tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16930050688201301982024-03-25T13:53:04.625-07:00HeartsongMargie J. Hardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16215461131671030223noreply@blogger.comBlogger565125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693005068820130198.post-42726198847223073832024-03-25T13:52:00.000-07:002024-03-25T13:52:31.561-07:00My Best Friend<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuIX0fh-Jq2VODgha8WzKprF5V56wTQarKUAe4Iz8F2hp91e1sEBe-RdGaacVt1ZG4uYTx8PjIpf4PaYlAu7tAAqe3dzY86IhsCHi_kxAMyAVJoFbW9XmPemfJoOaCkGkiv71XrNBnLulGtBqfn01nbIsJD-qXZTUYDxmeRchzt30e5N3oBOsCt4kiw/s766/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-18%20at%2011.52.29%20AM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="766" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuIX0fh-Jq2VODgha8WzKprF5V56wTQarKUAe4Iz8F2hp91e1sEBe-RdGaacVt1ZG4uYTx8PjIpf4PaYlAu7tAAqe3dzY86IhsCHi_kxAMyAVJoFbW9XmPemfJoOaCkGkiv71XrNBnLulGtBqfn01nbIsJD-qXZTUYDxmeRchzt30e5N3oBOsCt4kiw/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-18%20at%2011.52.29%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Another Believer and I have been involved in a Bible Study. A couple days ago we were asked to name a mentor, a woman who is energized for the Lord, one who we look up to and enjoy spending time with, and is quick to ask if we’ve looked into the scriptures whenever we are faced with some kind of issue that has us rattled. I did come up with a woman such as this, but I also came up with a young man I know well who also fits this description. Many times I’ve said, “I’d love to have his strength; his faith.”</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Is there someone in your life who you can count on in any situation? This person is often called a friend, even a best friend. I remember for years wanting a “best friend” and for whatever reason, I never seemed to have one. Oh I had friends, all right. I had lots of them. But to say I had a best friend, just didn’t seem to be available to me.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There’s a story about two sisters who had a discussion about friends, that was especially difficult as they became adults. They were as different as day and night; had different perspective on lives, different views on faith, attitudes, and things; and people in general. There was a discussion one night where one sister asked if they could be best friends. The other sister said, she would always love her as a sister, but best friend relationships aren’t chosen that way. They are developed over time, nurtured on both sides and it grows into the relationship it becomes. This relationship can stand the test of time and is the groundwork for sharing secrets, pain and happiness. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We are about to celebrate Easter. It’s the celebration of Jesus who gave his life’s blood for the whole world. The concept that God could love us so much as to offer his Son as the ultimate sacrifice is mind boggling. Yet this is truth. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Do you know of anyone who would be willing to die such a cruel death on a cross where feet and hands have nails pierced through and then left to hang there until dead? My mind rejects this picture yet, again, this is truth!</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 36px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -36px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jesus, our Messiah, who gave His life willingly, wants the kind of relationship that says ‘You are my best friend!’ He loved, He served, cared for the poor, had compassion, understood pain and grief, knew the power of temptation, had the authority to forgive sins and was willing to go to the cross to offer a path of salvation. His love is even greater than that of a mother, who from a human perspective has the kind of love barely describable. God’s love —Jesus’ love— is a perfect love, without any faults or human frailties. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>So I challenge you to look at your relationships. Do you have a “best friend” who you can always count on? Are you that kind of friend? Do you know Jesus as your ultimate “best friend?” I hope you do. If not, I encourage you make Him your personal Savior and Best Friend right this moment.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Photo Credit: https://www.pexels.com/search/friendship/</p></div>Margie J. Hardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16215461131671030223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693005068820130198.post-36661443029041058122024-03-11T15:47:00.000-07:002024-03-11T15:47:08.628-07:00Aligned With Christ<p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7.5px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiefi9ZoMxjg-H3tbZmfa_wdXDKaduN_8ih0-o5tt6qQq0XwS-Psaz2GjG4FlBYoem4n1yt8o1lGmiVgxh0WJQXdhOi0r9ItahBIXOHh1pbKQCrkBpwqEqSMl6eXjPpAzU99XsQGpgq0XGJIk0zItM7I1hjHtodCnGdZdsKFnDADik3FNhB_HUkT0TA/s922/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-10%20at%207.23.08%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="922" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiefi9ZoMxjg-H3tbZmfa_wdXDKaduN_8ih0-o5tt6qQq0XwS-Psaz2GjG4FlBYoem4n1yt8o1lGmiVgxh0WJQXdhOi0r9ItahBIXOHh1pbKQCrkBpwqEqSMl6eXjPpAzU99XsQGpgq0XGJIk0zItM7I1hjHtodCnGdZdsKFnDADik3FNhB_HUkT0TA/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-10%20at%207.23.08%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My friend shares the story of how his father taught him about the importance of having the proper tools for his trade, bricklaying. The plumb, a type of pendulum which assures the builder his project is both vertical and perpendicular ‘to the true horizontal level’; a level which has a reservoir containing liquid which must be completely centered; a square which assures perfect right angles; and a string which ensures a ‘straight line and uniform level.’<p></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7.5px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>With the combination of these tools, the mason can lay blocks without discrepancies in corners, height, and horizontal and vertical lines which are vital to a properly built structure.</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7.5px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As he told the story I couldn’t help but remember when my husband and I had our house built back in the 80’s. Construction is foreign to me, but I was fascinated as I watched our mason lay blocks for our basement. It was very hot, yet this man lifted those twelve inch blocks and set each one carefully on the wet cement he’d mixed, below it. He would stop and regularly check to make sure everything was level. The work was hard and exhausting. Our basement was strong, solid and totally aligned.</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7.5px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This concept of of being vertically and horizontally aligned can also apply to our spiritual life. I’ve heard it said more than once, that if our lives are not aligned in Godly fashion horizontally we will not be aligned with Christ vertically.</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7.5px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>That can be a challenging concept to process; but the idea of having lives which follow God’s precepts and commands is a must. We are human and certainly will have failings. We can’t possibly do everything right. We have thoughts, moods, emotions, desires, careers, circumstances, people in our lives, and a hundred other diversions which tantalize our habits, lifestyles, relationships and more —-all of which affects our choices.</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7.5px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And to make all this even harder is satan and all his minions who are actively trying to make our lives filled with worldly attractions and distractions to confuse us and create doubts about who we are, who we belong to, and how we are to live.</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7.5px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As a Believer we have the tools like the plumb, square, level and string to guide us in keeping our lives aligned with Christ on the horizontal level, along with keeping our Spiritual life aligned with Christ vertically. </span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7.5px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When we live our lives deliberately for Christ based on his Word which is a huge tool for success horizontally, our relationship with God from a vertical direction can be where it needs to be. Our relationship using his Word, other Believers, prayer, corporate and/or individual study enables us to grow stronger every day and stand firm, because our foundation is concreted in what is right and good.</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7.5px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The world will try to chink at our edges, or in those spots which may appear weak. Our support groups and inner guidance from God, along with using the right tools, can keep the cracks filled with good material to ward off the evil attacks on our world that is ever changing. </span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7.5px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7.5px; min-height: 15px;">Photo Credit:https://www.dreamstime.com/photos-images/bricklayer.html </p>Margie J. Hardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16215461131671030223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693005068820130198.post-86085391341326409562024-03-04T16:26:00.000-08:002024-03-04T16:26:00.457-08:00Spiritual Growth Takes Effort<p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpemuSIHOMMSTS3MJQ7su97e0p6D7ag5Voou0drh4guoEDkGr7JpNZW6qAOrGGqXYDGrrw0UUe1hbJYY9wqqMnt_wrYPz-Hkn2U8NNGBXJhqdEEJTDHDtcbbt_2I1Lja0rDRryjdLjLj_3yOaFQxtXEkkDIAUjJsexfLxIDNvJ-0TCPYv1DCS2XUEJQQ/s922/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-29%20at%2012.33.59%20PM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="922" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpemuSIHOMMSTS3MJQ7su97e0p6D7ag5Voou0drh4guoEDkGr7JpNZW6qAOrGGqXYDGrrw0UUe1hbJYY9wqqMnt_wrYPz-Hkn2U8NNGBXJhqdEEJTDHDtcbbt_2I1Lja0rDRryjdLjLj_3yOaFQxtXEkkDIAUjJsexfLxIDNvJ-0TCPYv1DCS2XUEJQQ/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-29%20at%2012.33.59%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>During the sermon last week the Pastor said something to the effect of ‘Getting saved is vital to getting into heaven; but it doesn’t stop there! We are each supposed to grow in the Spirit and have a relationship with Christ.’<p></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We all have to start somewhere and our salvation is where we begin our Christian journey. God promises to never leave us and will answer our prayers when we call on him. We have a brand new life in Him. We are reborn—‘born in the Spirit’!</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When we are born physically, as infants we rely completely on our parents/caretakers to provide for all our needs. This includes housing, clothes, food, emotional health, medical care and everything in between. We, as tiny babes, can only ingest milk that requires very little work for our little bodies to do, except accept the nourishment which helps us grow.</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre;"> </span>As we get older we are introduced to chunkier baby food, perhaps a different milk, juices and other foods which only require gentle chewing. After all, we are still getting our teeth!</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>By the time we are five years old we are enrolled in an educational plan, which carries us through elementary, middle school and finally high school. We graduate and then make choices which determine which road we will take, sometimes for the rest of our lives. It may be college, join the workforce or military, get married or become an entrepreneur. There are lots of options and decisions! We have grown into an adult and are ready to face the world head on, believing we can handle whatever the world -or life- throws at us.</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Being a Christian isn’t much different. While our parents nurture and guide us from infant- hood into our education and finally into adulthood; the Spirit nurtures and guides us into mature Believers who are able to follow the plan God has for us, if we are willing. </span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We ‘grow’ much as the small child on milk and soft foods first; doing our best to feed our mind, soul and emotions with God’s Words. We develop into middle school students, and even high schoolers, as we continue to grow with our peers in youth groups or study groups as a young adult. Our leaders, along with the Spirit, helps us understand and build on our prayer life, how to dig deep into the Bible, our road map for life; and how to ‘grow’ our relationship with Christ.</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Finally we’ve reached adulthood and are able to put the teaching we’ve been given to teach others, and share our faith with the knowledge we’ve learned. But still we aren’t finished.</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Just as adulthood doesn’t stop when we reach 21- or whatever your ‘adulthood mark’ may be— our spiritual life as an adult never stops either. There is always something to learn, something to share, God’s voice to hear, and choices to make. All these things fold together to make us mature Christians who are able to accomplish whatever task and plan God has planned for us.</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ultimately it takes a lot of effort to ‘grow’. But just as education and life experiences molds us into the human adult we have become, so God’s Word and our relationship with Him transforms us into the Believer and servant for Christ, we were meant to be. It’s here we are better ready to answer the call from God for whatever plans he has for our lives.</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Photo Credit: https://stock.adobe.com/search/images?k=spiritual%20growth </p>Margie J. Hardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16215461131671030223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693005068820130198.post-14978202363313336962024-02-26T16:14:00.000-08:002024-02-26T16:14:48.289-08:00The Cricket's Song<p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeUACaFzY9r3mo1ejoI5VfLPh-2-9Opv0BNood0zCBARe1-ooxttvRd2Oa4pbJad3Gxteh4z79iP1WO9gucXf3_a6kk1-WaJc9BzWkvFMUHGfCqbEBx5zO57hkv-U-m-UBR2lnNOFb94Usp4ujmHPYX-oMq2W23ydcDCBlacueoWSiCVB_sJiwFGrww/s754/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-23%20at%201.56.12%20PM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="754" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeUACaFzY9r3mo1ejoI5VfLPh-2-9Opv0BNood0zCBARe1-ooxttvRd2Oa4pbJad3Gxteh4z79iP1WO9gucXf3_a6kk1-WaJc9BzWkvFMUHGfCqbEBx5zO57hkv-U-m-UBR2lnNOFb94Usp4ujmHPYX-oMq2W23ydcDCBlacueoWSiCVB_sJiwFGrww/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-23%20at%201.56.12%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It’s only the end of February but I saw daffodils blooming in my yard this past week. I was elated. That tiny miracle puts a song of joy in my heart! I expect it to turn cold again, but it reminds me Spring is not that far off! That said, I couldn’t help but think of other Spring events which I completely enjoy!</span><p></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">I totally enjoy the sound of crickets — as long as they are outdoors, or used as a ring tone on my phone! One Spring day in the wee hours of the morning I was being awakened by the sound of a cricket in my bedroom — and no, it wasn’t my phone; it was live!</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In the dark, I went quickly to retrieve my bug spray. As quietly as possible I creeped to where I thought it was, and sprayed lightly, hoping the effects would put an end to the piercing sound. I crawled back into bed to hear, only moments later, the weak song growing stronger and stronger. It hadn’t worked, and I was becoming frustrated. I just wanted to sleep!</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Again, I sprayed, a little hardier this time. The sound stopped and again, I crawled into bed hoping for sleep. But again, the weakest sound began turning into a hearty song.</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I thought how very much like that cricket God wants us to be with Him in prayer. </span>Even when things don’t seem to be going our way, and obstacles beset us, He wants us to keep praying heartily to him about our concerns, difficulties and desires.</p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Just as that cricket hid itself from the poison spray that would have cost him his life; we are to hide in God with constant prayer so we can be free from the poisons of life all around us. Distractions are in abundance! </span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My goal has been to have devotions in the morning before I do anything else. So I get ‘done’ (make up, hair, etc), and get my coffee with the intent to get to my Bible and have prayer. But oddly enough, while I’m waiting on my coffee to brew for a moment or so, (I hate walking away and having something weird happen with the coffee maker--and yes, that has happened), I pick up my phone and check the weather, or even facebook! These are distractions and that’s NOT putting God first!</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Even Jesus in Luke 6:12 found it necessary to pray. He even went into the hills to be apart from distractions and spent the night in prayer!</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If we lift our prayers heartily to our Lord and Savior, believing he hears us, cares about our needs, desires and concerns, surely he will answer. The obstacles, ‘poisons’, doubts, distractions and fears of life will still try to claim us, but we can rest in the knowledge that God is beside us, every step of the way.</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We must be patient in faithful prayer, so we don’t become victims of affliction or even apathy. We must sing our song of praise heartily and joyfully, just as the cricket raised his song to let the world know he was there. Like this small insect, we can wait in joyful hope for answers to our prayers and guidance for our lives, because we serve a God who promises to always be with us! </span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Photo Credit: https://www.pexels.com/search/cricket%20insect/ </span></p>Margie J. Hardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16215461131671030223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693005068820130198.post-70883777973274777622024-02-19T17:21:00.000-08:002024-02-19T17:21:59.563-08:00A Life of Distractions<p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNXcTtts_BsZkXD5YkcKTB1ftRwBhkqZrvvl6Sy9VLxnBEr3JPytDZYNFi-_6XsBchbfcQ4wVJjnoYvx0kp4xri6_8X5midllcbvwDFOAilA39Wj7RDhB1dDsZ6jifpt-krHwqKPZuzAUIeJ4E2reSpwYuvA0ACsGj2VFkPKINF-FrG92PccAt9NYoA/s642/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-19%20at%202.17.05%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="636" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNXcTtts_BsZkXD5YkcKTB1ftRwBhkqZrvvl6Sy9VLxnBEr3JPytDZYNFi-_6XsBchbfcQ4wVJjnoYvx0kp4xri6_8X5midllcbvwDFOAilA39Wj7RDhB1dDsZ6jifpt-krHwqKPZuzAUIeJ4E2reSpwYuvA0ACsGj2VFkPKINF-FrG92PccAt9NYoA/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-19%20at%202.17.05%20PM.png" width="317" /></a></div> I am reading a book about ‘eliminating hurry’. It’s all about how we as a society, worldwide are so busy we find we don’t have enough hours in any given day to complete all the items on our list.<p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Obligations rule! We have our 9-5 jobs (sometimes longer hours—and sometimes holding two jobs); and then we have our social life if we can drag ourselves out after we’ve reached home; and let’s not forget our kids who are each in one or more activities at school, and youth group activities in our local church. On top of all this is trying to keep up with domestic duties and staying connected to our spouse and extended family. It’s exhausting!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What makes this worse, is in the midst of all these ‘doings’ someone will ask us to help with a project that has nothing to do with the already long list we are currently trying to juggle. If you are anything like me, saying no just isn’t an option. I’m not good at it; in fact I loathe saying no. I feel weak and incapable when I say no. Still 'how on earth', I have asked myself 'am I going to get this done'?</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>On top of everything I mentioned earlier, distractions are everywhere! We are obsessed with staying on top of the news worldwide! Our phones are part of everyones accessories to enable us to check what’s going on all over the world, as well as, every state in the Union. We want to know what’s happening in the political world, on Wall Street, and the one I’m most guilty of, checking the weather. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We want to know what’s happening in our social media accounts like Facebook, Twitter or other social media platform! We need to see if someone has commented on our post or posted something we need to be aware of, or we find ourselves scrolling to ‘catch up’. Then we need check our emails or play a game. It keeps us entertained and busy, if nothing else!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><br /><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When our lives are so full of all this activity, we are told to downsize and do what is only really important, in order to maintain balance. In theory, this is spot on. But picking and choosing can be hard. Many of us end up expending our physical, emotional, and other energies trying to keep up. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>One area which often gets neglected is our Spiritual energies. We put God—our prayer life, reading His Word, devotions and even church itself on a shelf because there just isn’t enough time to get it done. We may not do it intentionally, any more than we’d neglect our families, but we feel like we have no choice.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lack of nurturing our spouse and children however, is just what satan wants, because as that breakdown continues, so does relationships until divorce seems the only option. The marriage is destroyed, as are the relationships with our children who are often caught in the middle.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Our lack of Spiritual nurturing sets satan giddy with glee. As we neglect our personal time with God, we are breaking down that important relationship, too. The longer we continue, the easier it is to do next time, regardless of any considered intentions. The Bible remains on the dresser until we have to dust it off before we even pick up, We have no clue the last time we actually prayed, or even read a devotion. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Does this sound familiar? Where is your Spiritual life compared to all the other ‘lives’ you live every day? Is it time to re-evaluate? Where is Jesus in your life?</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Photo Credit: https://www.freepik.com/search?format=search&page=3&query=lack+of+concentration </span></p>Margie J. Hardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16215461131671030223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693005068820130198.post-66828843723531226712024-02-12T18:05:00.000-08:002024-02-12T18:05:20.950-08:00Living In our Flaws<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7.5px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-size: 12px; white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsElabseCYNpXUyLZi8r-Ek1-oZZg5BBqtK5akgZ3je-fFY6wI3Jdu_XzEBdg9kX8KePcLwvMZyzAx28gWaMpF3o4PbQpViYs0p3Znc1OEPQhY9nibNiOKb4BGo-nUIX3-xLSOk_K4qBU2PIsERk4BOy68lK6AVTxkXy3g2brVff-U21QIKAa0fXtvdg/s1104/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-12%20at%204.00.56%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="1104" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsElabseCYNpXUyLZi8r-Ek1-oZZg5BBqtK5akgZ3je-fFY6wI3Jdu_XzEBdg9kX8KePcLwvMZyzAx28gWaMpF3o4PbQpViYs0p3Znc1OEPQhY9nibNiOKb4BGo-nUIX3-xLSOk_K4qBU2PIsERk4BOy68lK6AVTxkXy3g2brVff-U21QIKAa0fXtvdg/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-12%20at%204.00.56%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> My friend tells the story of how as a young person, she struggled with acne, not an uncommon scenario for many teens. Still every morning she was careful to cover the imperfections and flaws because she worried their view would repulse whomever she spoke with. She prayed for years that God would remove the blemishes, what she considered ‘defects’ because she wanted people to like her and could only see herself through the lenses of other’s scrutiny.</span><p></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7.5px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Unfortunately, my friend is not alone in her ‘almost obsession’ of dealing with acne. Our culture is so riveted on looking just like the ‘made up, icon beauties’ on TV, they can’t accept that not everyone is not perfect. And that’s part of the point. Those ‘beauties’ on TV have make up artists that remove the tiniest ‘blip’ that shows up on their skin before they set foot in front of a TV camera. This sets the ‘beauty’ access line in our young girls minds, at a very high standard, and it’s false!</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7.5px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>These feelings of inadequacies create anxiety in our children. They must feel like the lepers in the Bible must have felt. They had spots on their skin and were excommunicated; they were unclean and could not be with their family and friends on any local level. These young girls in today’s world can be traumatized and become unable to communicate with kids their own age in a face to face world. So they hide out in their rooms and only socialize over the internet, which can create it’s own cruel and dangerous world!</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7.5px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As my friend mentioned above, she grew in her faith, and her prayers changed, even though the condition did not seem to get any better. Instead of asking for a ‘glowing complexion', she began asking God to help her believe that He loved her just the way he created her. God’s standards of perfection and beauty are considerably different than any culture around the globe!</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7.5px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He is not about being popular in our little cliques with those people we would like to hang out with. God is about what we have in our heart. Our exterior appearance has nothing to do with our heart, if we are a Believer. Our challenge is to focus on Him rather than on what the world around us chooses to see as important. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7.5px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The old adage, ‘beauty is only skin deep,’ is true. Over time we all change. We get older every day and we eat foods that aren’t good for us, which also can change how we look. Many take drugs or smoke cigarettes, both of which affects our outward beauty, as well as other health habits and even our DNA and genetics! </span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7.5px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">For those young ladies (and young men) who don’t know Jesus, their struggle is staggering. They want so badly to become ‘liked’ because of (or in spite of) how they look, they resort to using all kinds of creams and medicine, sometimes surgeries to create what they believe will outwardly make them acceptable and perhaps even beautiful to those around them.</span></span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7.5px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">God doesn’t look for the most beautiful person on the outside, like our world does. Rather he looks for the person with the right heart for his purpose and calling; and this is where blessings from the Sovereign God start! He loves us just as he created us. Therefore we no longer need to 'live in our flaws' and be defined by the skewed beauty definition, so prevalent in our world! </span></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7.5px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7.5px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Photo Credit: </span></span><a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=54b6785aa301342b&channel=iphone_bm&sxsrf=ACQVn0_1sSl06iCdiPj6O4kghZfXCecyHg:1707771552121&q=free+inadequacy+pictures&tbm=isch&chips=q:free+inadequacy+pictures,online_chips:self+doubt:lpSSEXKf-C0%3D&usg=AI4_-kQqpGQqc9DrKqLOi1TdKz518yeDbg&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjQ1uLl2KaEAxU9H0QIHYXbCMwQgIoDKAN6BAgOEAo&biw=1437&bih=751&dpr=2#imgrc=jXHAaa_6b5KMcM">free inadequacy pictures</a> </p>Margie J. Hardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16215461131671030223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693005068820130198.post-88817322245861842532024-02-06T09:50:00.000-08:002024-02-06T09:50:28.350-08:00Going The Extra Mile<p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglz9q5lP5Lx20ctBwUtj9GeQE2nRjFVhsYYd83GqVEe7_d3Yi3mHeNZbT1Anxfd1za5nXm8ky3PKpZkEJWX4SggMkS60dUo0Ise71mDTIgauI04KCHNtNytjcC1brmotK-6YuIBuNbUyjRX4qrBNimm87Clp50H8EN-M0VrItIQg-9-pAoXNdeGjRjzQ/s922/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-05%20at%201.44.32%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="922" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglz9q5lP5Lx20ctBwUtj9GeQE2nRjFVhsYYd83GqVEe7_d3Yi3mHeNZbT1Anxfd1za5nXm8ky3PKpZkEJWX4SggMkS60dUo0Ise71mDTIgauI04KCHNtNytjcC1brmotK-6YuIBuNbUyjRX4qrBNimm87Clp50H8EN-M0VrItIQg-9-pAoXNdeGjRjzQ/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-05%20at%201.44.32%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I love it when my grandchildren visit and give hugs! That’s just what they do! Often it’s in the coming and the going and I’m all about the hugs. It seems regardless of any kind of ‘anything’ that could have gone wrong during my day, those hugs just melt my heart! It’s also heartwarming to find a nice note in my mailbox from a random friend and just because! It’s nice to know I was thought of!</span><p></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Valentine’s Day is next week and people across the globe are searching for the perfect gift for their loved ones. It varies from person to person, family to family given traditions, cultures and even funds.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>But being kind is always a good gift! It doesn’t need to be pricey, or elegant, grand or large. Giving of yourself is often the best gift of all. The formula for being kind is really simple. Ask yourself what might make them smile? What might they need this very moment or day? Try to accommodate. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Giving the gift of homemade food is always a good option; as is being mindful of their likes and dislikes, opening a door for them, sharing yourself in friendly conversation, remembering their birthday or other special days, sharing a conversation over coffee or tea, or having a shoulder to 'cry' on, and lots of other options. You need only be creative!</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Going the extra mile, however, might include sending a ‘thinking of you’ card which you’ve personalized with a note or other decoration and certainly writing their name in it or even making them one by hand. When you’re out to lunch with someone, buy them dessert; if you find a book they might like, purchase it and write a note in the front; when you offer to pray for someone absolutely do it—and offer to pray with them right then. Buy (or make) a small gift they might like and wrap it in pretty paper before giving it to them. The options can go on depending on your creativity!</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jesus was always doing kind things for people. He taught them, he listened to their questions and answered them, and sometimes he went the extra mile. He healed the lame, gave eyesight to the blind man, raised the dead, fed 5,000 and ultimately gave his life for whole world, offering us the free gift of salvation. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What an amazing example Jesus is. Even now, He goes the extra mile. When we ask for something he still listens and responds. Often times we get caught up in our expectations (or lack of) and miss the gifts God has for us. Our finite minds can’t possibly comprehend the possibilities of God plans and surprises for us, his children. Sometimes he answers in ways that is so much greater than our perceived options; and </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">so spectacular we couldn’t even have</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">imagined it</span><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">`<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I encourage you over the next couple weeks, to get creative and be kind; and beyond that, go the extra mile and see if you as ‘giver’ and whomever as the 'recipient', aren’t both blessed. Let others see Jesus in you!</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Photo Credit: </span></span><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=free+pics+of+loving&client=safari&sca_esv=5d320440cfe1206b&channel=iphone_bm&sxsrf=ACQVn08WUy4kOWF5wtOrOOaYwa9HgOiqPA%3A1707158529500&source=hp&ei=ASzBZbXPHJDMkPIPqfuGsAI&iflsig=ANes7DEAAAAAZcE6EXU9guRhb3_krhzVVFpK6p-2M4f3&ved=0ahUKEwj10-WN7ZSEAxUQJkQIHam9ASYQ4dUDCA4&uact=5&oq=free+pics+of+loving&gs_lp=Egdnd3Mtd2l6IhNmcmVlIHBpY3Mgb2YgbG92aW5nMgQQIxgnMgQQIxgnMgQQIxgnMgUQABiABDIFEAAYgAQyBRAAGIAEMgUQABiABDIFEAAYgAQyBRAAGIAEMgUQABiABEjxIFAAWOcfcAB4AJABAJgBtQigAb4jqgEFNi0zLjK4AQPIAQD4AQHCAhEQABiABBiKBRiRAhixAxiDAcICCBAAGIAEGLEDwgINEC4YgAQYxwEY0QMYCsICCxAAGIAEGLEDGIMBwgILEAAYgAQYigUYkQLCAhMQLhiABBgKGLEDGIMBGMcBGNED&sclient=gws-wiz#imgrc=jtyvguY9II_m7M&imgdii=FhBkdd6qpqULaM">free pics of loving</a> </p>Margie J. Hardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16215461131671030223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693005068820130198.post-87275308633602705832024-01-29T13:29:00.000-08:002024-01-29T13:29:37.106-08:00God's Resources<p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>`<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaj52hu62Wv2T1yQG8sQPyelPjhzPIdkJNFQ_p61OQX4KtlTQ7Y-kFbXvyLaoNDdnfl_Wh7G1b82-zHrxLWoO5RqkiEsaJyZEC9bun8GCxusIPgMm-YToj7Gx8BqvIJLBE9gdQ7__8itzKEYgJehciL4U43OSrGWZO7XO0UOsmffx3VW2OxXM-k7mdlQ/s790/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-29%20at%2010.18.58%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="790" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaj52hu62Wv2T1yQG8sQPyelPjhzPIdkJNFQ_p61OQX4KtlTQ7Y-kFbXvyLaoNDdnfl_Wh7G1b82-zHrxLWoO5RqkiEsaJyZEC9bun8GCxusIPgMm-YToj7Gx8BqvIJLBE9gdQ7__8itzKEYgJehciL4U43OSrGWZO7XO0UOsmffx3VW2OxXM-k7mdlQ/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-29%20at%2010.18.58%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It’s not uncommon for me to say several times a week, that there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done! Of course, that totally depends on the day and the list created in front of me. Still, it seems every day, there is something on my list (even if it’s ‘an I’d like to do') that doesn’t get accomplished. </span><p></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>That’s pretty much okay, given I’m currently reading a book on how to ‘un-hurry’! Part of that process it realizing I can’t get everything done in one day, nor can I be everything to everyone, and some days I just have to say ‘no’. That’s hard for me.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Recently I was reading about being a steward of our time. I thought this was interesting, in that it applies to a truck driver, carpenter, dish washer, momma, and everything—note everything — in between! There are 24 hours in our day, 168 hours in the week, and 535,600 minutes in a year. (I didn’t do the math, but I suspect it’s accurate!) But the point is, ALL those numbers applies to every living being. It’s what we do with those minutes that matter!</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Some people are very good at time management, and seem to accomplish so much. Very often, these same people have found what they are good at and use the gifts God gave them to move forward and be productive. Other people use those same minutes to focus on relationships, or make plans or dream of what they might like to do —some day. While other people choose to use their moments watching TV or using precious moments playing video games, or scrolling on their electronic device.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Understand, watching TV, scrolling or playing games in themselves is not wrong. But when time is wasted on these activities instead of choosing to use the gifts and talents God has given us, aren’t we cheating God of HIS time? Everything is his after all. He’s given it to us to see how we use it; yes even our time. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Remember the Parable of the Talents? Each was given s specific amount of talents, but one chose to do nothing with his and bury it. He didn’t have the energy or interest to make any good use of it. The Master promised to come back and he did. And the Master was not pleased with the one who did nothing.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Are we ‘doing nothing’ with our time when we bury our talents? Are we being faithful with the blessings we’ve been given? We’re all accountable for what we do, as well as, for what we don’t, when it comes to using God’s gifts. He has a designed plan and a purpose--- and has seen to it that each of us has something to offer; something that will move the Kingdom forward. Are we doing that or are we not taking the Lord serious? </span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We are given amazing possibilities every day. It’s up to us to look for them and then respond as God directs us. It’s a brand new week! Let’s do our best to be alert to the Holy Spirit’s nudging and use our God given resources ---including our time--responsibly! </span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Photo Credit: </span></span>https://www.pexels.com/search/clock/ </p>Margie J. Hardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16215461131671030223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693005068820130198.post-72195827129611289052024-01-22T16:50:00.000-08:002024-01-22T16:50:52.466-08:00Preparing To Serve<p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><p></p></blockquote><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNrZciHN6ZNtwh3qj31wMILQ_BEJza1xwPyJHujZP3q8JrsSbgAqTaYcadXPIqaomfKOkvloyD4lo1BaIiqASRt3CTqAR4YZXl4s_w5yKE0a4pk17egUbMqjydh4vAgWKZc8cDIzMoeXzJ_dHKuJFbbhS4U7jRkD298bkGrjKcgw_dkY0UFaymM0PUA/s902/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-22%20at%207.51.54%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="902" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNrZciHN6ZNtwh3qj31wMILQ_BEJza1xwPyJHujZP3q8JrsSbgAqTaYcadXPIqaomfKOkvloyD4lo1BaIiqASRt3CTqAR4YZXl4s_w5yKE0a4pk17egUbMqjydh4vAgWKZc8cDIzMoeXzJ_dHKuJFbbhS4U7jRkD298bkGrjKcgw_dkY0UFaymM0PUA/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-22%20at%207.51.54%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> You may think me crazy but one of my favorite things to do is study! I went to college when my youngest son started and I was diligent about doing homework and studying for tests. The idea of being a ‘perpetual student’ absolutely applies to me. I’m in my happy place when I can open a book about something which interests me, but of which I know only limited information. There were times when my adult kids literally removed my book from my lap and said, “Mom, it’s the weekend! Take. A. Break!</span><p></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When I read about Daniel, I’m intrigued. When our children leave home for college, they usually attend a college of their choice and often have a course of study in mind. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When Daniel left home, it wasn’t to attend college in the sense we know it, but there are similarities. He didn’t get to choose the college of his choice, he was taken by the Babylonians from his home. He and others were taken to new surroundings, in a new land, away from everything they’d grown up and known.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-family: Georgia; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">He and the other ‘new’ students, were expected to learn a new language, culture, the literature of the area, different curriculum than he would have chosen and thus a new educational major and/or minor over the next three years! He and others were even given new names! These ‘students’ were expected to completely transform from what they were accustomed to and accept their new station in life.</span></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Daniel, who was considered a quick learner, did well. He didn’t, however, forget where he came from or about the God he believed in! Regardless of the struggles facing him, he was dedicated to a positive attitude and considered this event to be an opportunity to gain insight in ways he could use the new found information, to serve his Lord. He believed God had a plan; a good plan!</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>His belief and faith in God drove him to set personal goals and resist those temptations Satan would hurl at him in this new environment. He gently made a case for eating the correct food rather than being coerced into eating foods he believed would defile him before God. He made commitments and decisions that were hard and went against the grain, yet kept the ‘powers that be’ at bay. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There were those, however, who set out to ‘bring Daniel down’! They convinced the king to make a decree that everyone would only bow before him (the king) and to no other God. Daniel, prayed about this, and decided he wouldn’t change a thing regarding his devotion to the one and only Living God. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ultimately he was thrown into the lion’s den, but the lions mouths were shut and did not harm him. Daniel knew the consequences of disobedience to the king. He had studied the culture and understood that hearts were not turned to his God, but knew God would take care of the matter.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In the years before this, what I would have considered a 'harrowing event’, Daniel prepared to serve his God regardless of the circumstances. His preparation and confidence in God, got him through because God had a plan. He used this event to show us ‘nothing is impossible with God’. Realistically Daniel should have immediately been viciously devoured by the lions, but wasn’t.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Do we study God’s Word so intently that we know it and have faith like Daniel had; that God is all powerful? It’s so much easier to cower under the pressure. Our world is upside down and inside out with evil lurking in every corner! I want faith like Daniel had! </span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>To have this kind of faith, however, I need to be dedicated to study—- to the study of God’s word! I heard a pastor say once we aren’t only accountable for what we know in the Bible——but also for what we don’t know! I want to be prepared for whatever comes my way. Will you join me in study, as we prepare to serve?</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">https://www.dreamstime.com/photos-images/daniel-lions-den.html </p>Margie J. Hardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16215461131671030223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693005068820130198.post-41029032624004043052024-01-15T17:58:00.000-08:002024-01-15T17:58:27.557-08:00Challenges To Our Faith<p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> <br /></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD64pd2GOL9TKQukpvSkjLgOJpSe6bVI5ropV3Hi0vfhTC3AdUmP5SDnHhVsMQATGDyejwJF3SoWJSKZE84oH37NYIuprW28RaISMzCuAiHYZbocLe6EZIU1IxAFY8wBBJ9Xp4dPoVgin1_Q3Wum7H2eS_qDGITWE3797FQDuG-O2LbGCDDyvwHyYOAg/s768/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-15%20at%2012.56.51%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="768" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD64pd2GOL9TKQukpvSkjLgOJpSe6bVI5ropV3Hi0vfhTC3AdUmP5SDnHhVsMQATGDyejwJF3SoWJSKZE84oH37NYIuprW28RaISMzCuAiHYZbocLe6EZIU1IxAFY8wBBJ9Xp4dPoVgin1_Q3Wum7H2eS_qDGITWE3797FQDuG-O2LbGCDDyvwHyYOAg/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-15%20at%2012.56.51%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> I’ve always been in awe of hot air balloons. As much as I’d like to ride, my husband, who is afraid of heights says, ‘absolutely not’! So I watch from ground level as these beautifully heated balloons float above me. We were in Arizona years ago during one of their 'hot air balloon' festivals and watched as they were heated and drifted up into the sky. The sight of hundreds of balloons floating above us was stunning!</span><p></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I guess it would take a lot of faith to ride in a balloon basket navigated by heat and directed by human hand. My one son and his family rode in one a few months ago and he said it was amazing. Still, just this morning my husband read on the news recently about a hot air balloon that crashed in Arizona. Tragically, there were four people killed. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You can ask almost anyone and they could share some tragedy that has come to their family. It might be a death of a child or parent. A tornado might have come through and leveled their home and destroyed all their belongings or even have a fire which devoured everything they owned; an accident happened with children in the car and both were killed; or the driver was now a quadriplegic. The negative possibilities are endless.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The point is, we all have struggles. We live in a sinful world and satan rules this realm. As believers, however, we have Christ who will protect us, and comfort us when challenges become to great to bear.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It’s hard to keep in perspective that God is in control when we are down in the valley of despair. But when we think of Job who lost everything he had, who still clung to the Lord and even said we have to accept the good with the bad in life; that God is Sovereign and regardless of circumstances He is still a good God!</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We are created for the glory of God. When we trudge through the struggle and reach the other side, even if battered but not destroyed, we can often see how God kept us safe and stayed with us throughout; and ultimately later on, can use the event for his glory.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Even with God’s provision, there are those who would insist that if God allows horrible stuff to happen, He is a selfish God. But God works through the bad circumstances we have. God uses these struggles to 'grow' us and enable us to help others. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When we look at our current government, I can’t say I understand it. There is so much adversity, and morality seems to have become a thing of the past. Still there must be a reason and plan which only God can know, to further move His kingdom along. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I do know, according to Revelation, we are to experience these situations. We can see it all around us. How will God use it? I haven’t a clue. But it’s comforting knowing that God is in control and will one day return. He is all powerful and has promised that Satan will have his due. </span><p></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sadly the folks in the hot air balloon ride lost their lives, even though they had faith in the mechanics (and heating system) of the balloon and the person guiding it. But it failed. God’s not like that. God does not fail. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We do have struggles, but He is always with us, regardless of the circumstance. The hot air balloon incident may cause their family members and perhaps even friends to question their faith and wonder how God could allow such a thing to happen. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> ‘Stuff’ happens to both the good and bad in the world; saved and unsaved. If we are a Believer in Christ, we may incur difficulties which may challenge our faith, but we know we are never alone. This enables us to walk the hard road and come out the other side!</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">https://www.pexels.com/search/hot%20air%20balloon/ </span></p><div><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>Margie J. Hardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16215461131671030223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693005068820130198.post-6120827910412514702024-01-08T16:41:00.000-08:002024-01-08T16:41:26.605-08:00The Battle Lines Are Drawn<p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 11.2px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXehy81SvkVTbey2siffCxzx48zN0Y1iNIF1r-r2LRPKpXVS7gwU0PnHBuySHeVlARp3FpUGimQ3_SYCElbOgT15yubbqNXrZVONEaLlld06p7ZFxp09SkFR8UzMnyzla3sv6tt7xjUMcUlbySFPgoqR5v6_6M8rSKjDJX4jx615AJvFaXVgQLsMVLw/s672/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-07%20at%204.37.12%20PM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="672" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXehy81SvkVTbey2siffCxzx48zN0Y1iNIF1r-r2LRPKpXVS7gwU0PnHBuySHeVlARp3FpUGimQ3_SYCElbOgT15yubbqNXrZVONEaLlld06p7ZFxp09SkFR8UzMnyzla3sv6tt7xjUMcUlbySFPgoqR5v6_6M8rSKjDJX4jx615AJvFaXVgQLsMVLw/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-07%20at%204.37.12%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></div><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There’s been so much going on in the world today, it’s hard to keep up! Our world has been hit by weather extremes, a COVID pandemic only a few years past that still has people on edge, there's a war raging in Israel and political discontent here in the U.S. with upheavals all over the country from people trying wreak havoc on all that is traditional, and even good. Given the terror threats in some areas, the military have been called in, extra police officers and other protection protocols to maintain civility!</span></span><p></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 11.2px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I don’t have the answers to any of this, but the one thing that is clear to me is how Satan is manipulating our world, to the point of no return. He and his minions have put into place people who choose to do his will, spreading hate and division, violence and destruction everywhere! </span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 11.2px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The battle lines have been drawn. Satan is trying to convince the world that everything is okay. It’s perfectly fine to hate your neighbor; or have disdain for the good and right in the world. He’s convinced ‘the powers that be,’ that to be immoral is the right thing to do; what was once wrong is now right, and to live life with total abandon with only our own wants and desires to be met, being the perfect way to live. And of course, there are no repercussions for bad behavior. It’s a game to see who can outwit who!</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 11.2px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> Recently</span> my daughter shared with me several commercials she and her family have seen on TV, where Satan has a girlfriend. In the commercials Satan is grinning and he and his girl are having the times of their lives. While he is totally red with satanic horns, his friendly smile with perfect white teeth and pleasant voice belie the wickedness this evil has. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 11.2px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>But one thing I know. I’ve read the ‘back of the Book’ and I know how it ends! Satan is real. He’s not a comic hero or commercial icon that should be taken lightly and accepted as ‘the norm’ in our homes as families, with children looking on. Satan is evil! He is false and destructive and wants nothing more than to destroy the workings of the Lord. And he thinks he’s going to win. —- Well, in theory, because he’s read the back of the Book, too, and he knows —-and he fears God. But his pride shoves him on into oblivion with a purpose: to take as many people with him as he can.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 11.2px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Our world has walked over the edge. We live in a realm of extreme depravity and this is a sure sign Jesus will return soon. Obviously ‘soon’ is subjective and it’s still our responsibility to pray for God’s guidance and even a revival! But it’s also up us as Believers, to recognize God’s impact in our world and not walk the slippery slope of acceptance to Satan’s plan. He’s the chief fooler; master deceiver! He’s causing even devout Christians to not fall on their knees in repentance, as he continues to worm his way into hearts and minds.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 11.2px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We need to pray for our young people as their world is filled with so many wrongs as defined by the Bible, that have come to be commonplace in our lives. When we as adults don’t recognize the evil behind what we see or hear, how can we teach our young ones? It’s certainly something to think about.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 11.2px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 11.2px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 11.2px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Photo Credit: </span>https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/end-times </p><div><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>Margie J. Hardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16215461131671030223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693005068820130198.post-75358828014206417932024-01-01T16:10:00.000-08:002024-01-01T16:10:48.917-08:00Celebrate An Epiphany<p style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #191919; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGa-ia1H7AOn1eFnzRPyKSGjn93t62KwKK9GcGNkWGgC29DxM7zPYc20FwKvS2vZzHf3a08nOunM7_HkumQ3Cwf16afWLaPA9edqI8gFkOjOA-JJL_p1dLeGLaaaRWIt_ULg36gX3vVl58DGLbBVygrl_0mTFLqzheSe4VZy1JEmc60G256xBOR-nbmg/s1346/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-01%20at%2012.58.28%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1346" data-original-width="478" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGa-ia1H7AOn1eFnzRPyKSGjn93t62KwKK9GcGNkWGgC29DxM7zPYc20FwKvS2vZzHf3a08nOunM7_HkumQ3Cwf16afWLaPA9edqI8gFkOjOA-JJL_p1dLeGLaaaRWIt_ULg36gX3vVl58DGLbBVygrl_0mTFLqzheSe4VZy1JEmc60G256xBOR-nbmg/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-01%20at%2012.58.28%20PM.png" width="114" /></a></div> To “have an epiphany,” by definition, is to “have a manifestation” -- or striking indication of something dramatic. I heard a the story of a doctor who describes his career as a “series of epiphanies.” These striking indicators caused him to make specific changes in his life and career.</span></span><p></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #191919; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"> </span></span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #191919; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">The Bible tells of the Wise Men who had an epiphany about the Infant Jesus.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">The Shepherd’s in the fields, did as well.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">These dramatic indicators led them to change their set pattern of their normal routine, and ultimately the way they looked at life.</span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #191919; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As a quilter, I’m often amazed at how different a quilt can look when you change one shape, change colors or rearrange the pieces in a block. With each change, there is the potential to make a whole new quilt! The possibilities are endless—when you see it, it’s kind of like having an “epiphany!”</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This same principle can be applied to our lives. When we change a bad habit for a good one, we’ve changed a “shape.” When we change a sinful lifestyle to a Christian lifestyle, we’ve changed a “color.” When we fellowship with Christians instead of those who would lead us down a sinful road, we have “rearranged the pieces” in the block. The sum total of all these changes creates a “new person” in Christ.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We are told not to conform to the patterns of the world but to be transformed. This transformation may take time. With the “renewing of our minds” through reading God’s word, the transformation comes in each of us, just as the quilt changes when we change colors and rearrange pieces of the block. Our potential for possibilities becomes endless! </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As the new year dawns, many of us create “New Year’s Resolutions.” Often, however, our goals are so dramatic we learn almost instantly (sometimes it takes a whole week!) it’s not going to happen. We immediately reach for the leftover snacks from the holidays, (waste not, want not. Right?) or we realize getting up an hour earlier is impossible given our hectic schedule or even in our very specific business worlds huge, dynamic changes (like promising myself I’ll write 1,000 words on any specific project every day) are just impossible to find follow through. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The best way to make changes is a little at a time. It’s like eating a slice (or bite) of pie rather than eating the whole thing in one sitting! By creating a plan of “pieces” instead of “entirety” our goals are much easier to accomplish! Instead of dieting through starvation or eliminating all snacks we know we’re going to eat, choose to eat half. Instead of rising an hour early to exercise, arise only ten minutes early. Rather than promising to write 1,000 words on any given project every day, choose to reach 500 words. Each of these goals are much more manageable. We can then increase the increments as we adjust to our now “new normal.”</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As you reflect on the changes you might want to make in 2024, I encourage you to include an “Epiphany” in your spiritual life, recognizing God as the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe and ultimately your life. Choose to read three to five verses of scripture every morning. Choose to stop and pray for three to five minutes, and increase these (and others you choose) by a small increments over a period of time and allow your faith to grow. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Happy New Year, Everyone!</span></span></p><div><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>Margie J. Hardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16215461131671030223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693005068820130198.post-3692204404204313712023-12-25T13:01:00.000-08:002023-12-25T13:01:27.590-08:00My Favorite Christmas Gift<p style="font-family: Cambria; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniLvAt1vaC-lTYiDNDCr6gN7Ui2Rhb-VkAZfrWEiKbyAWB7sA47I0AEeeS8-0p0thpGXfiHiWZfW8wEEv4Sw3VdB57JmI6-hJbk1j3CRhd_g29cJbT3FJJalc7I75ARvlJxmw6nJoIXfmeLs0xrQstQuqWBrzY0tx0DDkoqt2AQUhFChxa1KC3_dZSg/s652/Nativity.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="652" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniLvAt1vaC-lTYiDNDCr6gN7Ui2Rhb-VkAZfrWEiKbyAWB7sA47I0AEeeS8-0p0thpGXfiHiWZfW8wEEv4Sw3VdB57JmI6-hJbk1j3CRhd_g29cJbT3FJJalc7I75ARvlJxmw6nJoIXfmeLs0xrQstQuqWBrzY0tx0DDkoqt2AQUhFChxa1KC3_dZSg/s320/Nativity.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Christmas is such a wondrous time of year. There is so much to do and prepare for, celebrations to attend and activities to participate in. Finally we reach the day when we are all sitting around the Christmas tree and get to open our gifts.</span></span><p></p><p style="font-family: Cambria; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Cambria; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I was at a Christmas celebration at a friend’s house and one of the activities included naming favorite Christmas gifts we’d received over the years. Some mentioned a grand material gift they’d received; while others were more non-material; more abstract gifts. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: Cambria; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Cambria; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>`Being with family’ was one gift which often was shared, as was grand children; or even the gift of a wonderful home church and friends. Children in the room mentioned a dog they’d received or a long awaited horse. Health made the list, as did the feelings of joy and peace.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Cambria; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Cambria; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>That first Christmas long ago makes me wonder what Mary might have listed as her favorite gift. Granted the celebration of Christmas hadn’t even yet been begun; but imagine what she would have considered her favorite gift the year after Jesus’ birth, or the second or third year later.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Cambria; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Cambria; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It must have been emotional for her to know that she carried God’s Son. In the song ‘Mary Did You Know’ there’s a line that says, “When you kissed your baby boy, you kissed the face of God”. That singular line can make me weep. Can you imagine the awe of cuddling her baby as she kissed his tiny head or cheek and looked into those baby eyes?</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Cambria; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Cambria; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As a mom, I remember when my children were tiny babes, being overwhelmed with love as I looked into their tiny faces. And when they smiled at me, I melted. Can you see Mary’s heart doing cartwheels as Jesus looked at her and smiled? Consider the gifts Mary must have been grateful for. She was given the gift of raising Jesus on this Earth. What a responsibility, as all parents have, but what an exclusive, exquisite joy--this was God's Son! </span></span></p><p style="font-family: Cambria; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> As I reflect on this Christmas, I am in awe of the gift God gave us in the Messiah, Baby Jesus in the manger. We were given the gift of Salvation through him and then he was the gift of Sacrifice only 33 years later on the cross, for each one of us. This truly is the greatest gift of all.</span></span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> Jesus is the reason for the season!</span></span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span> Merry Christmas, everyone! </span> </span></span></span></p><div><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>Margie J. Hardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16215461131671030223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693005068820130198.post-3596258027024421992023-12-18T18:34:00.000-08:002023-12-18T18:34:29.620-08:00A Meaningful Life<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: Calibri; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGaMeuven6eFzeuDR4PYIwu-nlfHjjlKLtQAhlW6bzlSG7qjrfQmDpPwwTA0Y-lF3vH-iHQMbFsCaQL7QZM1MQnqG1uWO7lu0XHy9QpDiGwFrz00npo9s8BM9Dpb0_dqyOET18fphRZ618RiVNZKBhiV8xe2YcpWomuM7sZSR7E9f4K-hS_A5Ldz9dAA/s574/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-18%20at%201.58.03%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="574" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGaMeuven6eFzeuDR4PYIwu-nlfHjjlKLtQAhlW6bzlSG7qjrfQmDpPwwTA0Y-lF3vH-iHQMbFsCaQL7QZM1MQnqG1uWO7lu0XHy9QpDiGwFrz00npo9s8BM9Dpb0_dqyOET18fphRZ618RiVNZKBhiV8xe2YcpWomuM7sZSR7E9f4K-hS_A5Ldz9dAA/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-18%20at%201.58.03%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I read a story about a little girl whose parents were alcoholics and right after she turned three years old, she was taken, for her safety and put in an orphanage. About a year later, she and her little brother who was also there, were adopted by a Christian couple who made sure they had an education, were introduced to Jesus and grew into the faith.</span></span></span><p></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Stories like this happen often in our world. It’s sad when a child is born into an environment so unhealthy. It’s equally sad when a couple want children so badly but are unable to have them naturally. What a gift, on both sides when an adoption can be made.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We sometimes have no control over our circumstances. Life happens and we must change course in an instant. It can be the loss of a loved one, a freak accident that leaves us disabled, financial ruin, a weather related disaster and these are only a few! We live in a fallen world and ‘stuff happens.’</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The little girl I mentioned in the beginning, has little memory of her biological parents, but appreciates and adores her adoptive ones. She felt a little like Biblical Joseph because he was ‘adopted’ by the Pharaoh after a time and God used him in amazing ways. She has now started college and wants to honor God with her life so she can glorify God and His Kingdom, even though currently, she isn’t sure how this will be defined.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It’s hard to wait for God to fulfill His purpose for us. Joseph waited 13 years before the promise he was given by God was fulfilled; Abraham waited 25 years after God’s promise of a son; and Isaac had to wait 20 years before he had children! David waited many years before he became king. And there are others who also had to wait on God’s timing. As I write this, I am stricken with guilt because I am impatient for things to happen after only a few years!</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We all have a purpose. Sometimes we struggle to determine what that is. We get impatient for answers, while our expectations run all over the place. We give up and say, ‘I have no purpose!’ ‘There is nothing I do well’! It isn’t always about doing something grand, but ‘blooming right where we are.’ As Believers our lives are a testimony. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Your life may be impacting someone on a daily basis, just because of how you live. Your journey then, can be helpful —or detrimental— to the faith, depending on your walk with God. There’s a song with the lyrics something like ‘your walk talk is as important as your talk talk’. There is so much truth in that!<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My mind drifts to the Jesus. Many generations waited for the Messiah. Waiting is hard, but there is always a purpose. Jesus came to set the world free, yet many who were alive at the time, totally missed it. They had other expectations. The last thing they expected was a tiny baby. They wanted a grand warrior who would up-end their political scene at the time. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There are those who still miss the Messiah. We are getting ready to celebrate Christmas; the birth of the Christ Child. His walk on earth was real, steady, truthful, pure, sinless, and life changing.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Our lives should mirror that of Jesus! We are human, and will make mistakes and are not sin free. While Jesus was human, he was still all God! His life made a daily difference. Our life purpose needs to be, to the best of our Christian ability, life changing to those around us.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Photo Credit: </span></span>https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/messiah-in-the-manger</p>Margie J. Hardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16215461131671030223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693005068820130198.post-85447009716723559152023-12-04T12:04:00.000-08:002023-12-04T12:04:25.541-08:00Singing About the Greatest Gift of All<p style="color: #10131a; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #10131a; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #10131a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> </span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYlqK0TKnWW4hKsK7oDAnaPxf_dy0DBsRrZVLfSByp1bFI44tR2emT1rlZEUnKt2fiDgiCM3cqSWhEsAoGp572MdyABxui3zlyhCX8DVtkAPmVJ4RTOq9tZ-Oj7LQwFX7I1_3q9RUnaPOnl_Q3bXlRkyhSaHtfiMgLLrdgPEpKMJbZKP8tkR5kYq9OA/s1128/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-02%20at%201.54.01%20PM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="704" data-original-width="1128" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYlqK0TKnWW4hKsK7oDAnaPxf_dy0DBsRrZVLfSByp1bFI44tR2emT1rlZEUnKt2fiDgiCM3cqSWhEsAoGp572MdyABxui3zlyhCX8DVtkAPmVJ4RTOq9tZ-Oj7LQwFX7I1_3q9RUnaPOnl_Q3bXlRkyhSaHtfiMgLLrdgPEpKMJbZKP8tkR5kYq9OA/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-02%20at%201.54.01%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div> I love worship! Now when I say that, understand I honestly enjoy the entire service. It really is about worship—-in all it’s forms. There is music, the sermon and prayer; and in some services there is more.<p></p><p style="color: #10131a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #10131a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Prayer time is amazing because the pastor very eloquently says a prayer which covers the congregation, lifts up prayer requests and more, all with a thankful heart. While he is praying I can remain quiet, listen and choose to agree with his words and in silence add my own thoughts.</span></p><p style="color: #10131a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #10131a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When the sermon begins I pull out my journal, pen, and have my Bible open so I can read along and take lots of notes. When I think about the words on those pages as ‘God’s Love Letters' to ME, I can get overwhelmed. I love learning what those words are saying in the big scope of things through the voice of the pastor’s interpretation, from what God has told him to share; but also what He is saying to me! </span></p><p style="color: #10131a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #10131a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Now all that said, there is something about the music that reaches the depths of my soul. I love it when the entire congregation sings and sounds like they believe the words they are saying. For me when you sing the words of those beautiful songs, you are communing with God. It truly is my favorite time in the service.</span></p><p style="color: #10131a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #10131a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I admit the music is changing and while Contemporary Christian music usually has amazing lyrics; often with words right from scripture, I’m more of a Southern Gospel kind of gal and miss the traditional songs which have been sung for many decades. (But that’s for another blog!)</span></p><p style="color: #10131a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #10131a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When it comes to Christmas music, I bubble over with an excited joy which is hard to describe! I love this celebratory music which describes the birth of our Lord. I never tire of it. I could listen to it year ‘round and have been guilty of putting my Christmas music on in the middle of summer. I enjoy it so much, I’ve told my family at my funeral (weird right) I want at least one Christmas song to be sung by the congregation. I’m not positive which one, but currently I’m leaning toward Joy To The World! </span></p><p style="color: #10131a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #10131a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This music fills my heart with such joy and anticipation, while incorporating the traditions of generations, the Biblical story of Christ’s birth and celebratory awareness of the season.</span></p><p style="color: #10131a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="color: #10131a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What seems sad to me, however, is how few Christmas songs we sing! I smile as I write that because I know there is more to worship than the music. But tell me how you feel when a chorus of multigenerational voices come together, in a variety of harmonies and sing with great gusto about the greatest gift we could ever receive! The world received Jesus over 2000 years ago. He is life giving and life changing and that is absolutely worth signing about! </span></p><p style="color: #10131a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="color: #10131a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #10131a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">#Worship #WorshipSongs #Sing #ChristmasMusic #ChristmasCarols #ChristmasSongs</span></p><p style="color: #10131a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #10131a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Photo Credit: </span><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=picture+of+christmas+music&client=safari&sca_esv=587322845&channel=iphone_bm&sxsrf=AM9HkKnpAzpDekLl1iCvCc76wvWSzlmDQA%3A1701543089958&source=hp&ei=sXxrZfSPONPU5NoPn5KlsAE&iflsig=AO6bgOgAAAAAZWuKwW3f5Hz1SGBvjO2sTL7Do_b5Eijw&ved=0ahUKEwi0rMf7tfGCAxVTKlkFHR9JCRYQ4dUDCAs&uact=5&oq=picture+of+christmas+music&gs_lp=Egdnd3Mtd2l6IhpwaWN0dXJlIG9mIGNocmlzdG1hcyBtdXNpYzIGEAAYFhgeSJdIUABY_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&sclient=gws-wiz#vhid=OE3iD8BZ4Xb6bM&vssid=l">picture of christmas music</a> </p><div><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>Margie J. Hardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16215461131671030223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693005068820130198.post-84059521274526651872023-11-27T16:27:00.000-08:002023-11-27T16:27:45.648-08:00It's All About The Season<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__1iiUXoKkYRHPk-qpcgcSZPloNHryXl1Z4DAoADqnstGQBzE0_vM4D-mXKE0wtRU91LS8DIVXPbM_p1sXhUkmMmDQqxdsd3cGsoxxhFiOqP0UOPh6-dUusRMKehh3X2rNBS5-zN5nM2kHX_pcVylZyAqLk6Ded5cE1ypGXjZNoUO2k87hb6KlzeLQQ/s734/Cl.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="734" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__1iiUXoKkYRHPk-qpcgcSZPloNHryXl1Z4DAoADqnstGQBzE0_vM4D-mXKE0wtRU91LS8DIVXPbM_p1sXhUkmMmDQqxdsd3cGsoxxhFiOqP0UOPh6-dUusRMKehh3X2rNBS5-zN5nM2kHX_pcVylZyAqLk6Ded5cE1ypGXjZNoUO2k87hb6KlzeLQQ/s320/Cl.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> Seasons reverberate around us all the time and we barely recognize most of them, or take the time to even think about the season we've either gone through or are coming out of! Certainly most of us realize we are in the beginning of the ‘Christmas season,’ although there are those who will say it started weeks (months?) ago.</span><p></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We are also officially heading into the ‘winter season’ (perhaps not so much depending on your geography!) —But, none the less, there are subtle changes even if not dramatic. With the Thanksgiving holiday over, and changing weather patterns, regardless of where you live, you can tell 'change' is in the air. (Sometimes it has more to do with travelers from one area of the country to another!) </span></span></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We know in a few months changes will happen again as spring brings newness to the earth where winter has put it to sleep; then summer arrives, followed by fall, then winter and the cycle repeats itself.</span></span></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As adults we often relate to ‘seasons’ through our ‘life markers’. We were children first in elementary school, then middle and finally we reach high school graduation! We’ve learned to drive and have a job. Many of us go to college, have sweethearts and marry. Eventually we have children and then they follow the same cycle we did before them.</span></span></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As we get older, we discover we are in the ‘season’ of grand-parenting! We reached retirement and perhaps a slower pace of living and even find time for travel until our health changes our plans.</span></span></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>All of these ‘changes’ are seasons we seldom realize we’ve moved into since many are subtle and, expected changes; just like the weather seasons. Anything different seems out of place.</span></span></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How do all these seasons fit into our spiritual life? Perhaps the better question would be how have we fit our spiritual life into all of the different seasons? We get so caught up in the movement of life (often at a frantic pace) we tend to put our relationship with Christ on the shelf. There just isn’t time to fit everything in!</span></span></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As young people we strive to ‘fit in’ with our peers. We don’t always talk about our faith because the last thing we want is to have a friend think we’re ‘weird’ because we believe in someone called Jesus! </span></span></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span>As teenagers our world is all about ‘us’ as we attempt to discover who we are and what we want out of life. Once we are married and have a family of our own, we are busy with jobs, being a ‘taxi’ for all the events our kids are involved in; we’re caught up in trying to be the best parent on the block, while trying to keep up the status we are expected to carry in our neighborhoods or at work and sometimes even in our church!</span></span></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>All these elements end up being a distraction and we back off from what once might have been important—way back when we were young— our spiritual life. </span></span></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We end up feeling empty and lost, and searching; even sometimes for something we can’t define. In desperation we remember that person called Jesus. We cry out and rekindle that relationship we’d almost forgotten about. Ever so slowly we find ourselves in the final season of life; nearing death.</span></span></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The last thing we want is to be nearing our last breath and wondering when and how we veered off the right path! How’d that happen? Where did time go? What choices did I totally mess up, or miss? Was I the servant God called me to be, or just a shadow of what could have been? </span></span></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> In w</span>hat season do you find yourself? Is this Christmas season filled with the hope, joy and love of Christ, or are you a little off course? There’s no time like the present to again remember that unique person we know as Jesus. He really is 'the reason for <i>this </i>season'!</span></span></p>Margie J. Hardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16215461131671030223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693005068820130198.post-87322955809983111192023-11-20T16:26:00.000-08:002023-11-20T16:26:26.431-08:00Happy Thanksgiving<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbg7I7ToYq4MyKxis1JYerPCWBhDqthslxfnlx-yXY6uKHyPqKt2xhZjAfXwGBxBEQSvheZHn34ZD6IAKzerCy81XUwSLet_ZUUuak6LFLuH93ljjrxjpREMVZoHGNEdqb55CE5qbM24k_LtNpZpnHlsvU79TkKx-LrRPIav81jMSW6PX-S7v2IxR73g/s474/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-17%20at%201.22.04%20PM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbg7I7ToYq4MyKxis1JYerPCWBhDqthslxfnlx-yXY6uKHyPqKt2xhZjAfXwGBxBEQSvheZHn34ZD6IAKzerCy81XUwSLet_ZUUuak6LFLuH93ljjrxjpREMVZoHGNEdqb55CE5qbM24k_LtNpZpnHlsvU79TkKx-LrRPIav81jMSW6PX-S7v2IxR73g/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-17%20at%201.22.04%20PM.png" width="308" /></a></div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“I remember Thanksgiving Day from my youth,” said a friend one day. “It was such an amazing time of relaxing and sharing. My aunts, uncles and cousins, along with Mom and Dad and my siblings would all gather over at my grandmother’s house where we shared an incredible meal of turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans and beets or some other vegetable, cranberry sauce, fresh bread and lemonade or tea to drink. <p></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“The adults sat around and caught up on all the family news while the kids played games or even football if the weather was agreeable. Sometimes someone would pull out a checker board or even monopoly or chess. It was really entertaining watching the teen boys trying to figure out who would do what in that particular game. They’d end up playing the winner and the competition could go on for hours. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“The teen girls and my aunts would all help in the kitchen until the meal was done. Of course every one brought something to share even with all the “fixin’s” Grandma would fix. And then the dessert! Oh my goodness! There were pies of every description, brownies, cookies, and there were even times we actually made homemade ice cream. It made for a long day, but it was awesome!</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“We don’t do that anymore,” she lamented. “And what’s sad is as an adult with children and grandchildren of my own, I’m not seeing that tradition continued. Oh sure, those who live close come to eat, but not until most of the meal is finished. The kids, instead of playing with each other watch TV, and then there is football. It’s all changed. After dinner and the kitchen is cleaned up, we share dessert and then everyone goes home. The house is left empty and sad.”</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I related to my friend’s story. My own children are spread across the United States. It’s difficult getting all of them together in one place for any holiday! So I am especially thankful I have one of my five children and four of my seventeen grandchildren close to share Thanksgiving. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Early in the day the grandchildren come in to watch the parade on TV while their momma and I work on dinner. My husband and son-in-law are usually outside doing “guy” stuff, while waiting for football to come on after the parade. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When we gather around the table, we hold hands to say grace, and with thankful hearts ask for blessing on the food, and for those who are with us only in our hearts. We, like my friend lament the missing siblings and families, but are thankful they remain part of our lives, even though many miles separate us. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We recall times at the Thanksgiving dinner table of when they were small, sharing some silly stories and some serious. We are thankful for first responders, like our son-in-law who protects us as a police officer and for all those within our family, both immediate and distant who, by design, are part of our family. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We are also thankful for all those people who have touched our lives, whether directly or indirectly and caused a smile. We are thankful for our church family and a country where we can worship and teach our children respect, morals and the meaning of love, life and family. We are so very blessed!</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I am thankful for YOU! I am grateful you choose to read my words and make my work worthwhile. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">#HappyThanksgiving #ThankfulHeart #Blessed #Blessings #TurkeyDinner #Family #memories</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Photo Credit: </span><a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/search/2/image?phrase=thanksgiving" style="font-size: 12px;"> https://www.istockphoto.com/search/2/image?phrase=thanksgiving</a></p>Margie J. Hardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16215461131671030223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693005068820130198.post-4044426056905891502023-11-13T17:12:00.000-08:002023-11-13T17:12:30.186-08:00Be Thankful<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-j_0aa12Xbwmnrf0wzzBHPH_WymhOREo5ZwlFKGUk-dU-6vSBFWlIQS5VsxbsreEN9RX1vWwkao_lmHwd6u7v3onEH1JLfCWvDe-3gpM8g_O4UEBO_riILo3N8PsUd2cxlHhJMsKXV8nC0QgfDZvhnh-qhlOCs19XrM6EF22NZd6igX8whOuuG_VV0g/s930/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-09%20at%203.32.06%20PM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="930" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-j_0aa12Xbwmnrf0wzzBHPH_WymhOREo5ZwlFKGUk-dU-6vSBFWlIQS5VsxbsreEN9RX1vWwkao_lmHwd6u7v3onEH1JLfCWvDe-3gpM8g_O4UEBO_riILo3N8PsUd2cxlHhJMsKXV8nC0QgfDZvhnh-qhlOCs19XrM6EF22NZd6igX8whOuuG_VV0g/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-09%20at%203.32.06%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It seems everyone can lay claim to “the most dysfunctional family!” Mine is no different. But I love the description of one friend’s family, as she in good humor, breaks it down. </span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> “It seems Dad was married before he went into the war and they’d had a baby, but somewhere along the way, he met my mom and they had a child and eventually married after dad divorced his first wife. They had issues all through their marriage and finally divorced. My dad went “hippie” for a while and had several “relationships” and my mom married one of his brothers, but that marriage didn’t last either; and somewhere along the line my dad and his first wife got back together, but that only lasted a while too. I’m not sure how my siblings and I turned out alright, but I sure am thankful!” she adds laughing.</span><p></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Another friend tells the story of being deep within a family of alcoholics. She recalls putting her mother to bed while she was in a total stupor. She says most of her family is gone now, but will tell you she misses them, despite the abuse that occurred during her young life. She still has her mom who gave up alcohol after a long struggle and shares a good relationship with her. For this, she is thankful.</span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> Obesity is the focal point of a </span>story for another flawed family. It seemed everyone in the family struggled with weight. Even the toddlers were heavy. High fat and carb meals were dominant three times a day. Food was used for comfort, or when they were sad, happy, tired or celebrating. Food had become the most important part of their world. This family experienced sadness, depression and had its own kind of dysfunctionality. And then one member made a decision. She would stop the cycle-- and through a two- year journey began making wise food decisions. It changed not only her life, but those of her family. For this she is thankful.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> Disability is the center of a story revolving around another family</span>. Yet, when I read her story, I was in awe. She was grateful for her disability, because it changed her perspective! She believes she is a better person and has a stronger faith because of the ‘suffering’ that comes with having a disability! She is thankful for her disability!</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What I find interesting is despite the dysfunctionality of any family, life goes on! Lives can be depressing, horror filled, diseased, pained from bad decisions and circumstances. But ultimately decisions can be made that are right and good, giving reason to be thankful.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We also have a church family, which also can (and often is) flawed. This family binds us together in spiritual beliefs which helps keep us grounded, accountable, and striving to be more like Christ. It is in this place where our faith wraps around us in the form of family all united through God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> <span> </span></span>Even though we have our biological family, this is family where we often turn to when we are sad and lonely, happy and glad, questioning our steps, wondering what the world holds next and so many other questions directly related to our Biblical beliefs. <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Consider all the 'families' of which you are a part. There is your biological family, church family, work family, neighborhood, community, sports families, national parties, special interest parties, and so many others. Can you see the differences and still see the good? This is reason to be thankful! </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> <span> </span>Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! I hope you are thankful and blessed!</span><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">#Thankful #Thanksgiving #BlessedAndThankful #Disability #Struggles #BeThankful</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px;">Photo Credit: https://www.dreamstime.com/photos-images/thankful.html </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p></div></div>Margie J. Hardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16215461131671030223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693005068820130198.post-28693451735206791372023-11-06T13:20:00.003-08:002023-11-06T13:20:20.498-08:00Making Of A Hero<p style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjoGlGpbahPfCeiMSCxeHluPLZh7OcDNivYJt6VYZS0mfzNJLw9M0sEEM21qhKZcwXGGmwe3fUGWci1H7LewT4F9q3O-rq6ghmehzYA2GoCCDB8Gr52JPSIk6vvFXuNZAIPM3hJRJ3oqrI7NawQ92JWCDylAcc56CczJQA_71jxN2jtGZBLtMCQpP0Q/s524/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-04%20at%2012.10.17%20PM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="524" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjoGlGpbahPfCeiMSCxeHluPLZh7OcDNivYJt6VYZS0mfzNJLw9M0sEEM21qhKZcwXGGmwe3fUGWci1H7LewT4F9q3O-rq6ghmehzYA2GoCCDB8Gr52JPSIk6vvFXuNZAIPM3hJRJ3oqrI7NawQ92JWCDylAcc56CczJQA_71jxN2jtGZBLtMCQpP0Q/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-04%20at%2012.10.17%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Heroes come in all shapes in sizes. We are fast approaching Veteran’s Day. On this day we pay tribute to service men and women in all branches of the military for their dedication, commitment, loyalty and sacrifice to protect the freedoms we enjoy and often take for granted in this country. The cost of their sacrifice often includes emotional or physical distress. Sometimes it costed a person’s life, the biggest sacrifice of all.</span><p></p><p style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What makes a hero? When I hear the word ‘hero’, besides our military, I can’t help but think of the 9/11 attacks. Much was said about those firefighters and emergency personnel who honestly did heroic acts. They worked tirelessly and selflessly to save as many victims as possible that horrible disaster. And as brave and courageous as all these men were, the truth is our firefighters, police and military personnel do this day in and day out and hardly is any recognition given.</span></span></p><p style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jesus is rarely described as a hero. Yet wouldn’t He exemplify the word to the greatest degree?! Jesus was a man who went against what was traditionally taught and against the greatest evils of this world. He went so far as to defy death with His resurrection. What mere man can make that claim? He set the stage for the opportunity of change in the right direction.</span></span></p><p style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>So the question bears asking. Can anyone be a hero? It is said happiness is staying focused on your mission, not your results. We can be happy when we are humble, gentle, and patient. When you add goodness, knowledge, self control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love while thinking about what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy, we have the perfect recipe for happiness! </span></span></p><p style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When we feel good about who we are because we are focused on the task before us, even if it seems dangerous to any observers, we can be heroic, even if others do not view it in the same light. </span></span></p><p style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sometimes the task before us is to grow spiritually. That requires the dedication of a hero, as well! It takes faithful determination to search the scriptures with diligence while staying focused on the message. It is here you will find peace….. not in what other people think about you!</span></span></p><p style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><b></b></span><br /></span></p><p style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Are you a hero? Do you give selflessly to help someone in need? Could you be defined as a hero in your prayer life? Are you dedicated to lifting others in prayer? Perhaps you are a hero to someone who needs meals delivered on a regular basis, or are you someone who is willing to sit and read to an elderly or homebound person? Are you a hero because you fixed someone’s car, or cleaned their house or raked leaves? </span></span></p><p style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Heroes are defined subjectively totally depending on how important your aid is to another person. It may seem a small act of kindness on your part, but to the recipient, it’s huge and important. And yes, ----YOU could totally be considered a hero to someone who is grateful for what you do for them. </span></span></p><p style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=579468707&channel=iphone_bm&sxsrf=AM9HkKnicBlXexW5umdHcMRO-WznwGYzvA:1699114182645&q=free+pics+of+veterans+day&tbm=isch&source=univ&fir=HQvQKX5-zyB9fM%252CQ9Zu8DW0-lvjyM%252C_%253BGjXU4jwUV12knM%252CgNL9EBX-JFVNaM%252C_%253BPHFhe5nx8GY1nM%252CT5E63K0EuFthEM%252C_%253BYps6iiG4NFZM_M%252CTt2ShyfMVvysaM%252C_%253B3oiHKP67n_w55M%252CDst_vc2eN_-KFM%252C_%253BtkN7MROzAsXdBM%252C11s4KRm-axyc0M%252C_%253Bw3RVfVEMqq1sqM%252CPPHRPNSmBpM--M%252C_%253BJpzXkzuLQZ6KGM%252C0lWsJT2UyLaKUM%252C_%253BdbwrduFbukAE0M%252CbkknoOPo6iBBIM%252C_%253B1pV0NQ2UrcoD_M%252CQxJzmtnjmAxwZM%252C_%253BUu5zLeIOvvh8NM%252CNC0Z0lpq_BqKjM%252C_%253BsqcmQA--nQ0HVM%252CAKhGq8C1EQqWvM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kQrfV1-ShfR0KNQ-1X8vZoNC2mCNQ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwis_KfK3aqCAxWKEGIAHQCmB-0QjJkEegQIGRAC&biw=1437&bih=751&dpr=2#imgrc=sqcmQA--nQ0HVM">free pics of veterans day</a></p>Margie J. Hardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16215461131671030223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693005068820130198.post-28659003965563239712023-10-30T16:06:00.001-07:002023-10-30T16:06:55.846-07:00From Darkness To Light<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7.5px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyPEzNeqBmBGJAFEX_LXMQfRBQUBT0EXyqFozBQTCyhUwZeU4Uw4rKLRu6K9NboCqM_E43HrXBhcfav5W8h2eqv49eTOLAzVfC_v_LwrwYjnZhufvpM17FOtyqIzPAK_ynR5J-9faQKbrXvnYvpwxXpxCiVJRP1k5lqfuI-fFUqKW5kwwQx861MHCoA/s2448/IMG_0437.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyPEzNeqBmBGJAFEX_LXMQfRBQUBT0EXyqFozBQTCyhUwZeU4Uw4rKLRu6K9NboCqM_E43HrXBhcfav5W8h2eqv49eTOLAzVfC_v_LwrwYjnZhufvpM17FOtyqIzPAK_ynR5J-9faQKbrXvnYvpwxXpxCiVJRP1k5lqfuI-fFUqKW5kwwQx861MHCoA/s320/IMG_0437.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> A friend tells about his experience of cancer treatments including chemo, a bone marrow transplant, and months in the hospital. He said, not only was his body exhausted, but also his mind and soul. His world was void of any kind of sunshine or connection. He was done. In his despair and loneliness, like many of us do, he called on the Lord, asking for ‘something, anything’ to lift his spirit. He wanted out of the dark world in which he’d seemed to have fallen.</span><p></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7.5px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>To match the darkness in his soul, rain was falling outside. Yet, as the rain fell, looking out the windows, he noticed how the drops were splashing and tiny bits of light reflected and caused sparkling into many colors against the fallen leaves. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7.5px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span>The thunder that rolled above him surprisingly seemed to sound like music in perfect rhythm. He could feel his mood lifting as he reflected on the Psalm he had read earlier in the day! Instead of drowning in darkness, he was now experiencing a joy he couldn’t have imagined possible even hours before.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7.5px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My friend isn’t alone in his perception of darkness and loneliness, when trials of many kinds, alter our world. Everyone has issues. Sometimes it’s medical, like my friend. But it can be financial worries, relationship upheavals, death or divorce, an accident we are never prepared for, and even the turmoil of trying to keep our spiritual life on the right track as Satan attacks us on every turn.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7.5px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We wake up and even before we begin our day, we are discouraged and defeated. We’ve given up before our feet even hit the floor. When times are hard we often lose the ability to focus on anything that is good. We can’t seem to see beyond the pain we are experiencing even though our head knows that our Creator remains steadfast. We stumble on the road blocks Satan puts in our path blurring the Divine Light God is shining.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7.5px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When we look for it, however, we often find reason to smile, in spite of ourselves! God knows where we are and the circumstances which have put us in darkness. It’s really about perspective. When we allow the Holy Spirit to reign over the darkness enveloping us, we see a glimmer of light. As we process the Light, God can alter our thought processes and change the darkness into something welcoming, safe and much closer to His perspective.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7.5px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sometimes perspective comes from another Believer. Other times it’s from reading His Word and placing ourselves in a state of prayer, in communion with The Father. Other times it might come from the voice or hug from a child; or even breathing in God’s coloring book in the form of a wondrous picture of nature. As our hearts and minds are changed with the ‘hug’ from God in whatever form it comes, we can feel our world of loneliness, darkness and sadness lifting into a place we hadn’t expected. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7.5px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If you are facing a dark, difficult time, I pray you will reach out and accept the ‘hug’ God sends in His unique way. When accepting his love, may you be refreshed in his Divine Light.</span></span></p>Margie J. Hardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16215461131671030223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693005068820130198.post-77067352921043672672023-10-24T05:41:00.000-07:002023-10-24T05:41:29.752-07:00Behind The Costume<p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaxwmwRFwlU427fMvPP1qTO5ApPvPAF1d9GDf746yTwesbTBuqJrnHSlOh9HuT7AMUXtGLTB2IYqxNSIm1yDlj2FJAbQefihJInSFhMYf2qDwIXYQBssuGMdPaLPtxCR7XctJmW06A8ejrCZcdck9NU3PbdJE6nARByFSjH_9V3bU_ap0v8_0zje5Fg/s678/Screen%20Shot%202023-10-21%20at%209.08.24%20PM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="678" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaxwmwRFwlU427fMvPP1qTO5ApPvPAF1d9GDf746yTwesbTBuqJrnHSlOh9HuT7AMUXtGLTB2IYqxNSIm1yDlj2FJAbQefihJInSFhMYf2qDwIXYQBssuGMdPaLPtxCR7XctJmW06A8ejrCZcdck9NU3PbdJE6nARByFSjH_9V3bU_ap0v8_0zje5Fg/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-10-21%20at%209.08.24%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Halloween seems to be a holiday people either love or hate. I enjoy the silliness or cute side of it, but am never happy with the horror side. It’s just not my personality. <div><br /><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I remember trick or treating only once when I was a child, in third grade. We didn’t have ‘real’ costumes, so my sister and I wore a paper sack on our heads. I don’t remember much else; not even eating the ‘treats’. </span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As time passed and my own family grew, my husband and I did have costumes for our children and even went ‘trick or treating’ on occasion, even though neither of us were big fans. The school parades with all the children dressed in their costumes, as well as the adults, always seemed harmless and even fun.</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My belief system has always been pretty strong, but as I’ve grown and matured as a Christian, I can see my views being altered, as I continue to study the Word and learn scripture. </span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I recently came across an article which caused me pause, regarding Halloween. I think I always knew it began as a pagan holiday, but never thought much about it, although I’ve always hated the ideas of witches, warlocks, spells and anything ‘horror’. These feelings have been further compounded as Halloween has become more and more dark as the ‘horror side’ of the holiday is gripping tighter as dark music, movies, costumes and even harmful events seem to be escalating every year.</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The article however, in summary, suggested that participating in Halloween gives Satan complete delight because he sees this as an opportunity. According to a former Satanist, parents (and the adults who also dress up) are allowing their children at least one night of celebrating Satan the the Satanic world. I was totally flabbergasted—and terrified. Never had I ever considered such a thought. As a Believer I can’t help wonder if he’s right! </span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We offer, as Christians, an alternative to ‘trick or treating’ with ‘trunk or treat’. The concept seems right enough. It takes children off the streets and potentially ‘scary’ neighborhoods and places them and their families within the protected borders of those who have faith in Jesus. This also provides the opportunity to invite them to church and offer Christian material.</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>But it makes me wonder. Are we sending mixed messages? Are we saying it’s okay to partake of the ‘dark world’ as long as we ‘partake' in the right environment? I don’t know. Perhaps none of this makes sense. Perhaps you even think I may be over reacting. Maybe I am.</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I reached for the Bible to find answers. I found a few verses which helped me, and may or may not help you. Please understand, I’m not here to judge your participation or feelings on Halloween. I just wondered about mine.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #18191b;"> </span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #18191b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #18191b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #18191b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. <b> </b>For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:11-12</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #18191b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">.... the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons. 1 Corinthians 10:20-21</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1f1f1f; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br />
There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. Deuteronomy 18:10-12</span></p></div>Margie J. Hardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16215461131671030223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693005068820130198.post-56050206387035097662023-10-16T14:07:00.002-07:002023-10-16T14:07:57.631-07:00God's Surprises<p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-size: 13px; white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijqm04p8IR8BsDkdlsjrjSAqq5sBP8boCjzg33KcxQiDdp7zxvChoH4C_d7n3b-h8cIs0RFveZcbEDueZ-YG07ah2S15_3WqgdUeFa-zkAhAES8LiD7Xi4b65b9t_00FY8cTbWDHgJT5h7WBdUBwDzgZ591BeOTbT9dZL01qe8Wd3C71JEVMwUrhPww/s3058/TN%20Fall%202013%20066.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2009" data-original-width="3058" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijqm04p8IR8BsDkdlsjrjSAqq5sBP8boCjzg33KcxQiDdp7zxvChoH4C_d7n3b-h8cIs0RFveZcbEDueZ-YG07ah2S15_3WqgdUeFa-zkAhAES8LiD7Xi4b65b9t_00FY8cTbWDHgJT5h7WBdUBwDzgZ591BeOTbT9dZL01qe8Wd3C71JEVMwUrhPww/s320/TN%20Fall%202013%20066.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>My all time favorite movie is, “Facing The Giants.” There’s a scene in the movie that discusses two farmers ‘preparing fields.’ Then the question is asked of the two farmers ‘Which field will God more likely bless?’ —the answer is ‘The one who readies his field.’<p></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There are so many ways we prepare our field. As a gardener, it’s obvious if I expect food in my garden, then I need to plant seeds, water them and remove the weeds. But what happens when deer come along and eat everything I’ve planted; or we have so much rain right after planting, all the seeds are washed away, or the opposite: we experience no rain and have drought. Or perhaps a violent storm comes through after the crop is nearly ready for harvest and everything is destroyed?</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Stuff happens all the time. It’s the way of nature; the way of life. Does this mean we should give up and not try? I believe God expects us to try and trust him for the results! God promises to take care of those who are faithful. Sometimes this comes in surprising ways.</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We may lose all our food in our garden, but neighbors, family or strangers will provide what we need—-or those crops we thought sure were lost, will reseed and produce food just a while later than we expected! Or the Lord will provide money or other creative means to see to our needs.</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I think we forget that God is creative. Consider all the imagination he used creating this great Universe! If God can figure that out in ways Scientists still find a mystery, then why is it so hard for us to expect God to supply what we need in an unorthodox way? </span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sometimes we forget or assume that God doesn’t really care about all our needs and therefore don’t bother to take our problems to him unless they’re the great big ones.—-You know—— a surgery, loss of a job, serious illness, natural disaster or other catastrophic event well out of our hands. </span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He cares about the ‘small stuff’ too. In fact I’d go so far as to say, he cares about every facet of our lives. And while he knows everything that’s going to happen, he wants communication from us; just the way we want communication from a spouse or a child, friend or neighbor! And I believe he wants us to do our part with the gifts and abilities he’s given us to prepare ‘our field’ while we wait. </span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And we need to praise him and thank him for what he’s already done, as well as, whatever it is he is going to do. And that doesn’t mean things are going to work out just the way we planned. God uses circumstances to teach, disciple, discipline, witness, and more. It’s in these ‘unsteady’ times we need to be ‘more steady’ with Him!</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It’s Fall and the colors that arise from the leaves turning a vibrant red, lemon yellow, pumpkin orange and all colors in between can be startling, and beautiful! Even in my expectation, I’m always surprised and filled with joy at the color! </span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This same thought process can be applied to our lives. God brings color and other surprises to our lives sometimes when we expect; and sometimes when we don’t. He is in control and knows just what we need and when we need it!</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I serve a Creative God! I love God’s surprises. What surprises will you see today?</span></p>Margie J. Hardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16215461131671030223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693005068820130198.post-67285634191005170762023-10-09T19:17:00.002-07:002023-10-09T19:17:56.137-07:00Childlike Faith<p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisXlHTdK0dybUn3wsNOKezdivtF0spIRe1Dx4ezhVV0XCmM9oXNwCXk3Vku9Ml33Vvvxp2a0ooJNfRoOLx1SJTl7Vj_v2pe3sLCsAlmMkWU4tkAXpThWVd9uePLSUP3oNRrVnGEKr2AiIa-jaql7eSnW2S-c5gtmNHbUhrsLxv1qog8OMnsXVR8Yc9A/s558/Screen%20Shot%202023-10-06%20at%2011.32.05%20AM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="390" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisXlHTdK0dybUn3wsNOKezdivtF0spIRe1Dx4ezhVV0XCmM9oXNwCXk3Vku9Ml33Vvvxp2a0ooJNfRoOLx1SJTl7Vj_v2pe3sLCsAlmMkWU4tkAXpThWVd9uePLSUP3oNRrVnGEKr2AiIa-jaql7eSnW2S-c5gtmNHbUhrsLxv1qog8OMnsXVR8Yc9A/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-10-06%20at%2011.32.05%20AM.png" width="224" /></a></span></div><span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> A Pastor friend of mine tells the story of the time his son and he were playing outdoors with a frisbee. It was just dusk and the frisbee landed on the rooftop of the house. Pulling a ladder from the garage and armed with a broom, the effort began to retrieve the frisbee. As darkness fell, all hope seemed lost for the night, as the broom was about six inches short of reaching the frisbee. </span></span></span><p></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Retrieving the toy, the pastor decided, would have to wait till morning. His son was horribly disappointed and gave many reasons why it should be rescued that evening. Patiently the dad explained, it just wouldn’t work, given they could no longer see well. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The son, after watching during his growing up years, seeing his father’s belief in prayer, suggested praying for the answer. Given his own belief system, the father agreed and allowed the boy to pray. It was a simple prayer, just asking God to help them retrieve his favorite frisbee from the roof. Just as soon as he finished, the boy’s face lit up and placing his young finger in the air said, “I’ve got it! We need a longer broom!”</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Going to the garage, sure enough, there was a longer broom, just the right length longer, about six inches. Climbing the ladder once again, with the boy navigating from below, since darkness was now fully on, the pastor was totally able to whisk the frisbee off the roof with the extended ladder.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I think about all the times I’ve prayed and asked God for ‘something.’ I know without a single doubt God is all powerful, over all the earth and everything in it, including the whole universe. Yet, after hearing the story of the boy and his frisbee, I wonder if the child’s understanding and faith in prayer isn’t stronger than my own!</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We are told to come as children to Christ—-with child like faith! As we grow into adults, we become just a touch jaded, and perhaps even cynical—even if not done so deliberately!</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Prayer is a mighty tool when our motives and heart are in the right place. (See </span></span><span>James 4:3</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span>) </span></span><span> </span><span>I wonder if we just become glib about our prayers and not believe with our whole heart that God has this incredible ability to answer our requests?</span><span> </span><span>It’s true, God doesn’t always answer our prayers the way we want.</span><span> </span><span>Sometimes it’s because it’s totally the wrong thing for us and God has something better in mind.<br /></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span> <br /></span></span></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Other times it is not only because our motives are off kilter, but our hearts aren’t right with Him. (See </span></span><span>Jeremiah 29:12-13</span><span>)</span><span> </span><span>But sometimes we lack faith! </span><span> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>James 1:6-8 also tells us if we doubt, God won’t answer. That little boy didn’t doubt for a moment that God would somehow get that frisbee off the roof. God didn’t provide a huge gust of wind to blow it off—-but he could have—-! But he did provide an ‘idea’ that when followed through on, absolutely caused the frisbee to be retrieved. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What are you asking God for today? Have you made sure your heart is in the right place? Are your motives pure? Do you have the faith to see God make it happen? Will you listen to see how God responds? Will He provide a miracle? (Yes he can!) Or is he asking you to do something (even something simple or small) that will precipitate the ‘miracle’ you need? </span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>God is still in the business of providing ‘miracles’. Are you ready for an answer to prayer?</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Photo Credit: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/little-boy-playing-frisbee-50708830</p>Margie J. Hardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16215461131671030223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693005068820130198.post-64100066479828949512023-10-02T18:40:00.000-07:002023-10-02T18:40:43.607-07:00When Doubt Attacks<p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdG1nJmx_AUTZk1dQIDSTE8mEAtd9k_vOSiPoqhNZYgOZjb02Mv4sQPGd481P9jV-vUJFu-z17l97gVH8oU0jvBzcZKUwGBw4Lslmp7AZ8-VJgOo44S5zg23iyrUyelzzWNKmVQIzGkFTUn75rtfjWN6Ik842-KyAT4L7FkDLhoSk_8no-P55PDpzQw/s786/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-29%20at%2010.04.34%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="786" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdG1nJmx_AUTZk1dQIDSTE8mEAtd9k_vOSiPoqhNZYgOZjb02Mv4sQPGd481P9jV-vUJFu-z17l97gVH8oU0jvBzcZKUwGBw4Lslmp7AZ8-VJgOo44S5zg23iyrUyelzzWNKmVQIzGkFTUn75rtfjWN6Ik842-KyAT4L7FkDLhoSk_8no-P55PDpzQw/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-29%20at%2010.04.34%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“I feel like I’m lost,” my friend said. “It’s hard to describe, but my head is all over the place. I know I’m stressed and it’s not even about work, yet working is a struggle. I just want to cry, and I have, though not much. I’ve prayed, I’ve yelled and I’ve read my Bible. I’ve asked for direction and even ‘What’s wrong with me?’ I’m not sure I can even describe how I really feel. I don’t know what to do,” she added, with tears streaming down her face.”<p></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I identified with my friend. I’ve found myself in the same place, although likely for entirely different reasons. But that kind of sadness borders on depression or a severe case of anxiety, because life seems out of control. There just doesn’t seem to be any clear answers to the problems swirling around in my mind.</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In an effort to battle the onslaught of negativity, I find my trusty notebook and pen and begin a “plan” to help me focus! I create my worthy “to-do” list in areas of cleaning, studying, exercising, writing and any other area I feel like focus should be enhanced. Writing seems to be the one area that suffers the most (well, exercising, too. But that’s <i>always</i> a battle!)</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Writing requires thought; a good deal of thought. The process can be arduous, even though I completely love it! But when attacks happen on my purpose for writing, I begin to sink. I ask myself, ‘Who cares if I write or if I don’t?’ ‘Does it make a difference?’ ‘Will anyone even notice if I don’t post this week?’ ‘Am I good enough?’ The questions pummel me like a giant hammer chiseling away (sometimes in large chunks) my ability to see that it’s worthwhile; that I am making a difference, even if it’s a small one!</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I stare at the empty page before me on the computer screen, willing myself to write—something—anything—that might get my mind working. This morning, as I write this, (and yes, this is a time of struggle for me), I came across the scripture in Esther about ‘such a time as this.’ (See Esther 4:14) Esther faced great risk by doing the right thing. It couldn’t have been easy making the choice needed to save her people. But when reflecting on Mordecai’s words, and in prayerful attitude, she faced her demons and doubts, and moved forward.</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The passage made me cry, even though I’ve read it many times. God has also, given me, <i>and you</i>, a purpose! We were created to carry out God’s plan. He absolutely can have someone else do what we were called to do. But when we choose to allow doubts to become giant fear, we choose to miss the blessings that come with being obedient to our calling, regardless of how we view their value.</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We visited an arts festival recently and I was awed by the huge variety of gifts many people have been given. Some of the work seemed simple but was exquisite. Others certainly spent hours making a single piece to be shared with those who crossed their paths. Each had something special and unique to share. Each had distinctive beauty. God provides this gift to every single one of us. I wonder how often we ignore the nudges and signals He provides, while we wallow in frustration and doubt. </span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Is doubt stealing opportunities to use the gifts God has given you? What will <i>you</i> (or I) choose to do about it?</span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Photo Credit: https://www.pexels.com/search/doubt/</span></p>Margie J. Hardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16215461131671030223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693005068820130198.post-9440159284860981212023-09-18T16:45:00.000-07:002023-09-18T16:45:16.553-07:00Choose Kindness<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUf-ruezIIsY_nyyjQp_-C7umZxJADdmS9wTL8CMA7_Twq7hsUv_c8FLRZ1NuANgTqYLMrRpm4drEm71tpArLiI3DfHE3y1BDIRdR_HPhBU4bSsX9S5qniIh9vP3U6-ZSKQsKjTyTwHmwzym5hurJvcJpBMWkNLkvSWKy5hFq_466zPEDT9Aah-9Rvg/s1340/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-15%20at%2011.35.25%20AM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="1340" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUf-ruezIIsY_nyyjQp_-C7umZxJADdmS9wTL8CMA7_Twq7hsUv_c8FLRZ1NuANgTqYLMrRpm4drEm71tpArLiI3DfHE3y1BDIRdR_HPhBU4bSsX9S5qniIh9vP3U6-ZSKQsKjTyTwHmwzym5hurJvcJpBMWkNLkvSWKy5hFq_466zPEDT9Aah-9Rvg/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-15%20at%2011.35.25%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The “Good Samaritan” story is familiar to most of us. It’s the story of how a Priest, a Levite and a Samaritan passed by a man—a Jew-- who was robbed and beaten by thugs and left to die. The most likely candidate to take of the wounded man seems to be the Priest. He is after all, seemingly, a godly man, yet he chooses to walk away. The Levite, another supposed godly man does the very same thing. It’s clear they saw him, but chose to not take any action. </span><p></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Then a Samaritan came by. This is significant because in those days Jews and Samaritans were enemies. They didn’t talk to each other or communicate in any way. The usual tactic was avoidance. Yet, this enemy of the Jews, chose to give him aid. What a great role model! </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span></p><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Our world is changing in ways most of us would never have imagined. As “success” is defined by how much material wealth a person can have, we seemed bent on climbing the corporate ladder to the highest rung, as quickly as possible, regardless who we step on during our climb, and even sometimes through other, less than moral ways. It’s the “way of the world” and totally expected and often accepted!<div><br /><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It makes me wonder what happened to the Good Samaritan thought process! To find someone who will stop to help another [especially a noted enemy] is unheard of --- or so rarely heard of, if the media hears of it, it’s instant news! Most of the time, it’s how hard do I have to hit you to get you down beneath me….and oh, while you’re there, I’m gonna give you a good swift kick!</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This seems to happen across the spectrum from within families (who aren’t supposed to be strangers at all) to our families within the church. Not many of us even know our neighbors, except possibly the one who lives right next door! Relationships are becoming more and more strained as we hover in our own little world, staying connected to our technological devices. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The ‘web’ is not any safer than intermingling with ‘strangers’, since there’s the added element of being able to skew what we want other people to know or see, via the internet. </span>This is so prevalent we are encouraged to be wary of people we don’t know and be certain we are careful when sharing financial information or personal information that may be used and abused against us!</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>God didn’t intend His people to be unkind, mean or thoughtless! God’s world is defined by light, and goodness, kindness and love. So I encourage you to reflect on who you call “your neighbor.” Is the person in front of you at the supermarket, “your neighbor?” Is the homeless person on the corner, the sick and impoverished of your town, “your neighbor?” Can we really “choose” who or neighbor is? God loves all people, and that is what he wants to see in us, as well---regardless of race, color, creed, religious beliefs, nationality or anything that makes us different!</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">Photo Credit: https://www.dreamstime.com/photos-images/kindness.html </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p></div>Margie J. Hardinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16215461131671030223noreply@blogger.com0