbmTAo3gY64zpOz8xDOTGOi09j5zZrkOa_uQtbT4No9-3M1QQ8Cl-9RgO73MZt_F5puk2WuB_c/s1600/IMG_3527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzT_IbHfwgtNxa3CkJGk6xrvJzGuJyu-m4enxDqJsL7sXn5_L3qiwjpF7kAYDcakZidkbmTAo3gY64zpOz8xDOTGOi09j5zZrkOa_uQtbT4No9-3M1QQ8Cl-9RgO73MZt_F5puk2WuB_c/s400/IMG_3527.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I really didn't want something with words on the cover, since I wanted to decorate the cover. However, this phrase ended up fitting very well with the whole theme of the journal.<br />
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The rest of the supplies were pretty basic - a few different kinds of scissors, glue sticks, super glue, Bic markers, a black fine tip Sharpie, scrapbook paper, scrapbooking squares, rulers, glitter, stickers, charms, twine, and quotes I designed and printed on beige cardstock. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOarNnThY1hrAALap1yd9xVaxoTb2aIoZWfjejqmy4ZROb9V8-BoiAJtxVI8yzP4Mf3wkmEhOk7QQ2mt8mLY3Fer-UZ35q_urfXPHD9Z-iccdyEVKQQw_6LYpmBmnR-BiR3v0GRkhEr3A/s1600/travjournal5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOarNnThY1hrAALap1yd9xVaxoTb2aIoZWfjejqmy4ZROb9V8-BoiAJtxVI8yzP4Mf3wkmEhOk7QQ2mt8mLY3Fer-UZ35q_urfXPHD9Z-iccdyEVKQQw_6LYpmBmnR-BiR3v0GRkhEr3A/s640/travjournal5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTR2rKqq4gB8P79_pEzKX-6_ZV3xReWWpdXyD7rnE3zN4N0bXXPdeT3TN7YqPvxlT_Amw1yisqxfO78rgE1qbPC4AgNRQ-tVM1XyhvLRF2_fxuN6PSIq_qWmLSiv8vyfiomOJ_eizs08Q/s1600/IMG_3683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTR2rKqq4gB8P79_pEzKX-6_ZV3xReWWpdXyD7rnE3zN4N0bXXPdeT3TN7YqPvxlT_Amw1yisqxfO78rgE1qbPC4AgNRQ-tVM1XyhvLRF2_fxuN6PSIq_qWmLSiv8vyfiomOJ_eizs08Q/s400/IMG_3683.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Can you tell I'm OCD/type A? I wrote down every single day she would be gone on an index card so I could keep track of how many pages I had made already and how many were left. This also really helped me lay out the journal, since she will be in more than one state during her vacation - thanks to the index card, I could design certain pages differently based on where she would be.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2W9dsqpaEbTjto8QVU3nnBz7aRrVeHRHU74MjH70AtdJWlb_GPJUNQBGuxmCmoZR3_leRr2aLyQttH7sbnydUY-lWkLqIjBxnx0cv6fnCAfsBnqIpL1EtI9Zv4Ssquc1f8yzQMdu4TI/s1600/IMG_3684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2W9dsqpaEbTjto8QVU3nnBz7aRrVeHRHU74MjH70AtdJWlb_GPJUNQBGuxmCmoZR3_leRr2aLyQttH7sbnydUY-lWkLqIjBxnx0cv6fnCAfsBnqIpL1EtI9Zv4Ssquc1f8yzQMdu4TI/s400/IMG_3684.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I am inordinately proud of the above page (the cover page). It was easy to make - write each letter of her name in a different style on my handy-dandy cardstock, cut out a modified circle and paste on scrapbook paper, cut out another modified circle, and slap it all on the page. However, deciding how to lay out the letters was NOT fun. In retrospect, I should have taken a closer look at the amount of space I had on the page before recklessly cutting all those letters so big. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0MGtI3oSPgMnVuUHoy1z3I0cXnMVEHOAtypr-WhlUnC_WmWKltOPGNhOACyZbFJtlIHyFKGOfNo63cpgsi10YhFcsFhWMZzDZd-E6fkhe1Bl2gZk3OzwwZVnTh6z700iD0jLsYj5PE4/s1600/travjournal1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0MGtI3oSPgMnVuUHoy1z3I0cXnMVEHOAtypr-WhlUnC_WmWKltOPGNhOACyZbFJtlIHyFKGOfNo63cpgsi10YhFcsFhWMZzDZd-E6fkhe1Bl2gZk3OzwwZVnTh6z700iD0jLsYj5PE4/s640/travjournal1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Obviously, I just grabbed pieces of scrapbook paper and started cutting. The imperfect circles were super fun, since I can't cut a circle to save my life. Notice how these layouts are extremely simple. I left a lot empty so she could write and paste everything in the journal.<br />
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I think the biggest thing, for me, about this journal was the fact that
it was such a mishmash of colors and styles. Some of it was typed, most
of it was handwritten (and no, I am not that girl with gorgeous
handwriting). A lot of it was romantic/modern vintage in style, but
there were smidgens of modern black and white and bright colors. I
really liked this, because I honestly think perfect projects are not
only very discouraging to try, but also unrealistic, especially for
someone with OCD (like me). So, the point to that little dissertation
is: it's completely and totally fine if you hand write a quote on your
paper and glue that in. Mix up the colors. Switch back and forth from
styles. And, this is supposed to be accessible, right? So, you will
probably not have time (or want to take the time) to type everything you
want to say on the computer, format it, and print it. That is a-ok.<br />
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I admit it, I think like a teacher. However, what else are you supposed to do when there will be a 5-year-old on this trip as well? You just have to give them a space to journal (i.e. color, doodle, and write down hilarious stuff). I put two sections of these "kid pages" through the journal. These were, frankly, the easiest ones to make, since all those letters, frames, symbols, etc. were premade and perforated. Can I get a cheer?<br />
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One of my favorite web resources is <a href="http://www.dafont.com/" target="_blank">Dafont</a>. This site has thousands of free fonts in all different styles - Gothic, Serif, Celtic, Script, Wingdings, Christmas, etc. All of the fonts I used in this project, except for about two, were downloaded from Dafont.<br />
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I think the two pages on the left were some of the best in the whole project. If someone is going to an amusement park, you just have to incorporate tickets in there somehow... and I found a whole 12x12 sheet of paper covered with tickets at Michaels.<i> </i>To make the pocket on the left, just cut a triangular piece out of your paper, slap glue (<i>not </i>scrapbooking squares) on the two legs of the triangle, and align it with the edge of your paper. This is a basic, redneck-style pocket. (At least I think so - there are some <a href="http://www.lucy-wonderland.com/2014/05/tutorialmultipocket-for-midori-or.html" target="_blank">serious pocket tutorials</a> out there that I would love to do.)<br />
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I love, love, love this Emerson quote:<br />
Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us, or we find it not. Perfect for a travel journal, right? I thought so.<br />
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Finally, one last detail: a bookmark. This was so easy. Take three strands of twine, cut about 3 inches longer than the length of your notebook (in this case, 11 inches). You're going to braid them together, so you have to tie the tops together. Just tie two of them together and then add the third one in and make a second knot. Braid until you have about an inch left. Then, take a charm (again, I found mine at Michaels, but these are literally all over the place - your choice) and thread <i>one </i>of the strands of twine through the loop. Braid the strands again about 1-2 times, then fold them back up against the long braid <i>on whatever side is the back of your charm</i>. Hold them there and dab super glue on near the bend so they will stick to the main braid. Once the glue dries, cut off the end of the braid (you see why I glued it at the bend, not at the very end. Oooh. Rhymes.) You will probably have to put something heavy on top of the bookmark for a little bit to straighten it out.<br />
Next, open up your notebook farther than 180 degrees - this may depend on your notebook and how it's built, but the outside binding on this notebook wasn't glued to the spine. This gave me a little hole to stick things into, so I used a pencil to spread super glue down the inside of the hole and then stuck the top end of the bookmark in there, shut the notebook tight, and clamped it down so it could dry.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gotta have a hashtag, right?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I think that the biggest piece of advice I have is: <i><b>don't get a journal with eighty pages!!</b></i> It ended up being way too many for the timeframe I had to work on this. If you know you're making this project a month in advance, and you <i>start a month in advance</i>, you can fill all eighty pages. If you try to do it in five days, no way, Jose. Ain't happening. And, related to the journal question - if you can find something along the lines of a sketchpad with <i>non-perforated pages </i>or a spiral notebook with thick paper, my guess is that it will be a lot easier to work with.<br />
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I hope this post gives you some ideas or some inspiration! Go out there and do something... remarkable.<br />
<br />
What an original quote.<br />
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<br />Charity Neehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03563255425477887444noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540650114280210855.post-36424905802909051022015-11-27T10:25:00.002-08:002015-11-27T10:25:58.607-08:00At LeastMy grandma is dying of congestive heart failure. As I write this, we have made plans to go see her for what we think will be the last time. I've already (being the planner that I am) come up with things to do while we're there - I'm going to borrow a keyboard and play for her. I'm going to ask her to retell all those stories that I always thought should be written down. We will sing for her, let the dog inside to be loved on by her, entertain her with our antics, and take pictures. Lots of pictures.<br />
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It's almost impossible to give you the full essence of who she is through a blog post. She has a magnet on her fridge that reads "showing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord" (from Psalm 78). That is probably the best summary I can give, and <a href="http://www.deborahjoya.com/#!Gratitude-and-Joy-in-the-hospital/c20d9/5657d58e0cf2a3b83ff9ea53" target="_blank">my aunt's blog post</a> that I read this morning is further proof that she is one of the brightest "lights on a hill" on this earth.<br />
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My mother was admitted to a hospital
in Pittsburgh that has a reputation for good doctors, but a place I would never
recommend. An old hospital under construction with narrow drab hallways,
boring rooms, marked up walls that should have been painted years ago, broken
blinds (her middle blind wouldn’t open), and dirty windows. I had to ask
for towels and toiletries, clean up after her because it took over an hour for
anyone to respond to my requests, buy her bottled water, and even buy her meal
the first night because she was in the emergency room when dinner was
served. The view in front of her bed was primarily trash receptacles and
a board with the rarely updated names of her current caregivers and the goal of
her visit: “home”. My sister brought lots of photos and decorations from
home on the third day which was wonderful…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My mother’s experience: Every morning
she pointed out the “beautiful sunrise” – she is a country girl who is used to
seeing the sunrise through trees – this one was over another drab and dirty
hospital building. She enjoyed walking the hospital hallways, admiring
how wide they were, and looking out at the city through the window down the
hall since there was no view of it from her room. Mom told me several
times how impressed she was with what a great job the cleaning woman did.
She was so kind and friendly to the nurses and aides, even when they came in
all night every couple of hours. One nurse said she was the sweetest
patient he’d had. We sat together for hours looking at movies I’ve made of her
grandchildren, and pictures from trips we made together as well as my travels.
I even showed pictures from my walk through the nearby park in the afternoons,
and she never complained that she could no longer do those things.</span></div>
</blockquote>
<br />
Enjoying the sunrise - through a horrible view. Watching Pittsburgh live its life through a window in the hall. Loving the nurses who came to help her, no matter when. Noticing how well cleaned her room was. Admiring <i>how wide</i> the hospital hallways were.<br />
<br />
That last one really gets me.<br />
<br />
She is finding ways to see the good in where she is. By the grace of God, she has found it, too.<br />
<br />
To me, this is a huge lesson to learn. She, as I know from numerous phone calls, emails, and texts, was very uncomfortable, thanks to the fluid building up in her lungs and the general discomfort of a heart that no longer will cooperate. Yet she saw an "at least" - which is what she always does - in everything.<br />
<br />
Nasty, ugly buildings? At least I can see the sunrise - and God did such a great job on it, too.<br />
<br />
Look, Deborah, the cleaning lady did such a great job today! This is so nice!<br />
<br />
Pictures from the walk my daughter took, that I can't do anymore? At least she's here with me and I get to spend time with her.<br />
<br />
<br />
So I am going to start looking for "at leasts". Because we just celebrated Thanksgiving. We were grateful for what we had - stomach bugs and colds changed our plans and so we cooked a big dinner at home and had a sweet, snowy day with just the six of us. Because we have so much. Because, no matter what we do or don't have, we have victory in Jesus, which never changes.<br />
<br />
<br />
Dirty dishes on one side of the counter? At least we had the food to make them dirty.<br />
<br />
An annoying sibling that won't stop? At least I have him/her in my life.<br />
<br />
Snowy paw prints on the (freshly mopped) floor? At least we have this bundle of joy we call a dog.<br />
<br />
My beloved grandma is sick and getting ready to leave us?<br />
<br />
At least I get to see her one more time.Charity Neehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03563255425477887444noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540650114280210855.post-56153579904419852642015-09-25T16:12:00.000-07:002015-09-25T16:24:26.377-07:0025 Things I've Learned Since August 25<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: small;"><i><span class="bqQuoteLink">Cauliflower is nothing but cabbage with a college education<span style="font-family: serif;">.</span></span></i></span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: small;"><i><span class="bqQuoteLink"><span style="font-family: serif;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Mark Twain</span></span></span></i></span> </div>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">I have officially been a college student for a month - I can tell you about math tests, expensive vending machines, campus sidewalks (why don't they make them a grid?), speech evaluations, Starbucks, student radio, and the classic studying in the library. I've found the best ways to get back and forth and my favorite place to spread out, read, and work (a gorgeous nook off of the upstairs library, with almost 2-story glass block walls). I pulled my first (almost) all-nighter a few weeks ago and was not impressed. I have a speech coming up in the middle of October, an education paper to write, and a choir concert coming up. However, God is true in everything. I will post more on the struggles I've had later, but I thought it would be fun to list some things I've learned. Some are personal, some are strictly academic, but hopefully they will humor or fortify you in your own journey.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0PEz3bZUbeMIO9w8Na7Iy7F7hsTNgzSEU-S-1wp1CyGV-JIwVIefXFRm0jNej4GVgLlqQzw25T288iii5t6BIXEEG_tEsEW31xcXNwY3kowUVgIpYLvwM0HNS4T9QgOHrXydLgPRmzwg/s1600/CIMG5192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">1. If you're studying in the same building as your next class, start packing up your books about 10 minutes before said class starts. It takes more time then you think.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">2. A polygon with 10,000 sides is called a myriagon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">3. "<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="ga" tabindex="-1"><span class="hps">Luí na gréine"</span></span>is Irish for "sunset".</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0PEz3bZUbeMIO9w8Na7Iy7F7hsTNgzSEU-S-1wp1CyGV-JIwVIefXFRm0jNej4GVgLlqQzw25T288iii5t6BIXEEG_tEsEW31xcXNwY3kowUVgIpYLvwM0HNS4T9QgOHrXydLgPRmzwg/s1600/CIMG5192.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0PEz3bZUbeMIO9w8Na7Iy7F7hsTNgzSEU-S-1wp1CyGV-JIwVIefXFRm0jNej4GVgLlqQzw25T288iii5t6BIXEEG_tEsEW31xcXNwY3kowUVgIpYLvwM0HNS4T9QgOHrXydLgPRmzwg/s400/CIMG5192.JPG" width="232" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">4. I can now sing most of Brahms' Liebeslieder Waltzes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">5. Give yourself breaks. Read, play a game, rest for a little bit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">6. Yogi Berra said "He hits from both sides of the plate. He's amphibious." (Bahaha.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">7. God feels the pain I feel - and thankfully, I have family and friends who are willing to share it as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">8. Interpersonal communication is fascinating. When you have a conversation with two people and then later figure out the unspoken relationship between those two people, it makes you be careful what you say to who!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8oCbncbA-z6wyEQSpIGEAlIOA44HSCBzAK7yd4D1vM_WBJMvv9CgQ642hQw9ADSRx9u929zJh-zY83QTFm0T4a1l8q8nE0FWDiE5zSmqWHMvwl-NuWjWmpbszUvV5Tvpj1M4f5S6tJlg/s1600/_MG_8178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8oCbncbA-z6wyEQSpIGEAlIOA44HSCBzAK7yd4D1vM_WBJMvv9CgQ642hQw9ADSRx9u929zJh-zY83QTFm0T4a1l8q8nE0FWDiE5zSmqWHMvwl-NuWjWmpbszUvV5Tvpj1M4f5S6tJlg/s400/_MG_8178.JPG" width="282" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">9. Pray that those you know who are not believers (or those whom you're not sure about) will know "the Christ, the son of the living God." You never know when they will pass away.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">10. When I speak in public, I move around way too much.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">11. If you get one of those notices from a dealership about your car, take it seriously.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">12. There's nothing like a Reese's Cup. (Okay, I knew that before August 25, but you get the point.)</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAsGPDpz5mNnbcYLHjIh2E23VhAS1dgFHrvX1dPJ6Lyz4ckBxY25EuRzQSoiewGwV4NxBA2lh2jZmrqm-v_AZhg2j1-EO-TINGnK4XvwM6Sf8bX322hJxG4vk4A0cHILSf270cmkJEZ8/s1600/original1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAsGPDpz5mNnbcYLHjIh2E23VhAS1dgFHrvX1dPJ6Lyz4ckBxY25EuRzQSoiewGwV4NxBA2lh2jZmrqm-v_AZhg2j1-EO-TINGnK4XvwM6Sf8bX322hJxG4vk4A0cHILSf270cmkJEZ8/s320/original1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: http://bigzakweb.com/reeses/images/original1.jpg</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">13. I can lead the singing in church and survive.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">14. <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/charegirl96/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> is addicting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">15. God transcends culture - if a value, belief, activity, etc. in a particular culture is unbiblical, it is wrong.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">16. Don't buy your coffee at the college - scary prices.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">17. I don't have to be perfect.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">18.
Before the MLA (or APA, I can't remember) updated their rules to
include citing websites, people literally read off the website address
in a speech.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">19. I pay for it when I overcommit myself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">20. Listen to uplifting music as often as you can - <a href="http://klove.com/" target="_blank">K-LOVE</a>, Christian CDs, etc. I have a CD by the <a href="http://www.mattaniah.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52&Itemid=66" target="_blank">Mattaniah Christian Male Choir</a> in Canada that I am wearing out. (<u>Great Is Thy Name, O Lord</u>, track nine - Jehovah Tsidkenu)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">21. Get people to pray for you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">22. When making note cards for a speech, put one idea per note card. That will make it much easier!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">23. It can be very disturbing when the Internet crashes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">24. Keep up with any health program you are on!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">25. God <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCAQyCkwAGoVChMI8vOEsqaTyAIVBE2SCh0HfAt6&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DaWOweIItOFQ&usg=AFQjCNFIUW6pn0cH4dWBtf0lw-Gi2JuJVg&sig2=PgLp_LCnGo48I8Vr8shzzQ" target="_blank">delivers me</a>, protects me, and supports me.</span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2xbYwkLxlfr9trcLbOM7jrEbOJ2M5X1xr3GV-jnvR00tKx-qU5BD9ECxKiU499R-U-4rnPWlbbuESkm_3kEBrXZBLV1Q5YoK5yDYK6VTBJWyknMJYnLJ2MqJeNYnN1_Nv999FIdJbG4/s1600/CIMG6672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2xbYwkLxlfr9trcLbOM7jrEbOJ2M5X1xr3GV-jnvR00tKx-qU5BD9ECxKiU499R-U-4rnPWlbbuESkm_3kEBrXZBLV1Q5YoK5yDYK6VTBJWyknMJYnLJ2MqJeNYnN1_Nv999FIdJbG4/s400/CIMG6672.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><i>God's strength behind you, His concern for you, His love within you, and His arms beneath you are more than sufficient for the job ahead of you.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><i>William Arthur Ward</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Here's to the #next25!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><i> </i></span></div>
<br />Charity Neehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03563255425477887444noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540650114280210855.post-91678380506444607142015-06-17T21:24:00.000-07:002015-06-17T21:24:09.894-07:00I Lift My Lamp<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
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<span style="font-family: "Athelas Regular";"><a href="https://g.co/doodle/56nq7b" target="_blank">Today’s Google doodle</a> was a celebration of 130 years since France dropped Miss Liberty off on
our shores. I’ve never yet seen her, but that day will come, Lord willing. She is
truly the perfect welcoming committee for those who wanted everything America
represented – freedom, a fresh start, a safe land. Years before I joined, my
choir sang the poem that Emma Lazarus wrote, adapted by Irving Berlin:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Give me your tired, your poor
<br />Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free
<br />The wretched refuse of your teeming shore...</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Send these the homeless tempest-tost to me<br />
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!</i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">{<a href="http://www.lyricsmania.com/give_me_your_tired,_your_poor_lyrics_irving_berlin.html" target="_blank">source</a>}</span> </i></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Athelas Regular";">I love that song
and the truth it holds about the land I love – and our welcoming committee
herself. 130 years – we see that part of her history and automatically think,
“Wow. That has been around a long time!” And then you realize, no, 130 years is
a drop in the bucket compared to England, China, and Germany. Not to mention,
the good old USA is only <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">239</span>
years old. We are still a young land when you hold our age next to many on the
list. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Athelas Regular";">Put 130 years in
context by setting your family history up against that number. 130 years ago,
my paternal great-great grandparents were <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">a few years away</span> from having a son, Henry. This man would go on to marry Sarah and raise 4 girls, one of whom is my
phenomenal grandma. When Henry was born, the Statue
had been there for only a few years. New Yorkers had just gotten used to seeing
her when they looked harborwards through their windows. She probably had not
gotten her distinctive color from all the elements that beat her day in, day
out.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Athelas Regular";">Fast forward maybe fifteen years to
my maternal great-grandfather, a young child from Ukraine, landing on the
shores of America with his father and older sister. His mother had died before and
now the little family was heading to the States. I wonder, where did they land?
Did they see the Lady of New York? What did they think? Maybe it reminded them
of their grief – how their wife and mother would have loved that sight. They
could have thought about what Liberty meant to them and their plans. Or, maybe
they just thought about getting off that boat. At any rate, they did get off
that boat and begin as Americans. My great-grandfather got separated from his
family – a second marriage for his father resulted in ill will towards him,
courtesy of his stepmother. He was adopted by a French family and took their
last name. He then met and married Lorene, and proceeded to make
himself the only male in the family by having 5 girls. The oldest is my lovely,
loving grandmother.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Athelas Regular";">Two different
families from entirely different countries – Scotch Irish (and, thanks to my
Grandad, a good old stock of German), and Ukrainian (eventually mixed with
Irish) but both raised in a country founded on a law that never changes. This
was, and still mostly is, a country that offered true liberty to its residents.
You could worship as you pleased, say what you wanted to, and write what you
believed. It is a country that has been <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">sanctified</span> by blood, the blood of those who knew
that this would not keep itself. They would have to keep it, and maybe lose their
own keeping in the process. It is a country that has been through dreadful
blows – times of shock, sorrow, and wondering if it would be over. Is it a perfect
country? No. But that’s not the point, now, is it? It never is. Perfection and
this world do not get along, for a very good reason. In a perfect world,
liberty would not be the joy it is to us, even now, because we would not know
what oppression was. Think about those families I already mentioned. As far as
I know, there is no dramatic story to their journey to America. But you don’t
have to go far to find those stories. The people who appreciate the land they
live in beyond words, because they have been where their homeland does not
appreciate them. And they see what not nearly enough of us born-and-raised Americans don’t – this unprecedented freedom is a gift. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Athelas Regular";">So these two
families became united when two patriotic people, a boy and a girl, decided
that they would glorify God together as a new family. Surprise, surprise –
their daughter is the one writing this, writing about the country that has
given her chance after chance already. And she prays that those chances will
continue, not only for herself and all she loves but also for the ones she
hopes will call her Mommy in the future. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Athelas Regular";">That, right
there, is what America is. Where you raise your children, thanking God every
night that you can teach them about Him from the day they come to you without
whispering, hiding your Bible under a stool, or worshiping in secret – or
worrying about preaching the Word of God. Where you support your children,
working hard and honestly so you can give them a decent life, and where you
have the right to turn down those contracts and connections that go against
your conscience. Where you hop in the car and drive to your local school to
vote for the candidate who will, by the grace of God, keep on making all of
this possible – and all the while remembering those who cannot vote in safety
or, even worse, cannot vote at all. This is what a group of men, two hundred
some years ago, wanted. They had been through hell trying to secure these
rights and they put their best into the document that they prayed would keep
their baby land safe and free for the ones to come. That responsibility – that
baton – has continued down for <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">239</span> short years. It was still being handed down 130 years ago
when Miss Liberty was installed in New York. Can you imagine the patriotism and
pride that those watching felt as they saw all this happen? Then, of course,
they passed that down to Henry, to Sarah, to their children and
children’s children and their children. They passed that to the young
motherless Ukrainian boy and his daughters and their sons and daughters. (Interestingly enough, one of those grandchildren has been elected <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">multiple times</span> to state
office by similar, freedom-loving people who have accepted the baton from their
parents and waved it well.)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Athelas Regular";">Now, I have it. You have it. We have it.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Athelas Regular";">What are we
doing with it?</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Athelas Regular";">Happy 130<sup>th</sup>
anniversary of your safe journey, Lady! In the providence of God, may you have
another 130 years to watch us inherit this responsibility, take it seriously
and thankfully, and pass it on again.</span><br />
<br />
</div>
Charity Neehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03563255425477887444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540650114280210855.post-48087264571043547352015-05-01T22:11:00.000-07:002015-05-01T22:13:31.236-07:00Lessons from the Soap Opera of GenesisIn our family devotions tonight, we were reading the colorful story of Jacob and his little love triangle... not the nicest story out there. Man meets woman, falls in love. Decides to marry woman and works 7 years for her. So far, so good. Wedding day arrives and said woman's father pulls a stunt. Here you go, sister of the bride, stand in for your sister. It'll all work out, don't worry. Groom discovers trick after wedding, decides that he still wants the original woman. So off he goes to work, because in 7 years she will be his too. Once he has her, things sort of fall apart. First bride, Leah, sees that second bride, Rachel, is loved more than she is. I think it's very interesting what God did - he opened her womb but not Rachel's. If Jacob were smart, he would've seen something in that. Anyway... Leah has 4 boys and Rachel as of yet has none. Rachel gets creative, decides that if her maid has a child by Jacob, it's every bit as much hers, right? So 2 more children get added to the mix. Leah pulls the same stunt and along come 2 more. Then comes the whole mandrakes episode. Next come 2 more boys and a girl, all Leah's. Of course, Rachel eventually does have 2 children of her own, one of whom would be a shining example of everything his parents were (mostly) not. Deceitful dad (Laban), slick sisters, and Jacob (not exactly the most scrupulous individual himself) make for a great combination. This story is an absolute mess. We read it and go, Wow. Really? What do you think you're doing? What do you expect from all your treachery and jealousy? And how sad is it that these two sisters end up practically mortal enemies?<br />
<br />
Fast forward a couple thousand years. From one of the children that came from this mess comes Jesus, "for He shall save His people from their sins". Very, very worth noting that God chose this VERY dysfunctional family to be in the ancestry of His Son. They weren't the only ones - Rahab the prostitute. Ruth, from Moab - serious enemies of Israel. David, Solomon, Uzziah, the list continues. Note He didn't choose "perfect" people or people that had it all together - great family life, wonderful background, epitome of great character. The only perfect one in this whole saga - 6,000 years of it - is Christ.<br />
<br />
It's a good lesson for us - they were all 100% sinners, same as the rest of us. And yet God loved them and decided that he would give them the honor of being fathers and mothers of Jesus, the perfect Savior. Because He loved them too and bore their sin, died, and rose for them. Very ordinary people, with slightly dramatic stories. <br />
<br />
Now look at yourself today. We are not ancestors of Jesus as the ones mentioned above, but brothers and sisters of His after He came. But we are the same as Jacob, Rachel, Leah, and the rest of them. Once again, God has chosen us - liars, thieves, cheaters - to carry out His plan. To fulfill His commission. To be loved by the Almighty Father and His Son, the King. Pretty amazing, isn't it?<br />
<br />
So let that color your view of yourself, your life, and what you are doing here. He has chosen <i>you</i> to live in this time, <i>you</i> to know His love and grace, <i>you</i> to show Him to the rest of the world. You can't do anything about it. You can't be perfect enough, good enough, flawless enough. He did it all, and we are the grateful recipients. You and I, messed up, sinners, unfaithful, catty, jealous - are also part of His plan, just as Jacob and his problem family were part of His plan. So look at Genesis 29 and onwards with this word constantly in your mind:<br />
<br />
grace.<br />
<br />
Then, go out and live your life and be grateful that you are loved, free, and forgiven. Think of Jacob... Rahab... David... the imperfect people that were used by a perfect God in His flawless plan. And remember that no matter what happens, or how you disobey, He loves you with an unmeasurable love... and He has made <i>you</i> just the right size puzzle piece for His plan. Wow.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text Rom-5-20" id="en-KJV-28068">Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:</span></i> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text Rom-5-21" id="en-KJV-28069">That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text Rom-5-21" id="en-KJV-28069">Romans 5:20-21</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Charity Neehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03563255425477887444noreply@blogger.com1