tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66278168339031530402024-03-14T00:19:54.265-07:00sister to sisterGrab your favorite beverage, curl up on your most comfy piece of furniture and enjoy the brief interludes of our day!I imaginehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943457152030460563noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627816833903153040.post-73802749802615104152012-04-21T15:38:00.005-07:002012-04-21T20:31:41.135-07:00Chick Chat: Conversations with Boys<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On occasion, I am blessed with
random inquiries from young men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
are some of my favorite conversations: unplanned, unpredictable and
unique.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their inquiries always intrigue
as well as encourage me; gleaning insights into the mind and life of a woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What I love about my conversations
is they are genuine, sincere and out of necessity to them and to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sauntering in to my office, seated on the
other side of my desk, we catch up on casual conversations. And then the fun
continues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Can guys and girls be best friends?”</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Great question!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you would have asked me ten years ago, I
would have said yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, time and
experience has afforded me the opportunity to learn and know differently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Question for you: does your mom have a guy
best friend other than your dad?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is there
a guy that your mom goes to hang out with, do life with, talk about deep
insights with?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does your mom go on day
trips with this best friend or stay up late on the phone, texting endlessly?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That’s what I thought!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course the question can be interchanged
from mom to dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Either way, the
principle remains the same, guys and gals cannot be best friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The person you marry is your best
friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, the Bible is pretty clear
with the boundaries within marriage, concerning husband and wife relationship
as well as nurturing your marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ultimately, it comes down to two
things: mind and emotions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dynamics
of a guy gal relationship affect the mind and emotions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To guard your heart, you need to know the
condition of your mind and emotions prior to entering in a guy gal
relationship. Additionally, to further protect your heart, you need to place
limitations on how far your mind and emotions are involved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Why do girls use the God card?”</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ah, what the wild card is to the
game of Uno is the “God Card” in the Christian community as it relates to romantic relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the game changer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guys and gals use it at various times, in various
situations and when they do use it, it’s the last round of ammo in the
Christian arsenal to deter a person. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dialoguing through the question,
the reality is that guys use the “God Card” just as much as the girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this particular conversation, the boys
wanted to cast blame on the girls for using the “God Card” instead of just
saying things the way they needed to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I could sit there and listen to their heart about why they wanted to
blame the girls and spend time venting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, there are three issues that need to be resolved.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">First things first, the issue of
position; the guy is the pursuer, the leader and the initiator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The responsibility of the guy is to seek God’s
heart to know about the relationship before it even begins, know how to cherish
and care for a girl’s heart as well as seek God’s approval before initiating
something more serious.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This in itself brings up a couple
of choice topics: do you seek God’s direction before you pursue a girl or
during the pursuit? Do you wait to know if there is a “spark” or seek God’s
direction for this relationship?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How
much does God want to be involved in my relationships: platonic and romantic? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Second issue is that of accountability
and mentorship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s important for guys
to be accountable to other guys as well as have mentors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This gives opportunity to learn, grow, ask
the hard questions, learn how to cherish a woman’s heart, how to provide, how
to lead, how to nurture a relationship and so forth.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last but not least, the issue of
skill. Some people, flat out, just are not equipped with the skills to
communicate how they feel, what they want, what they need and at what pace they
need the relationship to develop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a
pretty rampant problem within this generation let alone the Christian
community. The “God Card” gets pulled most often when someone doesn’t know how
to respond, is responding out of fear or past pain, or out of religious
position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope this article has been insightful and
helpful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As always, I welcome your questions
and comments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have any topics you’d
like to learn more about, send me an email.</span></div>I imaginehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943457152030460563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627816833903153040.post-71811232602396429912012-04-20T12:13:00.002-07:002012-04-21T20:25:35.409-07:00Chick Chat: Learning to Love<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Think about all the things we’ve
learned throughout life up to now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve
learned to crawl, walk, run, talk, cry, laugh, smile, hide, find, dance, put on
make-up, dress ourselves, ask for help, sing at the top of our lungs, balance our
check book, cook, clean, read, write and so forth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve also learned how to comfort those who
are sad, listen to a friend, make friends, overcome unfortunate situations, feel
disappointment, rejection and sadness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At every season of life, we are
learning new things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever we are
learning in that season is helpful for that season we find ourselves in but is
also for the seasons to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What would
it look like if we never learned a new thing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What would it look like if we refused to grow and adapt to the seasons
of life and our surroundings?</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I absolutely adore newborn
babies. The first couple of years are the most precious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything is new: their first steps, words,
smiles, coos and not to mention all the outfits, toys, blankets and bottles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How a child communicates with us during this
stage—diaper changed, hungry or sleepy—is different than the years to
follow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once a child learns to
communicate his/her need, a new process begins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It seems there are various stages throughout a child’s life where one
process ends and a new process begins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s the process of retraining a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Makes sense right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course!
Imagine with me if you will that a baby cries to communicate what he/she
needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fast forward five years later and
the same child uses the same skills to communicate his/her need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most likely not the best way to communicate
with parents, family and new play dates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let’s fast forward five years later, the child is now ten years old, and
the same child continues to communicate with cries that have escalated to
tantrums and loud screams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And we wonder, “Is this really
happening?” Oh, but of course because this child is now an adult and a glimpse
into his/her life shows that he/she still cries, throws tantrums and gets into
fits of anger in response to not getting his/her needs met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure you’ve seen it a time or two and
said to yourself, “seriously!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ever
wonder how it happened?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At every new stage in a child’s
life, it’s an important opportunity to retrain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Taking the time to retrain a child in communication as well as teach new
skills helps the child to evolve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
allows the child to face varying situations with knowledge and skill to walk
through them equipped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With each new
season, it’s an opportunity to recalibrate.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As an adult, I’m learning that
recalibrating is a necessity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In every
season of life, recalibrating helps to adapt, stay flexible and grow in
maturity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Acquiring new skills are
important to staying mentally sharp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Last but not least, as the seasons present themselves, learning to love is
an asset.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Being purposeful to grow in love,
to learn how to love better and gain deeper insights in love does wonders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How we learned to love others and ourselves when
we first got started in life will be different as an adult. The love chapter in
the Bible is the hallmark of how to love as well as what love is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Love is patient, kind, always
trusts, hopes, protects and perseveres; love never fails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Starring at those words, “love never fails”,
leaves me speechless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re telling me that love never fails? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t give up on me when I don’t get it
right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t point fingers at all
my shortcomings, failures or mistakes?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It doesn’t wait for me to become the person I should be?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Love never fails because this
love we speak of is unconditional love. This love is a love of choice and not that
of a feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The love we speak of is a
love that is deeper than deep, wider than wide and higher than high; we could
not weigh or measure this love no more than we can determine its circumference.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This love is ours if we choose to
receive it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just as we choose to learn and
grow to adapt with the seasons of life, so it is with love. We choose to
receive love. We choose to learn new facets of love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We choose to put on love like we choose to
put on an outfit; an absolute must, a necessity not an accessory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We choose to give love away and give it in
spades.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This love originates with God,
manifested in the form of Jesus to demonstrate to the world what love looks
like, how love receives and responds and who love is available to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love covers over a multitude of debts,
transgressions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love does not keep
record of wrongs, is not easily angered and banishes fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as darkness cannot hide light so fear
cannot abide in love.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In every season, love is always a
foundational fixture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Learning to love
in every season is a precious commodity; it’s rare and priceless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s free to all, but chosen by few. It always
starts out with many admirers and advocates, but quickly narrows with age,
understanding and in action.</span></div>I imaginehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943457152030460563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627816833903153040.post-50634346545361220562012-04-11T02:37:00.000-07:002012-04-11T02:37:23.439-07:00New Approach: Rejection<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The other day I was driving home and just started crying. Not sure if it has ever happened to you, but I seemed to be overwhelmed with emotion and the only way the emotion was getting out seemed to be through tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Behind my sunglasses, my eyes well up waiting for their turn to roll down my cheeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, fighting back the tears wasn’t an option because I think it was “a ready or not, here I come” sort of thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reached over to open the center counsel to grab a napkin, wiping my cheeks, I just cried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s in that moment where you hope everyone on the road is rocking out to their favorite song, not to notice the uncontrollable sobs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I was driving, I was asking the Holy Spirit to help me understand what I was feeling and what was going on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prior to the cry fest in my car, I had felt sad, borderline depressed and wasn’t sure why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was feeling bits of anger and at times vacillated back and forth—sad, angry, depressed and repeat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the million dollar question, “why?” rolled off my lips and floated into the air. Waiting for an answer, I turned off the radio, grabbed another napkin and kept driving.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Eventually, I got the insight I had been waiting for—stages of rejection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What? Seriously! I totally thought I was over that”, I exclaimed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But really, I wasn’t. I hadn’t even left the first stage of rejection, which is denial. Oh yes, my friend, like grief, rejection is a process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reason being is it’s a traumatic experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For example, the school you had your heart set on didn’t reciprocate the same desire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What about the boy that rejected you because he wasn’t “feelin’ it”. Maybe your husband that left you for another woman, changed his mind or has emotionally rejected you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What about the team you tried out for, but didn’t make. Perhaps, it’s the job you thought would be a good fit and the interview went well, but you found out they decided to go with another candidate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can be quite a traumatic experience for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For me, I thought I was completely over an experience I had back in January only to realize I wasn’t yet finished with the process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, it was a traumatic experience for me. Yes, it rocked my world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, it did affect me in a way that I wasn’t prepared for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because all the signs and conversations pointed in one direction, yet at the end of the conversation, I was rejected and didn’t expect it. I definitely didn’t prepare for it because of course, I wasn’t expecting it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nonetheless, here I am four months later, crying in my car and overwhelmed with emotion. Clearly, I’m not done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I got home, I researched the stages of rejection and here is what I found. I share it with you in the event you ever find yourself in a place where you are rejected and it’s a traumatic experience for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep in mind, not all rejection is traumatic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some are just a doozy and others roll off your back like water on a duck.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stages of Rejection<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Denial<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At first it is extremely difficult to take in the rejection experience. It often feels like being totally abandoned and left to fend for yourself. Denial is the state that occurs here. The rejection does not feel like it actually happened. It feels surrealistic, a trauma someone else is facing, not you. <br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rage<o:p></o:p></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next emotion experienced is rage. You are angry with the person who rejected you. You may feel this anger intently or it may be experienced as more distant. Often the rage becomes self-directed. You express anger at yourself for not being "good enough" for the rejecter. You dwell on second guessing and wondering what could have been. You blame yourself for his leaving and at that point you are indeed broken hearted. <br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Bargaining<o:p></o:p></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next stage is bargaining. You say to yourself, "If I change this or that, he will come back to me." If I stop smoking, I will be reunited with my boyfriend." <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Depression<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next stage is depression when you begin to realize that the person who rejected you is not coming back. This stage is filled with sadness where the tears fall and the longing ache for the rejecter is realized. Bitterness is also part of depression. It is at this point that you feel extremely resentful that you gave so much of yourself to your lover and now he is gone. You also realize that your vision of your former lover is tainted and he is not the virtuous person that you believed him to be. It feels like he bought the heaviest boots he could find and stomped all over your heart.<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acceptance<o:p></o:p></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The final stage is acceptance where you understand that the time to dwell on this loss is over and it is time to move on.</span></span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you find yourself walking through rejection, I want to encourage you read through the stages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There isn’t a time frame and it isn’t a step by step process. You can experience any one of the stages at any given time in any given order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When you find yourself processing through the stage, take time to feel what you feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What you feel is valid because what you experienced was real. Second, ask the Holy Spirit to help you process through it, to help you understand the emotion, why you feel what you are feeling and to help you better understand the emotion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always suggest journaling. It’s an avenue to get what’s going on inside you on paper and out of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Even though you can’t say what you want to say to the person(s), or maybe you are waiting until you cool off, journaling can also help you sort through your emotions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a safe place for you to be you and to say what you need to say.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Choosing to forgive takes time. When you choose to forgive it’s for your benefit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By saying you forgive, you are making a choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This next part is important so re-read it if you have to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Between the time you choose to forgive and you are ready to move on, you are healing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That place between does not have a time limit, it doesn’t have an expiration date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Healing takes time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That time is a gift, so please take it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At times, I think we forget that we are human. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t go from forgive to forget in one step. It’s a process and we all process experiences, emotions and situations differently and at different paces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What happened to you was unfortunate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Choose to forgive, take time to heal and then be ready to move on.</span></div>I imaginehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943457152030460563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627816833903153040.post-44301710082089220902012-03-18T22:32:00.000-07:002012-03-18T22:32:19.141-07:00Straight Talk | Roots & Fruit<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I enjoy learning new things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was younger, I really enjoyed school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I got into college, I was introduced to a Biblical Literature, a degree offered at Northwest University. This was right up my alley because it involved research, research and more research!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just about every week I was working on a research paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t mind it so much because I was a new Christian. All the study and research helped me better understand the Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My passion for studying and researching didn’t stop once I graduated college.</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today, I still find myself studying and learning new things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was preparing for this article, I wanted to better understand roots. So what better place to start than learning about plant and tree roots!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, I didn’t dig up a tree or dissect plants, but I did do a little recon work and found out some pretty exciting stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Did you know roots are the organ of a plant? Yep, it typically lies below the surface of the soil, has major functions and grows in any direction where the correct environment of air, nutrients and water exist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Given the right conditions, roots can grow in such a way to crack foundations, snap water lines and lift sidewalks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Learning about plant and tree roots has been quite fascinating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the most part, it gives me more insight into how people are intended to grow. Think about it for a second.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plants and trees have roots. The function of their roots are to absorb the water and nutrients, anchor the body of the plant and tree to the ground, store food and nutrients and provide basis for support.</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We aren’t too different if you think about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have roots; we just don’t show them the same way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, our roots extend to family and friends. They support us, help us grow, feed us with affirmation, direction, influence, and provide an anchor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, our roots can be our environments and experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our environments and experiences provide nourishment for our belief systems, shape our perspectives and ideology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The depth of our roots is dependent upon what they are rooted in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps you were rooted in a loving, strong and supportive family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You were cared for, nurtured and encouraged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe, this happened throughout the generations in your family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Naturally, your roots would be deep, given the right conditions to grow and to bear fruit accordingly.</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Say you weren’t rooted in a loving, strong and supportive family. Quite the exact opposite: inconsistent, unstable, favorable toward abuse and neglect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of care, nurture and encouragement, you felt forgotten, enslaved or an accident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps, this happened generationally in your family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Naturally, your roots would be shallow and you would bear fruit accordingly.</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have you ever asked yourself the question: why do I do what I don’t want to do and the thing I want to do I don’t do? Yep, you do the do-do!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Essentially, we ask the million dollar question, “Why do I keep going around this same mountain?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a great question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s take a gander real quick at the world in which we live.</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Currently, our society tells us to correct the behavior. For example, if you have an anger problem, manage it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are overweight, change the way you eat and exercise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If something about your body isn’t up to “standard”, go under.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are depressed, anxious, suicidal, etc. then take pills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Should you be afraid of losing control, making a mistake or appear without the answer, then control everything.</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you have found that correcting a behavior isn’t working.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have tried to manage a habit, pattern or cycle and you aren’t getting very far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have found yourself at the end of your “rope” per say, and all the chanting, poking and card reading isn’t working. Perhaps, you should stop chopping the fruit off your tree and go to the root.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is what I mean.</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we have a problem and want to change, we go after what is being produced, i.e. the fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of trying to modify, correct or manage a behavior, head straight to the source.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other words, go to the root cause because it is the source, the origin and the underlying support for what’s going on.</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take a moment and read through the following scriptures. Next, journal what you understand them to mean and what sticks out to you.</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+18:16&version=NIV"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Job 18:16</span></span></a></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">His <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">root</span>s dry up below and his branches wither above. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+29:19&version=NIV"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Job 29:19</span></span></a></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">root</span>s will reach to the water, and the dew will lie all night on my branches. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+80:9&version=NIV"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Psalm 80:9</span></span></a></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You cleared the ground for it, and it took <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">root</span> and filled the land. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+12:12&version=NIV"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Proverbs 12:12</span></span></a></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The wicked desire the stronghold of evildoers, but the <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">root</span> of the righteous endures. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+11:10&version=NIV"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Isaiah 11:10</span></span></a></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In that day the <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Root</span> of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+27:6&version=NIV"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Isaiah 27:6</span></span></a></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In days to come Jacob will take <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">root</span>, Israel will bud and blossom and fill all the world with fruit. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+37:31&version=NIV"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Isaiah 37:31</span></span></a></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once more a remnant of the kingdom of Judah will take <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">root</span> below and bear fruit above. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+12:2&version=NIV"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jeremiah 12:2</span></span></a></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You have planted them, and they have taken <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">root</span>; they grow and bear fruit. You are always on their lips but far from their hearts. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+17:8&version=NIV"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jeremiah 17:8</span></span></a></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">root</span>s by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+13:21&version=NIV"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matthew 13:21</span></span></a></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But since they have no <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">root</span>, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+8:13&version=NIV"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Luke 8:13</span></span></a></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">root</span>. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+11:16&version=NIV"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Romans 11:16</span></span></a></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">root</span> is holy, so are the branches. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+11:18&version=NIV"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Romans 11:18</span></span></a></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">root</span>, but the <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">root</span> supports you. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+3:17&version=NIV"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ephesians 3:17</span></span></a></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">root</span>ed and established in love, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+2:7&version=NIV"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Colossians 2:7</span></span></a></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">root</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ed and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Galatians 5:13-26</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. <o:p></o:p></span></div>I imaginehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943457152030460563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627816833903153040.post-8149676796799164532012-03-18T22:28:00.000-07:002012-03-18T22:28:43.773-07:00Straight Talk | Introduction<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I believe your life has incredible value and unfathomable purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without a doubt, I believe you are an incredibly important person. There are things you can do that no one else can do the way you do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are people you can connect with that others cannot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You possess a way about you that no one else can quite seem to emulate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe that you were made and destined for greatness.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I also believe that throughout life, it is very possible that we lose sight, our focus changes and our passion dwindles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe that we are a by-product of our environments, reflection of our influences and quite often, our own worst enemy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More importantly, I believe that we can change if we choose to do so and we do not have to do it alone</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we embark on this series, “Straight Talk”, I want to lay out the intentions of my heart and the purpose of this series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, my desire is that all of God’s people are whole, healed and walking in the Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want so much for people who are far from God to come into a relationship with God that is growing, consistent and full of his abundant life. </span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Second, I know this world we live in is full of pain and hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the time, we stuff the pain and the hurt, suck it up if you will, and move on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Minimizing what was done is injustice to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And to be quite honest, this is what I’m after. I want to give the pain and the hurt a voice if there isn’t one by providing opportunities to identify with as well as point you in the direction for healing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lastly, my intention for this series is for it to be used to help you or perhaps someone you know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are a very quiet group when it comes to pain and hurt. There can be a lot of shame, guilt and condemnation associated with painful experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often times, we are silent because we don’t know who to turn to, we are afraid or we are too proud.</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The people I’ve asked to help me write these articles have personal experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are passionate to see you be healed and whole. They desire to see you living an abundant life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They love the Lord and have a deep and growing relationship with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Additionally, they are professional. </span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Naturally, I may not know all the answers, but I will find out or direct you to the best person who can help you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are not alone. God is up to something good and can’t wait to hear what he has done in your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>I imaginehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943457152030460563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627816833903153040.post-24943622671978936722012-03-16T22:47:00.000-07:002012-03-16T22:47:17.583-07:00New Approach: Never Neverland<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s been awhile since I’ve lasted posted and thought I would change things up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the last couple of months I’ve been able to identify some obstacles and make head way on achieving my goals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All in all, it’s been a pretty exciting couple of months. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In a previous article, “God Please Make Me Skinny”, I talked briefly about changes made because of situations I found myself in as well as highlighted a couple gifts such as time and change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since then, I’ve embarked on a couple new adventures, learned a little bit more about myself and have moved on to new found victories.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">First, I started a new diet. I know, “diet” is such an ugly word or at least it can have a bad connotation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is, it can be, but I was pretty excited to make some more changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wanting to know how to recover from burn out and chronic fatigue syndrome, I started to research what changes I needed to make.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another reason to change my diet is to lose weight so what is being done at the chiropractor isn’t counterproductive. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Seemed to me a choice needed to be made: to invest or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And since I am an investment, it only seemed fitting to proceed as so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About now, I’m going to a chiropractor a couple times a week and a counselor once a week. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve changed my workload and schedule, sleep schedule and exercise routine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Embarking on my next change, I didn’t know what to expect.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Okay, that’s not entirely true because on some level you know what to expect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess what I’m getting at are the little surprises and what you learn about yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I found out about myself was surprising. First, I couldn’t figure out why I was always craving sweets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t want them, didn’t need them but there was something deep inside me that sure did want them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trying my best to muster up every ounce of self-control, I kept pressing on.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">About three weeks into the diet, I had a profound revelation and gained some much needed insight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe you can relate or this might be something you’ve only heard about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The need for sweets, the emptiness like a black hole to never neverland that was somewhere in the depths of my inmost being, seemed to have my attention in a very real way. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The relationship dynamics in a family are powerful and have an incredible amount of influence throughout a person’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, there is nothing like the individual relationships a child has with their parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for me, it was my relationship with my dad that had a greater effect on my than I realized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So here is the revelation: my craving for sweets was a way to cope with life, stress or to sum it up, just about anything and everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The love hate relationship is true. I would go through or experience something and didn’t possess the tools to appropriately process through the situation in a healthy way. The comfort I felt numbed the rejection, abandonment, fear, etc. that I felt. Unfortunately, this isn’t what God wants and it isn’t what we really want. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What I started to do when I feel a craving is pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help me identify why I have a craving and to fill the emptiness I feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dialogue through what I’m feeling, identify where it is coming from and how it’s all related.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a believer that there is a link between patterns, habits and patterns that are either healthy or unhealthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My goal is to identify the unhealthy and replace it with the healthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is definitely something I can’t do on my own. I’m in need God’s help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some wisdom that a mentor gave me, and this isn’t just for this particular situation, but for the rest of my life, and I share it with you: God is found in our weaknesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In your weakness there is His power and strength.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get to know your weaknesses because that is where God will be found.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">More to come and for those wondering about how my relationship with my dad fits into all this, that article is on its way. Stay tuned for more!<o:p></o:p></span></div>I imaginehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943457152030460563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627816833903153040.post-55866570302443842742012-03-03T22:09:00.001-07:002012-03-04T15:46:17.700-07:00The Next It Girl | 3 of 3<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before we begin Part Three of “The Next It Girl”, let’s run a quick recap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Part One, we learned how our name and reputation reflect our walk with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moving over to Part Two, we learn that swag<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> naturally flows out of your relationship with God; the deeper your relationship, the greater your swag. It’s in your relationship with God that you know who you are in Christ, your unique skills and abilities as well as your purpose. When your relationship with God is deep and abiding, it’s not teetering on the trends of this world. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Without further ado, Part Three, “The Fear of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have two uses for fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the time, we use fear to describe how we feel when we are afraid, in danger or in pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For this article, we are heading to the second use, the reverential awe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re absolutely right!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This type of fear is hardly used or discussed, well, unless you are at a Bible study or in church listening to a sermon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nonetheless, it’s of utmost importance to understand its place in the book of Proverbs.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">King Solomon, the wisest man on the earth, wrote the book of Proverbs and felt it rather important to talk about and have the fear of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you read through Proverbs you can see its benefits, uses, importance and significant value.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does the fear of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> still apply to life today?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is there a specific time and place for the fear of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>?</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To best understand why “the fear of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1.7, NIV), let’s dissect the verse, starting with the name <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This a very special name used for God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s Hebrew and translates to “I AM”. This name is incredibly sacred, so sacred that no one used it. Instead, the priests took the vowels from the Hebrew name Adonai, meaning <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">L</span>ord and infused it with the consonants, YHWH, thus producing Jehovah, translated to <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">L</span>ord God.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The very name, <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, was revealed to Moses at the burning bush. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I AM”—t</span>he God who always had been, and who always would be, whose name will be forever remembered from generation to generation—speaks to Moses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mind you, this name of God isn’t used because it’s sacred so when Moses uses this name, he is communicating to Israel that he has a personal and covenant relationship with God.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To help you better understand the magnitude of this name let’s dip into history for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Hebrews are in Egypt under Pharaoh’s captivity, used as slaves to build his kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Egyptians worshiped gods, lots of them. For example, they worshiped falcons which represented Re the Sun god.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When a falcon would die, they would mummify it and give the bird a ceremonial burial. Archeologists have found various animals mummified by the Egyptians in honor of the gods they represented. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The contrast between Hebrews and Egyptians is a similar theme throughout the Bible: God is alive and active, He is a covenant making and keeping God, He is “I AM”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s flip back over to Proverbs 1.7 for a minute, “The fear of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is the beginning of knowledge”. King Solomon is helping us to position ourselves to be in a personal and covenant relationship with God when he says that all knowledge begins with the fear of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you know who the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is, what He is all about and how your existence is dependent upon Him, nothing else is of significant importance. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The second part of the verse refers to a fool or morally deficient person, “but fools despise wisdom and discipline”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>King Solomon is saying that a fool will choose to ignore knowledge of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, go about his way only to find out at the end of his days, that he has spent his life deficient in every aspect. The philosophies of this world and human traditions have limited value and benefit. King Solomon desires that we have all the blessings and benefits that God has for us.</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here are some of the benefits you will find in the book of Proverbs:<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">9:10, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>fear of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is the beginning of wisdom; knowledge of the holy one is understanding<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">10.27, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>fear of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> adds length to life<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">14.26, he who fears the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> has a secure fortress<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">14.27, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>fear of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is a fountain of life<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">15.33, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>fear of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> teaches wisdom<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">16.6, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>through the fear of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> a man avoids evil<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">19.23, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>fear of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> leads to life<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">22.4, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>humility and fear of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> bring wealth and honor and life<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What does this mean for the God’s It Girl?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good question, glad you asked! First, knowing who God is, his purpose for life and your life as well as having a personal relationship with Him are of utmost importance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure you can get places with your looks, swag and who you know, but nothing will ever pale in comparison to the personal relationship you have with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The philosophies of this world come and go, but God will always be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People will come and go and let you down, but God will always be there.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Knowledge doesn’t happen overnight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You get knowledge from studying, applying and experiencing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fear of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> isn’t limited to a location or conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a way of living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your attitude and action are a reflection of your relationship with God; it’s your worship. Out of your respect for God, your actions and speech change accordingly: morally, ethically, spiritually, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Did you know there are thirty-one Proverbs?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s one for each day! Try it and don’t be afraid to highlight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To see how God is active in your life, start journaling: write down the verse that jumps out to you, what you sense the Holy Spirit saying to you with the verse, jot down a couple key highlights from your day and a few prayer requests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a year, pull out your journal and see how God has been actively involved in your life.</span></div>I imaginehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943457152030460563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627816833903153040.post-58021902704475705072012-02-25T17:12:00.002-07:002012-02-28T12:09:06.638-07:00New Approach: God Please Make Me Skinny<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“God please make me skinny” is an ongoing process. It originally started with just that “God please make me skinny”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, it looked more like a cry of desperation and hopelessness with both fists waving in the air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in a place in my life that I didn’t like, didn’t want to be and didn’t really want to stay very long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Has that ever happened to you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You find yourself walking through a set of experiences realizing that you need to quickly learn what the lessons are so you don’t have to stay very long. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know, a little ninja action: quick and like it never happened! As I mentioned in the first article, it was as though the definition of insanity took up residence in my life and there was nothing I could do to make it go away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Out of the process of becoming undone, I’ve become ever so grateful for the gifts of time and change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know if they are gifts, but I call them gifts because I’m extremely grateful for both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gift of time separates me from the situation and experience. The more distance, the more time, the clearer things become.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t always get the luxury of leaving the hurt and pain at the place of impact, but you do have the opportunity to soberly look whatever it is square in the eyes and say what you need to say. For me, I’ve said a couple of choice phrases which is why I count change a gift.</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE</span></b></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t remember where I was or what I was doing, but I remember what I was feeling. I remember feeling like I was at the lowest point in my life and knew that what I just experienced was unacceptable to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The change started when I acknowledged that what was done to me was unacceptable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Words have a huge impact. It is said they bring life or give death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The following words are weighty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You wouldn’t think so when reading the following, but they weigh a lot, slow you down and hold you back: bitterness, self-bitterness, anger, unforgiveness, resentment, false accusation, lies, worry, doubt, fear, anxiety, and etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, when you think about it, how do you weigh one of the words above?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do you gauge the impact they have on your life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can you tell they are slowing you down? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And this is preciously why I started to see a biblical counselor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been to counselors before, but I was seeking a specific type of help. I was looking for someone that had experience with abuse, worked from a biblical foundation and the help I would be receiving would be Holy Spirit led as well as Bible based. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the past five months, Mary and I have been meeting every week and we have seen incredible changes, much healing and lots of growth. To use the phrase, “a weight has been lifted off me” rings true.</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I AM NOT OKAY</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This was a little harder for me to admit, “I am not okay”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truthfully, I wasn’t and for the first time in my life, it felt good to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is where I started to make even more changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found myself smack dab in the middle of the decision to change or stay the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it was time to change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had returned from a trip and after that everything changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There wasn’t one facet of my life that remained the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would like to say that the changes were gradual and progressive. However, that isn’t remotely close to being the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything about my life changed. It’s been a couple months and I am still sticking to the changes. Sure, there are kinks every now and then but for the most part, the changes I’ve made are still intact.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The words “God please make me skinny” were showing up in just about every facet of my life. It’s funny, when you ask God for something, he gives you not what you want but what you need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows what is best for us and gives us everything we need to be successful through the process. When you surrender to the changes God desires to bring in your life, the changes are not temporary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The other day, I was walking in to work and it dawned on me that I was excited about life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the first time in my life, I was truly excited about life; not about a ministry, program, project, event or an assignment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be excited about life is a beautiful thing and a good place to be.</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">GOD PLEASE MAKE ME SKINNY</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On the physical side of life, I’ve always struggled with my weight. When I was in high school, I struggled with an eating disorder. The summer going in to college, I was at a scrimmage game with the women’s soccer team at college. I did something and ended up with a third degree ankle sprain. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“What now?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soccer had been a big part of my life and to not play was a difficult thing for me to process through. Sitting on the side lines, cheering on my team was sheer agony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there I was, on the side lines, moon boot and all. At some point, I gave up and stopped caring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From that moment, I found more and more comfort in food and solitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After I finished that year, the next ten years seemed to be one change after another: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>moved states, graduated college, changed jobs, moved states, changed jobs again, entered full time ministry and here we are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With that, my weight went up and down but mostly up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point in my life, I’ve changed everything, so why not change my weight as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“God please make me skinny” really is an ongoing process of Him removing the weights and sins that so easily entangle me. It’s God revealing my patterns and habits, then showing me what needs to change. It’s God restoring me to the person he created me to be and delivering me from the pain and hurt I’ve held on to for so long. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s God showing me where I’ve hidden, why I hide and what really is not the best for me.</span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Like I said, it’s an ongoing process. So far, I’m enjoying the journey, celebrating the victories and finding my voice in the process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve learned that surrender is a doorway to blessings and obedience is a catalyst for God’s glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is making all things new!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>I imaginehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943457152030460563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627816833903153040.post-48291599480859600762012-02-25T00:02:00.005-07:002012-04-07T20:55:17.379-07:00Chick Chat: Heart Matters<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s a beautiful day in Phoenix, Arizona.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sitting at Starbucks, having coffee with a friend and we get to talking about a favorite topic amongst ladies, “men” of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was gushing about “Mr. Amazing”, what she has been praying for, how he should treat her, how she wanted to be pursued and so forth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right about here, I stopped and asked, “If Mr. Amazing walked up to you right now, would you know it was he?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She thought about it for a moment, and realized that she wouldn’t have any idea.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I realized that many of us pray and hope for a Mr. Amazing to walk into our lives. We pray for certain characteristics, mannerisms, how we hope he will treat us, how he would pursue us and much more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some of us, we have a list or revised lists of what we want in a spouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may take the list out every now and then to check and double check that we have everything we are looking for.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, what does a godly man look like?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does a financially independent and stable man look like?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does an emotionally available man look like?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are our prayers and lists based on what we want, what we think we need, an idea or notion of what will be best for us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are the prayers we pray and the lists we make done out of past hurts to be used as a safeguard to keep us from future pain?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let’s land on that for a moment: past hurts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many women have been hurt by a family member, someone close to them, or past boyfriend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps it’s been a one-time offense, but what if it’s happened over and over again? First by your dad or step dad, then a family member, boyfriend after boyfriend, guy friend and so forth: how do you bounce back from that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can make a heart grow cold, jaded, cynical, cautious, calloused, bitter, angry, vengeful, fearful...even doubtful.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When a heart has experienced a trauma, there is an association and our internal defenses kick in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To safeguard against this experience ever happening again, we defer to and lean on our mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is where we catalog the guy’s characteristics, traits, mannerisms, quirks, friends, preferences, likes, dislikes, etc. We may consciously or unconsciously put the guy through test after test, keeping track of the results in our mental case file.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While he is passing test after test, we are keeping him at arms distance and yet wanting him to pursue us at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some, we have a wall the size of Jericho and twice its thickness for him to scale, should he survive the land mines, moat and barbed wire.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On one hand, we want to be loved and understood. On the other hand, we don’t trust ourselves let alone someone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trust is broken, confidence is shattered, and yet we still yearn to be loved and understood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the fear, the fear of letting someone in—to know us, love us, see us as we really are and to be there when we fail or fall—is overwhelming, even paralyzing. So we do a little recon: friends first, build trust, learn who this guy is and go from there. Perhaps, your forte is mind games, promiscuity or addictions to numb the pain. Whatever puts you in control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is the problem: our self-preservation birthed out of pain or trauma isn’t biblical. Hear my heart ladies, I’m not saying we are robots and all ability to make choices is terminated as a Christian. I’m also not minimizing the pain and hurt you feel in your heart about past situations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I’m hoping to do is give a voice to the pain, help you understand how to move beyond the pain, position you to receive all that God has for you and direct you to a place where you are making healthy choices.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In Genesis 1, we learn “the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God as hovering over the waters.” Then in verse 3 we read the words, “and God said…” Realize that nothing moves until God speaks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps you can relate to the words formless, empty and dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe you are in a place where you need to hear God speak into your life once again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe you need to hear that you are the apple of his eye, his love for you is perfect, his love towards you doesn’t expire or fade over time, that his thoughts toward you out number the grains of sand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are hundreds more verses that speak truth to how much God loves and cares for you. Are you ready to hear them?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There comes a point in our lives when the pain of an experience is too much to bear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weight and agony of the experience runs like a movie clip over and over yet, there is a voice inside that wants to scream out for help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the first part of Isaiah 42, there is a description of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is written that “a <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">bruised</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">reed</span> he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice" (Isaiah 42.3).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When there is an injustice we can bet that God is aware of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though justice may not arise right away, there will be justice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The promise is that in our moments of weakness, desperation and helplessness, God has not forgotten. He will not kick us when we are down or destroy us beyond repair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God wants for us to be whole and healed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To reference a popular passage, “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake” (Ps 23.2-3). Take a moment to read the Psalm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David starts out by confessing that God is his shepherd and because God is his shepherd, he lacks nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The verses following enlighten us as to why David lacks nothing: he makes, he leads, he refreshes, he guides. To conclude, it’s for his name’s sake.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You are God’s creation. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. He has ordered your steps, numbered your days, numbered the hairs on your head, sees when you sit and when you stand, your paths are in his full view and his love is perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no fear, no anxiety, no worry, no doubt in God’s love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no room for lying, mistrust, division and deception in God’s love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In I John 4:18 we are told, “<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">There</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">is</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">no</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">fear</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">in</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">love</span>. But perfect <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">love</span> drives out <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">fear</span>, because <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">fear</span> has to do with punishment. The one who <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">fear</span>s <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">is</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">no</span>t made perfect <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">in</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">love</span>.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are in a place where your pain is too much to bear, I want to chat with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps you are on the other side of your experiences and breathing easier, walking lighter and are feeling refreshed more and more every day. You are doing it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Continue to search God’s Word to hear his love and promises for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe, this article isn’t for you. My hope is that you may know someone who does need to read it and will pass it on.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let’s choose to let God be our counsel, protection, truth and healer through his Word and the Holy Spirit. There is no shame in seeking additional support through prayer and/or professional counseling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember, God’s love for you is perfect and his desire is that you are whole and healed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until next time, be blessed. Know that <span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">you’re an incredible woman of God. You have so much purpose and significance that can't be measured by the weights and values of this world. What is in you to give is so powerful, life giving and ignites a passion. No one is ever the same after they encounter you because of Jesus in you!</span></span></div>I imaginehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943457152030460563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627816833903153040.post-91629458338877634342012-02-17T19:22:00.000-07:002012-02-17T19:22:16.873-07:00The Next It Girl | Part 2 of 3<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Previously in “The Next It Girl”, we chatted about how our name and reputation reflect our walk with God</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being God’s It Girl isn’t about what you wear, who you know, where you’ve been and what you are doing. It starts with your name. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Your name is your reputation and your resume. Your name will be how others remember you and the God they come to know through relationship with you. Your name will be remembered long after you are gone and so will all that is associated with your name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your name has the power and influence to be a blessing, change someone’s life and effect change within your sphere of influence.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Part two of “The Next It Girl” is about how to have swag from the inside out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sounds strange, I know!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usually, swag is seen on the outside: what you wear, how you walk, the way you talk and how you carry yourself, which is preciously why your swag starts from the inside out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s take a look at our culture for a moment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The “next it girl” according to the standards of this world, possess some of the following: looks, demeanor and influence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take for example, movie and sports stars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those that are epitomized by media and idealized by humanity, tend to act and dress a certain way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Additionally, they are able to influence others to a certain degree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their image is everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Teeth, legs, arms, smiles, hands, fingers and so forth are getting insured for millions; their money maker is at stake and God forbid that something should happen to them, they are covered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Media does a great job at using and abusing people for profit. Once one “it girl” fades into yesterdays, the “next it girl” is the wing waiting to take her place. Compliments of her team, the “next it girl” has an element of swag that others want to emulate: trendy, seen at the hot spots, showcases the finest accessories and rollin up in the most luxurious ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t get me wrong, rocking your swag that is unique to you is awesome! Do it, own it, rock it, live it, and whatever you do, do it from the inside out and not the outside in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When you are looking for the “A Team” to help you with your swag, you are in great hands. First, this team will not use and abuse you, guaranteed. Second, this team will not let you down, abandon you or mislead you. Most importantly, this team has nothing but your best interest in mind; they know the plan, stick to the plan and are patient in the midst of the plan coming together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your “A Team” is none other than the Father, Son & Holy Spirit. If you don’t believe me, then walk with me for a moment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Throughout the Old Testament, we are told about the perfect and unconditional love of God for his people; that God knew us before we were a twinkle in the eyes of our parents, our steps are ordered, the hairs on our head are numbered and our paths are in his full view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ephesians explains the blessings of being a Christian and Paul helps us understand exactly what love truly is.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">John tells us that in the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, the Word is in fact God. Then that same Word became flesh and dwelt among us, Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Taking our shame and sin upon himself, he endured the cross and conquered death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leaving to prepare a place for us, we are given the Holy Spirit to be with us in every facet of our life as our teacher, helper, counselor, protector, comforter and so forth. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you are looking for swag, God has it in spades.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows the times and the seasons, the creator of color and is the standard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows how all things work together, the beginning from the end. God knows what’s in the heart of man, his needs before he speaks them and sees when we sit, stand, come and go. God’s wisdom confounds the wise, he gives beauty for ashes and joy for mourning. When trials and situations come, he is there every step. He leads us to green pastures, quiet waters, through the valley of the shadow of death, valleys of weeping and to doors of hope.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God knows the philosophies of this world are based on human traditions and principles of man. He is right when he speaks and just when he judges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In wisdom and understanding, God created heaven and earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you are looking for power and influence, look to the one who commands the stars, by his very words, rains fall and flowers bloom; nothing moves until he speaks.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What does swag look like? It’s peace in the midst of the storm, it’s perseverance, it’s boldness and courage to stand up for what is right, it’s giving water and food to your enemy, caring for the poor and loving your neighbor as yourself. It’s showing grace, extending mercy, finding a need and filling it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul tells us that our body is temporary, that it’s wasting away daily. Matthew pens the words of Jesus that we should not worry about what we will eat, drink and wear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever hope and faith we put into something other than God, we will be let down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Swag naturally flows out of your relationship with God; the deeper your relationship, the greater your swag. It’s in your relationship with God that you know who you are in Christ, your unique skills and abilities as well as your purpose. When your relationship with God is deep and abiding, it’s not teetering on the trends of this world. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You may be thinking, I’ve made too many wrong choices and am too far gone for God’s love to be for me too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is 100% a lie to keep you from receiving all that God has for you. There are lies you’ve believed that have become so much a part of your name and nature that you don’t even realize they are a lie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Write down what you believe about yourself and what people say about you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, find out what the Bible says about you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If what you believe about yourself and what others have said about you line up with the Word of God, then awesome! If not, then make a choice at that moment to replace the lie with the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s love for you does not expire or fade over time. </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</div><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Heart to Heart: <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Where is your relationship with Christ at?<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Are you putting your faith and hope in things more than you are in God?<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Are you allowing God to change your name and nature or you trying to emulate someone else?<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How are you developing the unique person that God created you to be?<o:p></o:p></span></span>I imaginehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943457152030460563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627816833903153040.post-37404645624781405742012-02-13T17:10:00.000-07:002012-02-13T17:10:10.023-07:00The Next It Girl | Part 1 of 3<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I meet people, there are a couple of things that I try and find out. First, I love to learn a little bit about them: what they like to do, where they’ve traveled, where they want to travel, what are some of their favorite places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This helps me to remember them if I haven’t committed their fabulous outfit to memory yet. And yes, I’m that annoying girl who somehow remembers what you wore the first time I met you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not to say that I’m keeping tabs, but let’s say you stroll up with a bold shoe, a flattering dress, styled your hair or make up just so or perhaps you were rockin’ a piece of jewelry that complimented your outfit. You can bet that I will remember that I met you, what you wore, where we were when we met and something about our conversation. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Second thing I love to get to know about a person is where they are from and how their family is doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your roots are the most important thing in this life: where you’ve come from and where you’ve been. Your family is the biggest influence and support system in your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If at any time, I get the privilege of meeting someone, I will be asking about the family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last but not least, I love to learn about your name: what does it mean? Have you ever noticed how influential a person’s name is? For example, I know mother’s to be who will pass up a name that reminded them of “so and so” from way back when.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What about products?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bad products get bad reputations and good products get great reputations; the name associated with that product speaks to the reputation. How about the people you’ve dated, befriended or perhaps supervisors: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>what does their name say about their reputation?<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Bible is the finest example for studying people’s names, their meaning and how their life reflected the meaning of their name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going Old Testament for a moment, the name of a person had significant meaning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You find names chosen from endured trials, answer to prayers, miracles from God, attributes and so forth. For example, Judah, means praise. This is pretty significant for in the Old Testament the first tribe to lead out to battle was Judah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What about the enemies of Israel? The enemies that Israel faced, the other tribes, had significant meaning behind their name: bitterness, wickedness, fear, hardness, soreness, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The best names in the Bible to study are the names of God. For when you study the names of God, you learn about whom God is, his attributes; how you can rest, rely and trust in the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you could simply replace the names of God with a name of a “god” it wouldn’t be the same. You can’t exchange the name of God for a “god” because there is a character and attribute connected with the name of God. Think about it for a moment, how many attributes are associated with the name of God? And with those attributes, how has God shown himself in your life: as a Rescuer, Comforter, Helper, Strong Tower, Righteousness, Father, Friend, Healer, King, Lord, Deliverer, Salvation, Savior, Provider, Protector, Justice, Counsel, Teacher and etc.?<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let’s check out some of the names of God: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Adonai is a combination of “God” and “Lord”, in which we might say, “Lord God”.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yahweh means “to be”.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Elohim is used to identify Himself, “reflecting divine majesty and power”.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Elyon literally means “supreme God” or “most loved God”.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">El Shaddai or “God Almighty”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jehovah-Jireh means “the Lord will provide”.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t know about you, but when I study the names of God, talk about who God is, I can’t help but smile and get excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is God like man that he should lie or say one thing and do another?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we ask God for a loaf of bread, will he give us a scorpion? <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Proverbs 22.1 is a verse near and dear to my heart, “a good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” Did you get that; “a good name is more desirable than great riches”!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think about it for a moment. Read the verse a couple more times if you need to. Okay, now riddle me this: what does your name reflect?<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The world in which we live will judge you by what you wear, what you drive, where you live and what you have or don’t have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will condemn you for what you believe and black list you for not going along with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be God’s It Girl, has a greater value and is more challenging to maintain. Why? Great question!<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Being God’s It Girl doesn’t start with the having the right look or the things. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not about the clothes you wear, what you drive, where you went to school or didn’t, who you’ve dated or haven’t, what you’ve achieved or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being God’s It Girl starts with your name.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Think about it for a second: when God made a covenant with Abram that he would greatly increase his numbers and from that point on, God changed his name from Abram to Abraham. He went from “high father” to “father of great multitude”. Before Jacob wrestled with the Angel, his name meant deceiver. After the wrestling match was over, Jacob was forever changed and so did his name, “who prevails with God”.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Your name will be your reputation and your resume. Your name will be how others remember you and the God they come to know through relationship with you. Your name will be remembered long after you are gone and so will all that is associated with your name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your name has the power and influence to be a blessing, change someone’s life and effect change within your sphere of influence.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Maintaining a name that is more desirable than riches requires discipline. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It requires you to stay in right relationship with God, make good choices, live a pure life and do your best to reflect who God is in your life on an on-going basis. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So how about it, what do you say: are you God’s It Girl? </span>I imaginehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943457152030460563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627816833903153040.post-48525434103487761722012-01-20T19:54:00.003-07:002012-01-21T00:17:50.090-07:00New Approach: The Uphill Climb<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">{journey continued from new approach: ugh oh!}</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I was in Germany a couple of years ago, we went on a bike ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It started out lovely: a beautiful spring day, some where in the 70's, flowers in bloom and rolling green fields for miles. Our downhill decline became sharper and momentum naturally picked up. Shortly after we set out, my mom flies by yelling out “peddle faster!” Now experience has taught me that any piece of sports equipment that I’m on combined with a downhill incline of any sort, never ends good for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone inevitably has to clean me up or take me to the hospital. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Armed with experience and the advice of my mom, I picked up the pace with hesitation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I veer around the corner, I see my first hill. Now, this may seem odd, but I love a good incline. Why? Because I have yet to get hurt going uphill and two, there is always an end in sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Passing my parents, I get to the top of the hill and enjoy the straightaway until I encounter the next hill.<o:p></o:p></span></div><strong> </strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As you know, with every change you make in life, there is the adjustment period which can be likened to that of my bike ride experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With every resolution, with every goal, with every plan, you will without a doubt, be met with an uphill climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can’t ignore it, hide from it or find a way around it. It’s there, waiting for us with reason and purpose. Whether you ride it out, get off and push the bike up the hill or stop to take a breath, you will have to get up the hill at some point. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">With all the changes I was ready to make, I realized rather quickly that I was going to need help. First things first, I got a counselor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a couple months passed, I had adjusted to the routine of consistently meeting, doing the homework and seeing results of my commitment. I was now ready for the next change: my morning routine.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">While I love the Lord with my whole heart, my actions were starting to speak louder than my confession. I hadn’t settled on time with prayer, reading and studying the Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had tried at night but kept falling asleep. I tried the afternoon, but kept getting bombarded with requests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The morning seemed to be the least desirable because, quite honestly, I’m not a morning person. However the morning was the most logical.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here is what I found that worked for me: I set my alarm for 6:30 am and head out the door by 7:00 am. For the next two miles, the Lord and I meet. Here is how I look at this time and why my perspective changed: it’s my appointment time to meet with the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think about it for a moment: how often do we make time with God only to forget about it, arrive late, fall asleep or push it aside for someone else?<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Would I make an appointment with you and treat it like a casual get together? Heck no! I love getting together with my girlfriends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a coveted time for me. So why would I treat my time with the Lord any different. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>IN THE MORNING<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div><strong> </strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">While I was walking and talking with the Lord, I made a resolve in my heart to not let my circumstances determine or sway my faith and trust in God. As I head out in the morning, I start off with praise and praying the Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It looks something like this: <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Thank you that you alone are God. Thank you that your Word is true, you are right when you speak and just when you judge. Thank you for being my provider and protector. Thank you that I am in full view of you, you examine my paths, order my steps, number the hairs on my head, see when I sit and when I stand, know my thoughts before I speak them and am the apple of your eye. Thank you for truth, wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge and the Word of God. Thank you for your Word that is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.</span><o:p><strong> </strong></o:p></div><strong> </strong><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I believe your word to be truth; sharper than a double edged sword able to cut between the soul and the spirit, the bone and the marrow. I believe you gave me the desires of my heart. I believe you know the plans for me full of prosperity, hope and a future. I believe you are my righteousness, my hope and my help. I believe you are my strength, my shield…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><strong> </strong><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I ask the Holy Spirit to speak to my heart and share the truth about the each situation in my heart and on my thoughts. I talk about each anxious thought, worry and doubt. I ask the Lord to help me in my unbelief and help me to better understand his Word. I ask also for the help to see the situations and circumstances before me with through the eyes of Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Something that is super important, next to putting on the armor of God, is asking the Holy Spirit to fill me with the Spirit of truth, wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge, fear of God, revelation, insight and interpretation. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Often when we are walking and talking, there will be a scripture that comes to mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><strong> </strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>IN THE WORD<o:p></o:p></strong></span><br />
<strong> </strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here are some scriptures for you to take a look at (bold and italicized for emphasis): </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Hebrews 12.1-3, NIV </strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us <strong><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles</i>.</strong> And let us <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><strong>run with perseverance the race</strong></i> marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Proverbs 14.12, NIV</span></strong></span><strong><br />
</strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is a way that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><strong>appears to be right</strong></i>, but in the <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">end</span> it <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">leads</span> to <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">death</span>.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Phillipians 4:8, NIV</span></strong></span><strong> <br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">… <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">whatever</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">is</span> true, <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">whatever</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">is</span> noble, <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">whatever</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">is</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">right</span>, <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">whatever</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">is</span> pure, <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">whatever</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">is</span> lovely, <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">whatever</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">is</span> admirable—<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><strong>if anything <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">is</span> excellent or praiseworthy</strong></i>—<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><strong>think</strong></i> about such things.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-outline-level: 3;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 Timothy 3:5, NIV</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">…having <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><strong>a form of godliness</strong></i> but denying its power</span></span></div><h3 style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Psalm 23:1-3, NIV</span></h3><div style="margin: 0in 0in 5pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The LORD is my shepherd<strong>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I lack nothing</i></strong>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><strong>He makes</strong></i> me lie down in green pastures, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><strong>he leads</strong></i> me beside quiet waters, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><strong>he refreshes</strong></i> my soul. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><strong>He guides</strong></i> me along the right paths <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><strong>for his name’s sake</strong></i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 5pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong>Ephesians 1:1-11, MSG</strong></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 5pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><strong>to be made whole and holy by his love</strong></i>. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 5pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we're a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><strong>letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making</strong></i>. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 5pt 0.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong>It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for</strong></span></i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The story of this journey, "<strong>New Approach: God, Please Make Me Skinny</strong>" continues next Friday. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Until then, be blessed. Know that <span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">you’re an incredible woman of God. You have so much purpose and significance that can't be measured by the weights and values of this world. What is in you to give is so powerful, life giving and ignites a passion. No one is ever the same after they encounter you because of Jesus in you!</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span>I imaginehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943457152030460563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627816833903153040.post-24788019451766028122012-01-20T18:34:00.001-07:002012-01-21T00:15:17.302-07:00New Approach: Ugh Oh!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have you ever been doing something, using the same approach and expecting different results? This the definition of insanity seemed to be my station in life. I was right smack dab in the center of this definition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever I did, goal I set or direction I tried to pursue, I always seemed to end up with the same results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And frankly, I was getting fed up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the point of being sick and tired of being sick and tired, something had to change. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the midst of the hustle and bustle of my life, the constant pressure to look a certain way, have it together, display my success through various means of pleasures and the latest greatest gadgets, something happened. When all is said in done, I was absolutely positively ready for a new approach. In the moments of honesty, a very real event was taking place. I warn you, it’s not pretty, it’s not glamorous, it’s not something easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the process of coming undone.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">First, I had to decide, who was in charge of my life: me or other people/things?.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sounds like an odd place to start, and I totally hear you: “you should be in charge of your life, the captain of your ship, the commander and chief” (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">fist waving in the air</i>). I was finding that ministry, lists and projects consumed my life, my schedule and swayed my faith and trust in God. </span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The very foundations of my life—time with God, principles that guided my life and the voice of the Holy Spirit—had taken a back seat to the everyday demands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I had exchanged the "life abundantly" for it's counterfit. </span>While I didn’t set out to be a captive of someone else’s vision, ministry or projects the reality is I had. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I had to ask myself the hard questions: </span></div><ul><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Does my life line up with the Word of God or am I living according to the principles found in God’s Word?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What are the greatest influences in my life and are they pointing me towards God?</span></div></li>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"></div><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What are the distractions in my life and how much of my resources are they consuming?</span></div></li>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"></div><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Am I living the abundant life?</span></div></li>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"></div><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What am I passionate about?<o:p></o:p></span></div></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Unbeknownst to me, when I set out to grow closer to the heart of God and get healthy, I was embarking on a journey of freedom and restoration. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The story of this journey, "<strong>New Approach: The Uphill Climb</strong>", <strike>begins next Friday</strike> just got posted. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Until then, be blessed. Know that <span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">you’re an incredible woman of God. You have so much purpose and significance that can't be measured by the weights and values of this world. What is in you to give is so powerful, life giving and ignites a passion. No one is ever the same after they encounter you because of Jesus in you!</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>I imaginehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943457152030460563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627816833903153040.post-73567084457154743422012-01-12T21:07:00.000-07:002012-01-12T21:07:21.539-07:00It's About Time<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I imagine it’s a beautiful sunny day, where we are sitting outside a cozy café, sipping on a delicious beverage of choice. In hand, a temperate cup of peppermint hot chocolate slightly frothy. Cupping my mug with both hands, cuddled up on a patio chair, we sit down and commence our introductions. Like old friends apprehended by time and distance, we begin the interludes of our recent endeavors with much anticipation.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Born and raised in Southern California, I embarked on my young adult journey at 19 when I packed my ’84 Toyota Corolla and drove to Seattle, Washington.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shortly after arriving, I started at Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finished school in 2002 and walked in 2003 with a degree in Biblical Literature; armed with an enormous amount of knowledge, zeal and lack of experience. Truth be told, I wasn’t ready to enter full time ministry: what does full time ministry look like, what does it entail, am I cut out for this and many other thoughts plagued my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Waiting out the thoughts, I volunteered in all the ministries I was passionate about: prayer, music, children, youth, young adults, senior adults, special people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Making my way to Phoenix, Arizona, I charted in new waters as I took a job at Phoenix First Assembly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Starting off as an assistant in the senior adult and special people ministry, recruited to help launch the capital campaign that resulted in a transfer of departments where I quickly became acquainted with HR/Risk Management/Insurance/Business Administration. During my time in this department, I also gained additional knowledge in assisting dual executive staff. Now fast forward to the last three years, I spent my days in the youth and young adult ministry, and my friend, this is where I currently reside.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You ask, “why this blog…why now?” Great question and so glad you asked! If I’ve learned anything these last five years, I’ve learned that it’s never too late to start something you love, to try something new and you only fail when you refuse to try.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are many things I do well and many things I love to do, hence this blog. I am passionate about helping others grow closer in their walk with God, provide opportunity for self-discovery and to be your biggest cheerleader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This blog is uniquely designed to be the intimate conversations you have with your sister, your best friend. My prayer is that you will be encouraged, challenged, edified and find a safe place to learn and grow. So grab your favorite beverage, curl up on your most comfy piece of furniture and enjoy the brief interludes of our day!</span></div>I imaginehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943457152030460563noreply@blogger.com0