tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1205128029266868822024-02-06T18:25:36.171-08:00The Looking GlassInspiring Spiritual DevotionsDesiree St. Clair Spearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06132518256670986099noreply@blogger.comBlogger191125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-120512802926686882.post-25747065216401760772024-01-16T16:15:00.000-08:002024-01-16T16:15:46.894-08:00A Match Made in Heaven<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">“With
God all things are possible.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">—<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2019%3A26&version=NIV">Matthew
19:26</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">On this date three
years ago I received an email that would change my life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">I had
received the email notification from Match.com, a dating site I had previously
subscribed to. After too many years of not meeting “the one,” I canceled my
subscription, but apparently I failed to hide my profile.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Out of
curiosity, I read the email – only three sentences long. <span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a>But those three
sentences revealed a lot about the writer, Robert. He was intelligent, he paid
attention to details, and he had obviously read my profile, instead of just
looking at my pictures. He acknowledged our similarities and one difference,
our football teams. He was a fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; I rooted for
Washington. He ended his message with a question, “What new name would you
choose for your team?” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">I was
intrigued and wanted to answer, but I wasn’t a paid subscriber. Would I have to
sign up to reply? I didn’t know, but decided to give it a try. I typed my email
and hit send. It went through! How did that happen?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Soon we were
emailing back and forth every day, and I never had to pay a cent. Each new
email brought a smile to my face and new insight about this man who kept my
curiosity up. I learned we both attended Assembly of God churches. Both of us
had taught children’s Sunday school, and both of us were currently greeters at
our church. Faith-wise, it seemed we were on the same page, and that was very
important to me. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">I was also
drawn to Robert’s sense of humor and enjoyed our playful banter. His emails
were the highlight of my day—until he offered me his phone number and we
started chatting regularly. Immediately, I was attracted to his voice, his
tone, but also what he said and how he said it, his mannerisms and
consideration. We communicated well. I wondered if Robert might be “the one,”
yet we had never met in person.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">At the time, the
world was in the throes of the COVID pandemic. The vaccine had recently been
approved, and as a teacher, I had received it prior to our first correspondence.
However, I was currently caring for my octogenarian parents, who had not yet
been vaccinated. Out of consideration for them, Robert decided we should delay
meeting until all of us had been vaccinated. In the meantime, we continued our
daily phone calls, the new highlight of my days. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Six weeks
after Robert’s initial email, we met. While I had heard of “love at first
sight,” I didn’t know that it was possible. But I do know a God who makes all
things possible. For years, I had prayed for my forever love, for my match. I
searched for him on dating sites. And at last, I found him – or rather, he
found me. But I can’t give credit to the dating site. Match.com was just the
conduit. God was the matchmaker.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98QuD43r3USP2FCcmlmBSyDe0I6KZD_BSN7pe7bda9L9jAMGMr8Put-5Gt_z-MA2rtD9lDlQ0X7y6onIyufYDw7jkgAEJAhuE1dDNkN6t0bVhV9VHABtYVxYNwyVo8ilU_FfpRiF6Fp3Qi-bMUs4v0xX7FmHjdnQqDiTIwj0l86B5_doChvL0FtBOTb1v/s6720/IMG_0970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6720" data-original-width="4480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98QuD43r3USP2FCcmlmBSyDe0I6KZD_BSN7pe7bda9L9jAMGMr8Put-5Gt_z-MA2rtD9lDlQ0X7y6onIyufYDw7jkgAEJAhuE1dDNkN6t0bVhV9VHABtYVxYNwyVo8ilU_FfpRiF6Fp3Qi-bMUs4v0xX7FmHjdnQqDiTIwj0l86B5_doChvL0FtBOTb1v/s320/IMG_0970.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Robert and I now
have been married 18 months, and I am so thankful. He is definitely my perfect
match. We are so similar. But there is still one difference. He roots for Tampa
Bay, and I root for Washington, who finally decided on their new name. And it’s
okay, I guess—I just like mine better, Spears.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Dear God, You know me better than I
know myself (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139%3A1-4&version=NIV">Psalm
139:1 – 4</a>), and You work all things together for my best interest (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A28&version=NIV">Romans
8:28</a>). Thank You for choosing my mate, for making the impossible, possible
(<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+19%3A26&version=NIV">Matthew
19:26</a>). I’m glad I’m on Your team. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>Desiree St. Clair Spearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06132518256670986099noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-120512802926686882.post-83167570213793888932022-01-07T02:29:00.004-08:002022-01-09T05:27:29.211-08:00Hope Works: the journey to transformation<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">--</span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+5%3A3+-+5&version=NKJV" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Romans 5:3 - 5</span></a></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have a strong affection for dragonflies. The semblance of one dangles from my key ring; another is pressed into the blue glass ornament that hangs in my kitchen window, while others are imprinted on my porch cushions. Seeing dragonflies flutter about my flower gardens is a feast for my eyes. So what gave birth to this insect attraction?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCYtnIoOLbRpQXT94tAuhEsmBLFsgF7oU-CiV9QJmS0jmQjKS9GRWG64X_KEOYvZpnv3fX4Cgh9wHA62viF83S3_wGTmNbzhNm4fvE5YOXNAm79KHcBjTTswRZcRR6JmuggkF9RZPPoE3uNv4R664KfQZxaOTKFem09cIxyOkGJk8IVj0dwZWW-XNnnw=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCYtnIoOLbRpQXT94tAuhEsmBLFsgF7oU-CiV9QJmS0jmQjKS9GRWG64X_KEOYvZpnv3fX4Cgh9wHA62viF83S3_wGTmNbzhNm4fvE5YOXNAm79KHcBjTTswRZcRR6JmuggkF9RZPPoE3uNv4R664KfQZxaOTKFem09cIxyOkGJk8IVj0dwZWW-XNnnw=s320" width="320" /></a><span><a name='more'></a></span></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It all began seven years ago. Because of my connection to the Maryland Writers Association, I became aware of a call for submissions to an arts magazine to be published by HopeWorks of Howard County. Founded in 1978, HopeWorks is a private nonprofit agency that works to eliminate sexual and domestic violence by providing shelter, counseling and advocacy, increasing community awareness, and changing societal attitudes. Sharing the heart of its mission, I knew I had to submit and set out to give voice to my own transformative journey. In the words of a poem I called “My Grandmother’s Chair,” I poured out my deep emotional struggle to break free from an abusive marriage. My poem was accepted for publication in the 2014 issue of the magazine, entitled </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dragonfly</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, its name derived from the centuries old symbol for change - “a special type of transformation, one wrought from crises but ending in self-realization and a deeper understanding of the meaning of life” (Hill, Jennifer. Dragonfly, 2014).</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgD_VVfQZRnsB2TelOCgtO6md_gKzjv5R1IXxBOGMu4MM_nZgWqZYHWPfK9q3Tb_XVMy2RqAPQOi88VxsQ0baZV2O0zvf8wt3mx66F4TdlRL8THOMImlnLlv1DPm4ZrDFRb6Kp0xenCL0XskALEBp67vqtVCywYnGLZb5BGvicdKTQbmt9AUArse6jW0A=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgD_VVfQZRnsB2TelOCgtO6md_gKzjv5R1IXxBOGMu4MM_nZgWqZYHWPfK9q3Tb_XVMy2RqAPQOi88VxsQ0baZV2O0zvf8wt3mx66F4TdlRL8THOMImlnLlv1DPm4ZrDFRb6Kp0xenCL0XskALEBp67vqtVCywYnGLZb5BGvicdKTQbmt9AUArse6jW0A=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As I penned my words, I wove in the dialogue between Fear and Faith that ensued at that pivotal moment of my journey. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fear doubted, </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How can I?</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How could I go on? How could I leave, find shelter and support my children? </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Faith responded, “Put your hope in God.” </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">GO! ENOUGH! GO!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As I began packing belongings, Fear questioned yet again, </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How can I?</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Faith reminded, “Hope does not disappoint.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Faith won out that day in 1995. And as I reflect on the years that have since passed, the words of Faith have proven true. God has come through for me - time and time again.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hope does not disappoint. Hope drives us to persevere through the tough times, trusting that something better awaits on the other side. In the process, we grow stronger in character and in faith and can endure even more. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When we see the evidence of God’s power at work in our lives, we know He hears our prayers and has our best interest at heart. Even if the waiting is long, we have hope. We know He’s working. He’s working all things together for good (</span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208%3A28&version=NIV" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Romans 8:28</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">). </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Over the years as I struggled as a single parent, I prayed for a helpmate. I met men; relationships formed, but none worked out. Still, I never gave up. I continued to pray and trust, believing God would come through. Today, twenty-five years after my divorce, I am engaged to a godly man, Robert, and we are planning our wedding. Recently, we toured wedding venues. As I stood next to him on the grounds of Lower Notley Hall Farm, a warmth surged in my heart and tears wet my eyes. I knew this was the place we would recite our wedding vows. Robert felt it too. Yet, for practicality sake, we toured a couple other venues before making our final decision. After it all, we came back to Notley and signed the contract. As we drove out the cedar-lined lane, we decided to stop at the end to snap a photo of the sign. It was there that I saw it. A dragonfly logo above the name. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEH3M21K0b1tBAk5WZtkXT_p11RugPoEZpecOLf1LYnl9dLzbH1-R_1Xb4nPmcuhEzIG2yki95eC-SU08bYuu1qaXwIaYE48BYAdwtx6v1ZFqFu0DhW3R_WVviypOdQzZer7RT9Hz2dxwfg6KO9z2l_tiQ0ejfza8rd-IpbWZbrvCKonIpKnlR9CxLvA=s4096" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEH3M21K0b1tBAk5WZtkXT_p11RugPoEZpecOLf1LYnl9dLzbH1-R_1Xb4nPmcuhEzIG2yki95eC-SU08bYuu1qaXwIaYE48BYAdwtx6v1ZFqFu0DhW3R_WVviypOdQzZer7RT9Hz2dxwfg6KO9z2l_tiQ0ejfza8rd-IpbWZbrvCKonIpKnlR9CxLvA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Time for a new change.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hope works.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear God, thank You for the trials You have allowed in my life. You knew the transformation they would bring. As I enter this new phase of my journey, I thank You for the blessing of a partner, my answer to prayer. And I trust You to be with me through it all, giving wind to my wings, as I transition from singlehood to marriage. Amen.</span></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Desiree St. Clair Spearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06132518256670986099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-120512802926686882.post-45950017529452489032020-12-24T18:38:00.004-08:002022-01-09T04:28:58.624-08:00I am a Gingerbread House: A Poem<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5O1-MacAvuctvyre0RPA6msVDqXEXpEk-xmScfrnc0CpBtdvHBYzw2jaMMSClcv72D2QPBdGQtwlXvViEAYSK0cIjXJFMbtOP_gvxfxKaIeBlk7QcWsBVV13MyQHV_lARZTDD4akTHSZ/s301/Gingerbread+House4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="176" data-original-width="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5O1-MacAvuctvyre0RPA6msVDqXEXpEk-xmScfrnc0CpBtdvHBYzw2jaMMSClcv72D2QPBdGQtwlXvViEAYSK0cIjXJFMbtOP_gvxfxKaIeBlk7QcWsBVV13MyQHV_lARZTDD4akTHSZ/s0/Gingerbread+House4.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">I
am a gingerbread house,<br /></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">My
frame made<br /> </span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">From
the finest ingredients<br /></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Imported
from a secret place.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Desiree/Documents/I%20Am%20A%20Gingerbread%20House.Reformatted.docx#_edn1" name="_ednref1" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[i]<span><a name='more'></a></span><br /></span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">I
proudly stand up on my own,<br /></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Four
sides and a roof,<br /> </span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">But
on the outside I am drab,<br /></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Too
plain to gain attention.<br /></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">So
I paint my face with sweet paste,<br /></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Design
windows and a door,<br /></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">But
they are fake and do not open;<br /></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">You
can’t get in or see into my core.<br /></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">I
add colorful confections,<br /></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Which
sparkle, shimmer, and shine<br /></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">And
cause a glimmer of interest from passersby,<br /></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">A
glance here, a glance there.<br /></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">But
they don’t linger,<br /></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">So
I work harder.<br /> </span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">I
pile on pretty treats<br /></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Till
my top is covered—<br /></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">And
heavy.<br /></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Some
notice,<br /> </span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Some
like, some tweet,<br /></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">But
my sides grow weak<br /></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">I
wobble under pressure<br /> </span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">My
seams crack<br /></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">I
can’t hold it together<br /> </span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">I
fall apart<br /></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">My
walls sprawl open,<br /></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Revealing
all my emptiness<br /></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">I
am a broken mess,<br /></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Racked
with sobs,<br /></span><i><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Hold me, hold me,
hold me<br /></span></i><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">He
hears me<br /></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The
One Who holds all things together<a href="file:///C:/Users/Desiree/Documents/I%20Am%20A%20Gingerbread%20House.Reformatted.docx#_edn2" name="_ednref2" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[ii]<br /></span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Hastens
to my rescue<br /></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">And
upholds me with His everlasting arms<a href="file:///C:/Users/Desiree/Documents/I%20Am%20A%20Gingerbread%20House.Reformatted.docx#_edn3" name="_ednref3" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[iii]<br /></span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Enfolds
me with His love,<br /></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Fixes
all my broken pieces,<br /></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">And
fills me with unsurpassing peace<a href="file:///C:/Users/Desiree/Documents/I%20Am%20A%20Gingerbread%20House.Reformatted.docx#_edn4" name="_ednref4" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[iv]<br /></span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">He
sets a flickering flame in place<br /></span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">And
turns this gingerbread house<br /> </span><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Into
a dwelling house for Him.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Desiree/Documents/I%20Am%20A%20Gingerbread%20House.Reformatted.docx#_edn5" name="_ednref5" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[v]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></span></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">
</p><div><!--[if !supportEndnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="edn1">
<p class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Desiree/Documents/I%20Am%20A%20Gingerbread%20House.Reformatted.docx#_ednref1" name="_edn1" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[i]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139%3A15&version=NIV">Psalm
139:15</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="edn2">
<p class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Desiree/Documents/I%20Am%20A%20Gingerbread%20House.Reformatted.docx#_ednref2" name="_edn2" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[ii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+1%3A17&version=NIRV">Colossians
1:17</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="edn3">
<p class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Desiree/Documents/I%20Am%20A%20Gingerbread%20House.Reformatted.docx#_ednref3" name="_edn3" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[iii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+33%3A27&version=NIV">Deuteronomy
33:27</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="edn4">
<p class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Desiree/Documents/I%20Am%20A%20Gingerbread%20House.Reformatted.docx#_ednref4" name="_edn4" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[iv]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A7&version=ESV">Philippians
4:7</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="edn5">
<p class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Desiree/Documents/I%20Am%20A%20Gingerbread%20House.Reformatted.docx#_ednref5" name="_edn5" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[v]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+3%3A16&version=ESV">1
Corinthians 3:16</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoEndnoteText"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoEndnoteText"><o:p> </o:p></p>
</div>
</div><div><div id="edn5">
<p class="MsoEndnoteText"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoEndnoteText"><o:p> </o:p></p>
</div>
</div><div style="mso-element: endnote-list;"><div id="edn5" style="mso-element: endnote;">
<p class="MsoEndnoteText"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoEndnoteText"><o:p> </o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Desiree St. Clair Spearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06132518256670986099noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-120512802926686882.post-71614976854643433722020-12-09T02:53:00.003-08:002022-01-09T04:27:51.505-08:00A Rose is Not Just a Rose: Celebrating good things<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">his love endures forever.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">—<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+chronicles+16%3A34&version=NIV">1
Chronicles 16:34</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">I approached the kitchen table and caught glance of the
single red rose, its stem stuck in a vase and head bowed toward me. Instantly,
I wanted to bow my own head in shame. How could I have forgotten? My mind
traveled back to the day before when I was shopping for groceries.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFlrHIgW9xzomMYDQQvy_ynYOmY7cKUIS5Pn99FHl7T31qo1NEQf9iy-tvb1G0UaPOW6N67yn_ux_EkuBh4RuK4zOWdDr6Na7x5hCZUH5bwdKu1TjeMmn17P6we_YBfV3yh09zrwsUr5T/s3264/20201207_062812.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFlrHIgW9xzomMYDQQvy_ynYOmY7cKUIS5Pn99FHl7T31qo1NEQf9iy-tvb1G0UaPOW6N67yn_ux_EkuBh4RuK4zOWdDr6Na7x5hCZUH5bwdKu1TjeMmn17P6we_YBfV3yh09zrwsUr5T/s320/20201207_062812.jpg" /></a><span><a name='more'></a></span></div><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Ma’am, would you like a rose?”</span></p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I turned to face a produce clerk, bouquet in hand.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">“They’re starting to die,” he explained as he pulled
forth a rose, “I’d rather give them away than throw them away.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">“Yes, thank you!” I said as I accepted his proffer. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I walked away with a smile, thinking <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">this is my Good Thing of the day.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I start every class with a celebration of Good Things. It’s
an actual agenda item, a time when students share something good, maybe their
birthday or an A on a test, then we all celebrate together with music and applause. Sometimes
I too share a good thing with my class, but if I don’t I will be sure to record
it later in my gratitude journal. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">For years, I have journaled at least five good things
that I am grateful for each night before I close my eyes. I’ve heard some say
they would be challenged to come up with five new things to give thanks for
every day. I’ve also heard the quote, “Every day may not be good, but there is
good in every day.” If we spend time reflecting on our day, surely we can pull
out at least five good things. It can include having our workday go smoothly or
having a phone conversation with a loved one or receiving an unexpected flower.
Some of these items may not be “new” (having recorded them before), but they are
new to the day and worthy of recognition nonetheless.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Even though in the moment I recognized the gift of the
flower as a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">good thing</i>, later that
night I had forgotten all about it and failed to journal it. For that, I was
ashamed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">How quickly had I forgotten. I wonder how many other good
things I’ve forgotten so suddenly, failed to give thanks for, failed to
celebrate.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The Bible tells us that every good gift comes down from
the Father, who does not change like shifting shadows (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%201%3A17&version=NIV">James
1:17</a></span>). He is thinking of us constantly (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139%3A17&version=TLB">Psalm
139:17</a></span>) and sends down sprinkles of good things throughout our day. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Let us think of the Lord when these blessings come our
way and give thanks to Him (and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">for</i>
Him), for He is good; His love endures forever (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+chronicles+16%3A34&version=NIV">1
Chronicles 16:34</a></span>).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Dear
Lord, <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Thank
You for all the ways You bless me. Forgive me when I fail to recognize You as
my Source. I know sometimes I take things for granted, and I’m changeable, saying
one thing and doing another. Yet You are the same yesterday, today, and forever
(<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+13%3A8&version=NIV">Hebrews
13:8</a></span>). My God, my provider, my lover and friend. For You, I am eternally grateful.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>Desiree St. Clair Spearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06132518256670986099noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-120512802926686882.post-21608532133990286902020-11-28T07:17:00.015-08:002020-11-28T11:41:33.164-08:00If You Were A Decoration: Celebrating the beauty of our differences<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure
to use them to help each other, passing on to others God’s many kinds of
blessings. Are you called to preach? Then preach as though God himself were
speaking through you. Are you called to help others? Do it with all the
strength and energy that God supplies so that God will be glorified through
Jesus Christ—to him be glory and power forever and ever. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">—<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+peter+4%3A10-11&version=TLB">1
Peter 4:10-11</a></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">As we were winding down our First Place 4 Health virtual session,
our leader Annie explained her idea for our celebration class, “I thought it
would be nice to celebrate each other. I’d like to compile statements from each
member about each other member to share in our class…thoughts of how you have
been touched, inspired, encouraged, what makes them special, or what God given
talent you see in them.</span> <span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I thought this would be fun and heartwarming
for our group.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">In keeping with our usual discipline, Annie chose a
Scripture for us to memorize this final week of the session, 1 Thessalonians
5:11: “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already
doing.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I began typing my thoughts about each of the eleven women when an idea sparked. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Could I do something more? What about a poem
for each one?<span></span></i></span></p><a name='more'></a> <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Inspired by an activity from a long-ago Christmas party,
I started with the same opening lines, “If you were a decoration hanging on my tree,
this is the decoration I think you’d be.” I pondered over each lady, then completed
the verse by entering a decoration that I hoped encapsulated her special
characteristics. For our lovely golden-haired leader who always exudes the joy
of the Lord, I wrote:</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">You would be a bright
gold star</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Hanging on the
highest limb</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">To lead and point<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Our group to Him</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">For our co-leader Carla who uses her great creativity and
organizational skills to arrange fun activities and keep us on track, I wrote: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">You would be a pretty
red bow<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Tied up nice &
tight<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Because you are a
detail girl<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Making sure
everything’s just right</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">I
continued writing until I had completed a poem for each woman in our group,
including our newest member Peggy and her co-worker, longtime group member Shelly.
Former missionary and teacher, Shelly knowledgably leads our weekly Bible study
discussions, helping us extract the treasures and connect the dots.</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Annie
collected our special messages, then Carla created a beautiful slideshow to
present them. On the night of our celebration, each lady took turns reading those
precious words of affirmation that encouraged and built each other up. As one
read, another wiped her eyes. When messages were read to me, I was overwhelmed
by a rush of warmth. My eyes watered. I was truly humbled.</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The
slideshow ended with my poems. Alphabetically ordered, Shelly’s was last. I
read:</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">If you were a
decoration hanging on my tree,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">This is the
decoration I think you’d be<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">You would be Rudy<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">With your “knows” so
bright<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">To lead us through
Bible study<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Every Thursday night</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I barely got the words out of my mouth before Shelly
exclaimed, “That’s perfect! Look what I’m wearing!” She adjusted her camera so
all could see her red pullover, emblazoned with an image of Rudolph and the
name of one of her favorite places, Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnU-mQQFMcGy_-4zms_RUD9I25DMiZB14Zf8pK2sYJ1sZA9-N_48TJNM6t9wEzNAbaYVFv43X44XS-lnb1smCwb3OD6umktZ8wUBR0dswGk1It3Fq1Mv9sdsIrHtQnIfI8eQycrTn_0jJ2/s2048/Shelly.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnU-mQQFMcGy_-4zms_RUD9I25DMiZB14Zf8pK2sYJ1sZA9-N_48TJNM6t9wEzNAbaYVFv43X44XS-lnb1smCwb3OD6umktZ8wUBR0dswGk1It3Fq1Mv9sdsIrHtQnIfI8eQycrTn_0jJ2/w240-h320/Shelly.jpeg" title="Shelly in her Rudolph shirt" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">We all burst out laughing, then Carla chimed in, “And the
red bow was perfect for me too! So far I only have up one Christmas decoration,
a big red bow hanging on my wall!”</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJV2nw3TNjAu2lgJYJSG-aykbdJ4hvjJSfXhyphenhyphen9jOY7_GckDBaq0XppMlwbG3FU-DUvv33lv2vdSCBOQZp7BjGHunAnN1IWY2q9-SO7I6A_EYOc5I3JxzrWdZT6-WRJiUYzZT-bEYu3JEP/s960/Carla%2527s+red+bow.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJV2nw3TNjAu2lgJYJSG-aykbdJ4hvjJSfXhyphenhyphen9jOY7_GckDBaq0XppMlwbG3FU-DUvv33lv2vdSCBOQZp7BjGHunAnN1IWY2q9-SO7I6A_EYOc5I3JxzrWdZT6-WRJiUYzZT-bEYu3JEP/s320/Carla%2527s+red+bow.jpeg" /></a></div><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Then Peggy, who I had likened to a light connected to the
strand, piped up, “And you didn’t know it, but I’m the light queen! This place
will be all lit up!”</span></p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">After our roars of laughter and a chatty exchange of
gratitude, Shelly remarked, “Because we are all different, that’s what makes
the tree beautiful.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">“And there you are, connecting the dots again,” I smiled, for I knew she was right.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">“Just as our bodies have
many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body.
We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In his grace,
God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has
given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has
given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a
teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it
is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the
responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to
others, do it gladly” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+12%3A4-8&version=NLT">Romans
12:4-8</a>).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">God has given us all different gifts to use in helping
each other. He wants us to use these gifts to the fullest and with glad and
sincere hearts. When we do so, not only will we build each other up, but we
will also glorify God in the process.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Our night turned out to be just as fun and heartwarming
as Annie had hoped. I’m sure God had a little something to do with it. I am
also sure that when we let our lights shine, we warm His heart too.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Dear
God,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I want to be a decoration hanging on Your
tree, to be all that you created me to be. And from my good friend Carla’s poem
to me, I want to be: <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Like a Candle<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Shining words from Your heart<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">To lead others to the brightness<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">And help ignite a fresh start<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3IJH_CK6_i1IJj8xak2Oy4dgE7qGiLOU3A3S6Y8OPRRlfiJzq9BEom0gaOCyrGwgc9xz8u9k3NFhxXEqzr1JfcjAfE31FzrTbGCkTFE4byAJxoQDTIliqCZKTl0tet-HtWQXXRU0zlFLs/s2048/If+You+Were+A+Decoration.candle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3IJH_CK6_i1IJj8xak2Oy4dgE7qGiLOU3A3S6Y8OPRRlfiJzq9BEom0gaOCyrGwgc9xz8u9k3NFhxXEqzr1JfcjAfE31FzrTbGCkTFE4byAJxoQDTIliqCZKTl0tet-HtWQXXRU0zlFLs/s320/If+You+Were+A+Decoration.candle.jpg" /></a></i></div><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></i><p></p>Desiree St. Clair Spearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06132518256670986099noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-120512802926686882.post-32647902049301444262020-11-08T04:07:00.002-08:002020-11-10T02:03:28.805-08:00Pumpkin Surprise: Bearing Fruit in Season<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper
time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">—<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=galatians+6%3A9&version=NIV">Galatians
6:9</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">When
my daughter and family came to visit last month, my son-in-law trimmed a bush
for me. He discarded the debris at the edge of the yard and returned with two
baby pumpkins. Imagine my surprise when I saw them. <i>How did they get there?</i> </span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Then
I remembered. Last year when preparing for Christmas, I removed my doorstep
pumpkins and placed them there, where I normally deposit yard clippings.
Apparently, they replanted themselves.</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">From
their perch on the deck railing, the fun-size gourds seemed to grin at me like
one who has successfully pulled off a surprise party.</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Their
unexpected appearance spoke, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Keep doing
what you normally do and when you least expect it, you will reap a harvest</i>.</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">I
can become weary in my prayer life, having prayed the same prayers for decades
without desired results. I can become weary in my weight loss journey when the
number on the scale seems stuck. I can become weary in this pandemic-induced
new way of teaching—new way of life. But God’s Word encourages me.</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Psalm
1 says, “Blessed is the one…whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who
meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by
streams of water, which yields its fruit in season” (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+1%3A1-3&version=NIV">vs.
1 – 3a</a></span>).</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Keep
doing what you normally do. Keep praying, meditating, and making wise choices.
Continue exercising your faith and doing the good you know to do. God hears
your heart; He sees your faithfulness and hard work. In due season, you will
reap a bountiful blessing.</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Others
see your <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">normal</i> as well. Even though
you are unaware, you are spreading seeds of hope.</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">At
the end of my family’s visit, I passed on the pint-size pumpkins to my
grandsons to take home. As they drove away, I prayed they took away more.</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Lord, thank You for
all the ways You bless and speak to me. May I too bless others with my words
and deeds. May I leave a legacy of faith that, in season, reproduces in the
lives of others. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyS7DDQr8EXoh7BVCu4U0_Wgi2PhDVe-yZV3Q58SRWOYjo6rR7vSCImKIELzzyHc76G9GNzGRQZWGMvFmD3yIwgekBxZ6JMMZhR-16R_0JZAivGtM1tNMC7zrpyZFbGDj5BhuQjqNJTxoM/s1010/Pumpkin+Surprise.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1010" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyS7DDQr8EXoh7BVCu4U0_Wgi2PhDVe-yZV3Q58SRWOYjo6rR7vSCImKIELzzyHc76G9GNzGRQZWGMvFmD3yIwgekBxZ6JMMZhR-16R_0JZAivGtM1tNMC7zrpyZFbGDj5BhuQjqNJTxoM/s320/Pumpkin+Surprise.jpg" /></a></i></div><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></i><p></p>Desiree St. Clair Spearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06132518256670986099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-120512802926686882.post-41616000855533878502020-09-25T04:19:00.007-07:002020-09-25T05:40:57.570-07:00Like a Rooster: Herald of the Holy Light<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our
message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in
chains. Pray that I may proclaim it </span></i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">clearly<i>,
as I should.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">—<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=colossians+4%3A3-4&version=NIV">Colossians
4:3-4</a> </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext;">(emphasis mine)</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">In June I researched my birth surname, St. Clair, and
came across historical information about the Sinclair/St. Clair clan, thought to
have its origins in Normandy, France (</span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.clansinclairusa.org/history.html">clansinclairusa.org</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">).
I discovered a rooster on the family crest, which gave me pause. Why a rooster?
A boisterous barnyard critter, not typically a bird of high esteem. Why not the
majestic eagle or even a wise ole owl?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I delved further and learned that the rooster is a symbol
of courage. According to clan records, in 1066 Richard de St. Clair was awarded
“the rooster” for courage in the Battle of Hastings between the Norman-French and
the English (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="http://sinclair.quarterman.org/archive/2002/12/msg00250.html">sinclair.quarterman.org</a></span>).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The more I thought about it, the more it made sense.
Residing on a farm most of my life, I am quite familiar with the ways of the
rooster, rising before dawn, crowing incessantly to wake up the sleepyheads.
That must take courage, to do what you were made to do, despite your size and
any unwelcome feedback you may receive, for not everyone is an early-riser like
me. Some folks will immediately dismiss the crack-of-dawn wake-up call, roll
over and go back to sleep. But that doesn’t deter the rooster. He continues to
chant well into the morning until even I at times want to launch a pillow at
him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">My research revealed that the French word for rooster is
chanticleer, which means to chant (sing, crow) clearly. Note that “chanticleer”
is a close approximation to the surname Saint Clair (the word ‘clair’ in French
means clear). According to clan records, the surname in French is “de Sancto
Claro” and in Latin, “Sanctus Clarus,” meaning Holy Light. Some in the clan
have concluded that the rooster is the herald of the light of day or the “holy
light” (</span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://sinclair.quarterman.org/archive/2002/12/msg00250.html">sinclair.quarterman.org</a></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">,
</span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.clansinclairusa.org/history.html">clansinclairusa.org</a></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">).
I am intrigued by the connection.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Encircling the rooster on the crest are the words of the
motto*: <i>Commit thy work to God</i>. While
at first disappointed over the discovery of the cock on the crest, I am now
honored by the revelation. I want to be like the chanticleer. As Christians, we
all should. For God calls us to proclaim the mystery of Christ, to give a <i>clear</i> gospel message whenever we have an
open door. That is our true work. I am now inspired to renew my commitment to the
work—to chant clearly to wake up sleepers to the Light of Christ (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+5%3A14&version=NLV">Ephesians
5:14 NLV</a></span>).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Years ago, I was fascinated with church steeples, awed by
ancient spires that pierced through mountain ridges and city skylines,
directing eyes heavenward. These cross-topped towers reminded me of where my
help comes from, where I should place my focus. I took up photographing them
and dubbed my hobby <i>steeplechase.</i>
This week as I continued my ancestry research, I learned that churches in
Normandy are topped with roosters. Interpretations of the meaning of the
roosters vary. According to one source, this practice originated with Pope Leon
IV, who ordered the placement of roosters on steeples as a symbol of Christ’s
prediction that Peter would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed. Another
says the rooster is a “symbol of the rising sun because this is the bird that
announces the dawn. So, ‘like Christ, it announces the arrival of the day after
the night, the arrival of good after bad’” (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.deepheartoffrance.com/is-that-a-rooster-on-your-church/">deepheartoffrance.com</a></span>).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Now more than ever, people are chasing after hope. They
need good after the bad ravages of 2020. They need Jesus. Let us not deny Him,
but be like the rooster—courageous, consistent, persistent, and insistent. Let
us speak up and wake up the sleeping. Shout out the good news from every
steepletop, rooftop, and laptop. Now is the time to point others to Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dear
Jesus, thank You for revealing the mysteries of my ancestry. May these
revelations spur me to commit to my calling in these current times. Through it
all, may I keep my focus on You, for clearly You will direct me and strengthen
me to herald Your Light in the darkness. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>___________________________<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">*A crest is a small part of a coat of arms, although many
people use these terms interchangeably. Many companies are in the business of
selling the family coat of arms on mugs, t-shirts, and plaques. While fun to
display, these representations may be incorrect.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">According to <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/family-coats-of-arms-1422009">Kimberly Powell
of the Thought Co.</a></span>: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Except for a few individual
exceptions from some parts of Eastern Europe, there is no such thing as a
"family" coat of arms for a particular surname - despite the claims
and implications of some companies to the contrary. Coats of arms are granted
to individuals, not families or surnames. A form of property, coats of arms may
rightfully be used only by the uninterrupted male-line descendants of the
person to whom the coat of arms was originally granted. Such grants were (and still
are) made by the proper heraldic authority for the country in question.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Further research at <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://ancestralfindings.com/real-truth-behind-coats-arms-family-crests/">Ancestral
Findings</a></span> concurs with Powell and gives a breakdown on the parts of a
coat of arms, including the motto, a statement that represents the
group/family. According to the author of this article, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Nothing stops you from
designing your own coat of arms and/or family crest. Just know that it is not a
hereditary one and has no official or ancestral meaning. You can make one for
yourself or your family and use it as a logo. Many companies online will help
you design your own. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My take on this matter? Even if the “family” coat of arms,
crest and motto included, is incorrect but inspires you to do what’s good, then
that’s what counts.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><br /><p></p>Desiree St. Clair Spearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06132518256670986099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-120512802926686882.post-60348281004395895922020-07-22T09:53:00.001-07:002020-07-22T09:53:53.504-07:00Rejection Rescue: Hope for the rejected and abandoned<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">God is in his holy Temple.</span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He is a father to orphans,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">and he defends the widows.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">God gives the lonely a home.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He leads prisoners out with joy,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">but those who turn against God will live in a dry land.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">—<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+68%3A5-6&version=NCV">Psalm
68:5-6</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If a dam (mother cow) does not bond with her calf
immediately after birth, there’s a good chance she will reject it. In the case
of twins, it is not uncommon for the dam to reject one twin while bonding with
the other. If this occurs, the owner usually rescues the rejected twin,
removing it from the herd and placing it in the safety of a barn where the twin
is then bottle fed until mature enough to be returned to the pasture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This is what happened with a twin born earlier this year on
the farm where I live.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When my daughter, Rebekah, and her two sons, my
grandsons, came to visit, I told them about the rejected calf, now bottle
fed by my sister-in-law Katie. Hoping to get a glimpse of the process, we
walked to the barn at the time we thought the calf would be fed. Unfortunately,
Katie had finished and was cleaning up, but she called the twin over to the
fence so we could see her, “Come here, Terry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdEMXPksNzxX9MG_i0DHAuHWVujvze_sIKF-MZ89Wx59h-hvmstxz7FGrjtOnP4MOham2HgHKamo4mylbuHh47DpS_eOp3h6-msBCDSa669DUxBRyuQD2EBVQa9n_GmJYYJ6PgGMEm5sd/s1600/Terry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdEMXPksNzxX9MG_i0DHAuHWVujvze_sIKF-MZ89Wx59h-hvmstxz7FGrjtOnP4MOham2HgHKamo4mylbuHh47DpS_eOp3h6-msBCDSa669DUxBRyuQD2EBVQa9n_GmJYYJ6PgGMEm5sd/s320/Terry.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a name='more'></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The calf moved toward Katie at the sound of her voice. Katie
reached out and stroked her muzzle. It was clear that Terry had bonded with
Katie; she trusted her. When we tried to do the same, Terry shied away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XwjkcwiBPogTeguyRVyV2HJcejBeKLPQMKET7UbyYEcaAVlET4ZiLqCthGLjmBeZNdlWFMW15ntbWIlaB-SCKUhXDuGlUUnA_2uvYL1G3rembTLVSf8I0JjPslOPCQPsle6Ekd-7iRuQ/s1600/Terry+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XwjkcwiBPogTeguyRVyV2HJcejBeKLPQMKET7UbyYEcaAVlET4ZiLqCthGLjmBeZNdlWFMW15ntbWIlaB-SCKUhXDuGlUUnA_2uvYL1G3rembTLVSf8I0JjPslOPCQPsle6Ekd-7iRuQ/s320/Terry+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We chatted while we visited. Katie told us that as soon
as Terry is big enough, she will be placed in the petting zoo at a nearby farm.
“How did you know the farm was looking for a cow?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">She explained that my farmer brother, her husband, also a
tractor tire mechanic, had been called to repair a tire on that farm and the
subject came up in conversation. We were delighted to hear of Terry’s good
fortune.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As we walked away, Rebekah remarked, “Terry was abandoned
and rejected by her mother, but now think of all the love and affection she
will get at the petting zoo!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I agreed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“What would have happened to her otherwise?” Rebekah
asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Well, cows are raised here for beef,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Then she cheated death twice!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Yes, she did,” I responded, all the while thinking about
God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">How many of us have ever felt abandoned or rejected?
Perhaps not by our mothers, but by others. How many have been excluded, cast
aside, uninvited?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God knows our pain. He sees our broken heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“You have seen it; yes, you have taken note of trouble
and grief and placed them under your control. The victim entrusts himself to
you. You alone have been the helper of orphans” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+10%3A14&version=GW">Psalm
20:14</a>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We can trust God, for He loves us more than we could ever
imagine. Let us draw near to Him, and He will draw near to us (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+4%3A8&version=ESV">James
4:8</a>). He will rescue us and bring us comfort and nourishment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Like the farmers who planned a promising future for Terry,
God has planned one for each of us </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(</span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+29%3A11&version=NIV" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jeremiah
29:11</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">)</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">. Through our acceptance of Jesus as Lord and
Savior, we have the promise of new life here on earth and eternal life in our heavenly
home. Death has lost its grip.</span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dear
God, thank You for seeing my pain. I submit my life to You and trust You to
work all things out for my good </span></i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">(<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208:28&version=NIV">Romans
8:28</a>)<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">. You are my helper and my rescue.
Thank You for inviting me and including me in Your family. I rest in Your
everlasting arms and am nourished by the truth of Your Word. May Your will be
done in my life today. Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrr2UMMtFFy0Tq8BQfYh8OE_LDBoDAkxRb3ePgkUobiVFF-I1CvRWOrMj2Kf1wTIku8gB6LF8OkieSByn_ToYqIE7dgQIGcflzRcKb87qSWMnsqrBeTyh6dECctNuHgTO5nbNDGoLm7hd/s1600/Terry+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrr2UMMtFFy0Tq8BQfYh8OE_LDBoDAkxRb3ePgkUobiVFF-I1CvRWOrMj2Kf1wTIku8gB6LF8OkieSByn_ToYqIE7dgQIGcflzRcKb87qSWMnsqrBeTyh6dECctNuHgTO5nbNDGoLm7hd/s320/Terry+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />Desiree St. Clair Spearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06132518256670986099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-120512802926686882.post-38988469928831997102020-06-24T17:05:00.003-07:002020-06-24T17:17:21.041-07:00No Small Potatoes: How it matters where you live<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsbVPBa0fv3lBnepEhsjvW42r2X5fo-cvWuMPfuzSQ5FLnjKTq38J3T-cQsDC3QNiiBxABwtPzeFhPM_THCqqzhO1H17MSTTeAU16oJf8Wnp1QqKBKy2-44SDmo1xgUWJIUTFxpXifSvC/s3264/Potatoes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsbVPBa0fv3lBnepEhsjvW42r2X5fo-cvWuMPfuzSQ5FLnjKTq38J3T-cQsDC3QNiiBxABwtPzeFhPM_THCqqzhO1H17MSTTeAU16oJf8Wnp1QqKBKy2-44SDmo1xgUWJIUTFxpXifSvC/w400-h300/Potatoes.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“I am the Real Vine and my Father is the Farmer (1)…Live
in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you (4)… I am the Vine, you are the
branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and
organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant (5)… if you make yourselves at home
with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask
will be listened to and acted upon (7).”</span></i><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">—</span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A1-8&version=MSG">John
15:1 – 8 (MSG)</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">As
my cousin, Debbie, and I were out for our afternoon walk on the farm, a car
approached. We stepped to the side of the gravel road; the car stopped beside
us. “What’s growing there?” the driver called to us through his open window,
gesturing toward the field.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Potatoes,”
we responded in unison.<span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
driver was a new farm resident, not familiar with crops, whereas I had lived on
the farm almost my whole life and Debbie her entire life. Even though we could
not see the potatoes growing beneath the surface, we could respond without
hesitation because we recognized the vines.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">That
made me think about the Lord and the relationship He desires with us. He refers
to Himself as the Vine and His followers the branches. He calls us to make our
home in Him, to have an intimate relationship with Him. When we live with
someone, we become familiar with their ways and their words. We might even find
ourselves acting likewise and finishing their sentences. If we abide in Jesus,
studying and depositing His Word in our heart, we become familiar with His ways
and act accordingly. As we grow in our relationship with Him, we learn to trust
Him even more. We know His promises are true because we have seen Him come
through.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
Bible says, “Jesus Christ </span><i style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">is</i><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> the same
yesterday, today, and forever” (</span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+13%3A8&version=NKJV">Hebrews 13:8</a></span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">). He doesn’t change. If He has made a way for us in the past,
surely He will do it again. Even if we have been praying about something for
years and still don’t see the answer, we can be assured that He is listening
and working it out (</span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A7&version=MSG">John
15:7</a></span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We
may not see the potatoes growing beneath the surface, but they’re there. And
soon the abundant harvest will come.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">If
we abide in the Vine, we become familiar with God’s ways. We recognize He is
working even when we don’t see it. And that’s no small potatoes!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Dear Jesus, </span></i><i><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">May I
always make my home in You and trust in Your promises, even in unpromising
circumstances. Amen.</span></i></p><br />Desiree St. Clair Spearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06132518256670986099noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-120512802926686882.post-3613704286073501182020-06-07T17:25:00.000-07:002020-06-08T03:49:05.153-07:00Staffed for Ministry: Have you been transformed to lead?<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Then the Lord said to
him, “What is that in your hand?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“A staff,” he
replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Lord said, “Throw
it on the ground.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">—<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=exodus+4%3A2-3&version=NIV">Exodus
4:2-3a</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
have a staff. But I usually call it a walking stick. My friend fashioned it for
me from an old tobacco stick. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDub-VY90bm5LzdYDsmwCWfv4Rj5hTsrAjxvZbASJN81EZmRTkDAucteGiqJc3bnHPICe5dSAmYRgXhuLDpqRZ1dREQgDDzhOf8L-A0f-cFenVTUsQr9EyFDR1hRGQmsisS5-yqBOd8bde/s1600/Staffed+for+ministry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDub-VY90bm5LzdYDsmwCWfv4Rj5hTsrAjxvZbASJN81EZmRTkDAucteGiqJc3bnHPICe5dSAmYRgXhuLDpqRZ1dREQgDDzhOf8L-A0f-cFenVTUsQr9EyFDR1hRGQmsisS5-yqBOd8bde/s320/Staffed+for+ministry.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Many
Southern Maryland farmers used to grow tobacco, but twenty years ago they voluntarily
accepted funds from Maryland’s Tobacco Buyout program, agreeing to give up
tobacco production in lieu of an alternative. Since then, many have turned to produce,
flowers, and agro-tourism. I applaud them for giving up the lucrative income of
a harmful addictive substance and taking a risk to try something new. And I
enjoy the results of their creative efforts—mazes of corn and sunflowers, pick-your-own
patches, and petting zoos. I am also impressed with their resourcefulness in
using leftover tobacco sticks. Once used for hanging tobacco plants in barns
for curing, these sticks have been turned into stars, crosses, and walking
sticks.</span></div>
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</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
I look at my walking stick, I see the transformation, not just in the
appearance from rough and splintery to smooth and shiny, but also in its
purpose. Once it enabled addiction; now it is used to propel one forward in their walk. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOP7jtRvtKmmpIZ4c_Y61ThB_8yPNYM3LD4MbhcucVOW1l3SvLm5BvJa0TEdPzLfsDBGdGgY7Va8eDiFKFa5l0dxzll_5YXm9r_yH51KJFYkV8xKmDQdF-vY6V6AVpnVmcae0AyDsYTXTP/s1600/Staff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOP7jtRvtKmmpIZ4c_Y61ThB_8yPNYM3LD4MbhcucVOW1l3SvLm5BvJa0TEdPzLfsDBGdGgY7Va8eDiFKFa5l0dxzll_5YXm9r_yH51KJFYkV8xKmDQdF-vY6V6AVpnVmcae0AyDsYTXTP/s320/Staff.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
remember the story of Moses, who also had a staff. He first used it for guiding
sheep. I imagine he also used it for support when walking rough terrain and
climbing mountains. He probably leaned on it when taking a break to catch his
breath.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">One
day when he was tending sheep on Mount Horeb, God appeared to him in a burning
bush and called him to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Moses answered, “What if they do not believe
me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in
your hand?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“A staff,” he replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Lord said, “Throw it on the ground.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Moses threw it on the ground and it became a
snake, and he ran from it. Then the Lord said to him, “Reach out your hand and
take it by the tail.” So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it
turned back into a staff in his hand. “This,” said the Lord, “is so that they
may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers—the God of Abraham, the God
of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has appeared to you” (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+4%3A1-5&version=NIV">Exodus
4:1-5</a></span>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggy2QBilRp81tQBxJVSLTEiQtJw7eJEeqeM6VSps3GYINzn_1ZGO3MPFYGNPjiNrIsYWGWir2E7fsFvfI42BHZ1bZksSz9JceGlzxraVpnxXwDcZ3hMXBm5Jf9y6yPaxxHHWZ6IbRxHq-A/s1600/Staff+throw+down.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="460" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggy2QBilRp81tQBxJVSLTEiQtJw7eJEeqeM6VSps3GYINzn_1ZGO3MPFYGNPjiNrIsYWGWir2E7fsFvfI42BHZ1bZksSz9JceGlzxraVpnxXwDcZ3hMXBm5Jf9y6yPaxxHHWZ6IbRxHq-A/s320/Staff+throw+down.PNG" width="270" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">God
used Moses’ staff to perform a miracle, but first Moses had to throw it down. God
repurposed the staff and recommissioned Moses, transforming his life from
tending sheep to tending people. Under God’s direction Moses used the
staff to perform miracles, leading the Israelites out of bondage and onto the
Promised Land.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TZwt87RDtuWPitv3ijl-H2Ca-1EFwftTQqZ4FXw8SMXyczeZjiS88yB3ldOtJlvMBOaUWuDb9nlogXs0wyjBL3iERdEhWS-qhyHYaEnFOKeP-1VuikbOrX6kxrmog00tM-nIyI4ZMVLj/s1600/Staff+in+hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TZwt87RDtuWPitv3ijl-H2Ca-1EFwftTQqZ4FXw8SMXyczeZjiS88yB3ldOtJlvMBOaUWuDb9nlogXs0wyjBL3iERdEhWS-qhyHYaEnFOKeP-1VuikbOrX6kxrmog00tM-nIyI4ZMVLj/s320/Staff+in+hand.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Perhaps
you too have had to throw down what was in your hand. Perhaps you surrendered
an addiction to God, allowing Him to transform your life. Maybe you gave up
cigarettes or another harmful substance or habit. What if God is calling you to
pick up that snake by the tail and use it to propel you on a new journey to
lead others out of the same bondage? </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">What
if He is calling you to use what you once leaned on for new purpose, to share with
others your miracle story of how the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob showed up
in your life so they too may believe?</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Let
us pray,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear God, thank You
for transforming my life, freeing me from bondage. I know that leaning on
anything in place of You is sin—even my own strength. So I pray now for Your
strength as I pick up the snake by the tail and do what You have commissioned
me to do. As You were with Moses and gave Him the words to say, so You will be
with me as I share with others my transformation story and guide them to Your
Son. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13GhcxsXVLo9k_jKvly0wyAZ1msT97TBzL-4aYO7mtf0ktTsuxowOhK5EBGzGXXPBX0JPQRNsPykL2MClAXJjSXS44vqDaGAZMSTJfUAdnv3UHImE9RZHy-6GffwPL_4omkifS-BvrELU/s1600/Staff+profile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13GhcxsXVLo9k_jKvly0wyAZ1msT97TBzL-4aYO7mtf0ktTsuxowOhK5EBGzGXXPBX0JPQRNsPykL2MClAXJjSXS44vqDaGAZMSTJfUAdnv3UHImE9RZHy-6GffwPL_4omkifS-BvrELU/s320/Staff+profile.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; <br />for they are white already to harvest (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+4%3A35&version=KJV">John 4:35</a>).</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
Desiree St. Clair Spearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06132518256670986099noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-120512802926686882.post-89146495959248651272020-05-28T07:57:00.000-07:002020-05-28T07:57:07.740-07:00Seed for Sowing: Entrusting our treasures to the Spirit<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He who continually goes forth weeping,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bearing seed for sowing,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bringing his sheaves with him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">—<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+126%3A6&version=NKJV">Psalm
126:6</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
heart was hurting, my steps heavy when I set out for my morning walk, thoughts
centering on hopes that hadn’t come to fruition—hopes for relationships,
healings, my work and ministry, even my weight loss. Pained and bowed down, I
caught glimpse of spiky seed balls at my feet. I picked one up and examined it
closely. I noticed the many openings and sensed the Lord speaking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2soy9GaLiLuLp0H145rYF5Dny1Z4QM6GLf8Z2D987giPJKAom_1cbTDW-dDBtgDKpY3TQc554mjHjkrq7dzkF6jG2vBgBI8rWIubLA4CutJMl8yHAmT6X6sn6UuNCM4Apuc4i2gwAtbf/s1600/20200525_090857+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2soy9GaLiLuLp0H145rYF5Dny1Z4QM6GLf8Z2D987giPJKAom_1cbTDW-dDBtgDKpY3TQc554mjHjkrq7dzkF6jG2vBgBI8rWIubLA4CutJMl8yHAmT6X6sn6UuNCM4Apuc4i2gwAtbf/s320/20200525_090857+%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Be
like the sweetgum tree. By nature, she opens her seed ball to release the seeds
to be dispersed on the wings of the wind. Where the seeds land, she does not
know. Which ones take root and grow, she does not know. Yet she trusts the wind,
and year by year she does it all over again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Keep
doing the good you know to do (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+6%3A9&version=TLB">Galatians
6:9</a></span>). Let it pour from your heart, open to the Spirit’s leading (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5%3A25&version=TLB">Galatians
5:25</a></span>). Keep releasing those seeds of prayer, encouragement, wisdom
and kindness. Keep pouring out your treasures of time, talent, even your money
and your stuff (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+6%3A38&version=TLB">Luke
6:38</a></span>). I see it. I see all your hard work, your good deeds and
patient endurance (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+2%3A19&version=TLB">Revelation
2:19</a></span>). Your prayers and kindness have not gone unnoticed (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+10%3A4&version=TLB">Acts
10:4</a></span>). Trust the Spirit with your seeds. Allow Him to disperse them
as He sees fit, in the good soil. Even though you can’t see it and don’t know
how, your seeds are taking root and growing (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+4%3A27&version=NIV">Mark
4:27</a></span>). And in time, you will come this way again rejoicing, carrying
your sheaves with you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear God, thank You
for Your Spirit’s gentle reminder of the promises in Your Word. May I not
become weary in well doing and lose heart, but may I continually bring You my
seed for sowing, knowing that after a while I will reap of harvest of blessing.
Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />Desiree St. Clair Spearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06132518256670986099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-120512802926686882.post-62832000381686504822020-05-21T09:40:00.000-07:002020-05-21T09:44:06.444-07:00Carrying Out Your Mission: Why making your bed is important<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Have confidence in the Lord with all thy heart, and lean
not upon thy own prudence. In all thy ways think on him, and he will direct thy
steps.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">—<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+3%3A5-6&version=DRA">Proverbs
3:5-6</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Do you always make your bed?” my niece remarked as she
peeked through my open bedroom door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Taken aback by her unexpected question, I wanted to say,
“Why, of course!” Instead, I answered, “Honestly there are days I don’t,
especially if I’m in a hurry. But if I’m having company, most definitely. It
does make me feel better when I do.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Since our exchange, I have pondered that question—and my
response. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Why do I feel better
when I make my bed?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You probably know that the military are required to follow
strict guidelines on making their beds each morning. One reason is to establish
discipline. Another is to teach attention to detail, a vital trait to have on
mission. Also, making a bed is a simple task that can be completed quickly,
giving a sense of accomplishment that sets the tone for the day. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">First mission accomplished. What’s next?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Perhaps that sense of accomplishment is why I feel better
when I make my bed too. Also, I like to slip between smooth sheets at night,
not a tangled up mess of covers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I am reminded of the saying, “You’ve made your bed; now
lie in it.” In this statement, making your bed refers to making and
implementing decisions, then living with the results.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Many of us lie awake at night on our beds, tossing and
turning in a tangled up mess, worrying and pondering over life situations,
wondering what direction to take. We fret over making the right decisions. How
can we rest peacefully?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Bible says, “It is vain for you to rise up early, To
sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep” (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+127%3A2&version=NKJV">Psalm
127:2</a></span>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s vain to think it’s all on us, to worry and fret and
lose sleep over it. It’s not all on us; God is our source. Therefore, let’s
take a tip from King David: “When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You
in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">night</i> watches. Because You have
been my help, Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice” (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+63%3A6-7&version=NKJV">Psalm
63:6-7</a></span>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Instead of tossing and turning in a tangled up mess of
covers, let’s turn our thoughts to the One who has us covered. Then let us get
some peaceful sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In the morning, let us “make our bed,” prepare for our
day and the decisions ahead by following a regular morning routine, a daily
discipline that includes time with God. Give Him the first fruits of our day by
turning our thoughts toward Him in prayer and in the study of His Word. He
invites us to come to Him, to cast all our cares on Him, for He cares for us
and pays attention to all the details of our life (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28&version=NIV">Matthew
11:28</a></span>, <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+5%3A7&version=AMP">1
Peter 5:7</a></span>, <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+37%3A23&version=NLT">Psalm
37:23</a></span>). When we pour out our hearts to Him, He will pour out His Spirit
on us (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+62%3A8&version=NIV">Psalm
62:8</a></span>, <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts+2%3A17&version=NIV">Acts
2:17</a></span>). The Holy Spirit will show us the way to go, through revelations
in His Holy Word, His still small voice, and the confirming counsel of others (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+3%3A5-6&version=DRA">Proverbs
3:5-6</a></span>). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Each day we are on a mission. Some days our mission is
clear and we have the confidence to carry it out. Other days we are hit with an
unexpected mission in unfamiliar territory. How do we respond? Just as
confidently. You see, when we consistently “make our bed”—do our part by doing
what we know to do—we can rest in knowing He will show us the way through.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This morning I made my bed. Upon exiting my room, I
pivoted and peeked through the open door, taking in my neatly made bed of
roses. I exhaled a peaceful sigh, trusting the presence of God. I know that
every day will not be a smooth bed of roses, so to speak. There will be thorny
days of bitter circumstances, but God is constant. He will be with me through
it all. He is always my company.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lord,
Your Word says, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose
thoughts are fixed on you (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+26%3A3&version=NLT">Isaiah
26:3</a></span>)!” Help me to stay focused on You, to give You first place in
my life, my first thought in the morning and my last at night (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+12%3A2&version=NIV">Hebrews
12:2</a></span>, <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+6%3A33&version=NIV">Matthew
6:33</a></span>). When I do, You will direct my path and give me the wisdom and
strength to confidently carry out the mission you have marked out for me (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+3%3A6&version=NKJV">Proverbs
3:6</a></span>, <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=philippians+4%3A13&version=NIV">Philippians
4:13</a></span>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+12%3A1&version=NIV">Hebrews
12:1</a>). Amen.</span></i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Desiree St. Clair Spearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06132518256670986099noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-120512802926686882.post-79257379885441449032020-05-14T05:11:00.000-07:002020-05-14T05:14:39.560-07:00Blue Bird: Holding on in every circumstance<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">You are all around me, behind me and in front of me. You
hold me safe in your hand.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">—<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139%3A5&version=NIRV">Psalm
139:5</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; text-decoration: none;">It was time to change out my tabletop décor. I opened
the china cabinet and carefully cupped the ceramic bird in the palm of my hand.
I dared not drop it, for the pastel “baby blue” bird was special to me. It
reminded me of a baby boy—and the story surrounding his birth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; text-decoration: none;">On March 2, 2018, I worked with my daughter Emma in
setting up the church hall for a baby shower for her sister Rebekah. In keeping
with the woodland theme, we placed wood slabs in the center of each table, then
set a vase of white flowers, a mossy green bunny, and a ceramic blue bird on
each. At the close of the celebration the following day, we drew names to
determine who would take home the decorator items. I reserved one blue bird for
myself.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; text-decoration: none;">Little did I know a week later my grandson Sebastian
would make his way into the world. At 33 weeks pregnant, Rebekah hemorrhaged due
to previously undetected placenta previa and was rushed into emergency
C-section surgery with only minutes to spare before the unthinkable. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ExjswGWJq4227RT3F79OiuAs-oE_3i6dV83iVw-OZyR1BmAa_VRIISXJJaGcvpTjXAsLRq9mV2bRMOHKak44ABHdLtAmfIQZRODdmxeBwUCjS6_sRfI3rVAo-bZMxqYxDQPqFhalGXDr/s1600/Sebastian+in+incubator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="720" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ExjswGWJq4227RT3F79OiuAs-oE_3i6dV83iVw-OZyR1BmAa_VRIISXJJaGcvpTjXAsLRq9mV2bRMOHKak44ABHdLtAmfIQZRODdmxeBwUCjS6_sRfI3rVAo-bZMxqYxDQPqFhalGXDr/s320/Sebastian+in+incubator.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; text-decoration: none;">At a mere 4 lbs., 9 oz., Sebastian was sent to the
NICU, where he would stay for some time to learn to breathe on his own. Three
days later, Rebekah left the hospital without ever having held her baby. She
and her husband Jairo visited their newborn daily. Five days after his birth,
they held him for the first time, but only for a few minutes. Most of their
visits were spent gazing at him through the clear plastic incubator and their
own teary eyes. After his oxygen tubes were removed, Sebastian learned to eat
on his own, and 32 days after his birth he finally went home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-t1bcacHNobzQjFFLoE3xdrg4lxE_aoNX9aF-tONbrb7qsGkLsjVB97l5vYF92WPbr239vVqTtC91v4XI-vubP5ixVt-RbmVnKh80bLO8FVrBfOFMHg_l7wjVOp1SP2ItRcm4JKvJx7W/s1600/Sebastian+in+incubator.Rebekah+looking+on.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="899" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-t1bcacHNobzQjFFLoE3xdrg4lxE_aoNX9aF-tONbrb7qsGkLsjVB97l5vYF92WPbr239vVqTtC91v4XI-vubP5ixVt-RbmVnKh80bLO8FVrBfOFMHg_l7wjVOp1SP2ItRcm4JKvJx7W/s320/Sebastian+in+incubator.Rebekah+looking+on.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; text-decoration: none;">I can’t think about this difficult time without
giving thanks to God for sparing the lives of both mother and child. I see baby
boy Sebastian safely cupped in the capable hand of our great God. Rebekah too.
While she grieved at home with empty arms, God held her in His.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; text-decoration: none;">Several times in the Bible, we read how God cares
about the birds. We are reminded that we are more valuable than them, so how
much more does He care for us (</span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+6%3A26&version=NIRV">Matthew
6:26</a></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; text-decoration: none;">, </span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+10%3A29-31&version=NIRV">Matthew
10:29-31</a></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; text-decoration: none;">,</span> </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+12%3A6-7&version=NIRV">Luke
12:6-7</a></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; text-decoration: none;">).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; text-decoration: none;">No matter the circumstance, He is there and He cares.
We can trust in His presence and provision. All things are under His control.
He’s got us covered, safely cupped in the palm of His hand (</span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139%3A5&version=NIRV">Psalm
139:5</a></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; text-decoration: none;">).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="MsoHyperlink"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; text-decoration: none;">Thank You, Father,
for Your loving care. Help me to trust You in every circumstance, to lean on
Your presence when my heart is broken. Even when I don’t understand, may I hold
onto You, for surely You are holding me. Amen.</span></i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPrmgaEgAf7BKlaVe_s-af2FFr7yQb5QorfPtZhEU6B58ymfeN0gmJei5IwweNdePlY2rC1TN35B4BvnuscTL_9tPLi1ldgv0ayyPJlYI1kxn1FiW7qVkSuEeOwmpUvdPEYeYzRdIu_w5/s1600/Sebastian+with+blue+bird.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="366" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPrmgaEgAf7BKlaVe_s-af2FFr7yQb5QorfPtZhEU6B58ymfeN0gmJei5IwweNdePlY2rC1TN35B4BvnuscTL_9tPLi1ldgv0ayyPJlYI1kxn1FiW7qVkSuEeOwmpUvdPEYeYzRdIu_w5/s640/Sebastian+with+blue+bird.PNG" width="467" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The "Blue Bird" today</span></td></tr>
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<br />Desiree St. Clair Spearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06132518256670986099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-120512802926686882.post-36051008020249396712020-04-30T08:36:00.002-07:002020-05-01T02:24:24.324-07:00Vision for Life: How do we live a life of purpose?<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for
good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">—<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2%3A10&version=NKJV">Ephesians
2:10</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I am 58 years old and just created my first vision board.
Months ago, while introducing vision boards as a project for my students, I
clipped images from magazines and slipped them inside an envelope, with the
intention of later gluing them to a foam board. It wasn’t until school was
closed due to the pandemic that I actually had time to revisit and complete my
project.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4Ba8gR_aBMdQ7ox2UJagru4CyIDVNwrDLvI3c-GMkWUO8Uy5BiPLGJqHtPvAc0unyl7rU9F4-oJEadrSgp-8Kk40rKpZqYMS7H9IMYokNWqFfP75UgFX_h1-sE_9bP9eu4SeADy2enoW/s1600/Clear+Vision.Vision+Board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4Ba8gR_aBMdQ7ox2UJagru4CyIDVNwrDLvI3c-GMkWUO8Uy5BiPLGJqHtPvAc0unyl7rU9F4-oJEadrSgp-8Kk40rKpZqYMS7H9IMYokNWqFfP75UgFX_h1-sE_9bP9eu4SeADy2enoW/s400/Clear+Vision.Vision+Board.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's interesting that I would clip the image of lush green land and the<br />
word "healing" without knowing that the onset of the pandemic was just ahead.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Maybe you’re wondering, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What is a vision board? </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">All athletes can vouch for the importance of
visualization. They picture themselves dunking the basketball or hitting the
home run before they actually do it. Others have used visualization when
preparing for a dance routine or to give an important speech. A vision board is
a visualization tool, a collage of images, words, and affirmations that
represent one’s ideal life; it is used as a source of inspiration to achieve
goals through the Law of Attraction. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">According to <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.thepositivemom.com/the-12-universal-laws-that-govern-your-results-in-life">Elayna
Fernandez</a></span>, the board should cover what she calls the 10 F’s: Family,
Faith, Friends, Fitness, Finances, Fun, Forever Partner, Funding, Fulfillment, and
F.I.R.S.T. (acronym for self-care). I will add another F to the process: Focus.
Creating the board doesn’t magically bring your dreams into fruition, but it is
a focal point, a reminder of what you’re working toward. Leading author and
speaker <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.jackcanfield.com/blog/how-to-create-an-empowering-vision-book/">Jack
Canfield</a></span> advises placing your vision board on a nightstand, some place
where you will see it before you go to sleep. He states: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The time you spend
visualizing in the evening just before bed is especially powerful. The thoughts
and images that are present in your mind during the last forty-five minutes
before going to sleep are the ones that will replay themselves repeatedly in
your subconscious mind throughout the night, and the thoughts and images that
you begin each day with will help you to create a vibrational match for the
future you desire. (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.jackcanfield.com/blog/how-to-create-an-empowering-vision-book/">Canfield</a></span>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In my classes, we spend a considerable amount of time on
career exploration. Students take aptitude tests to get insight on careers that
fit their personality and match their passion. I encourage them to include on
their vision board images that represent their desired field.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Perhaps you’re older like me, no longer a high school
kid and long since settled into your career. Perhaps you are retired. Maybe
you have already accomplished what you set out in life to do. What would be the
point in making a vision board?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">No matter your age, there is still more for you. We have
all been created on purpose (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139%3A13-16&version=NIV">Psalm
139:13-16</a></span>) with a purpose (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+peter+4%3A10&version=NIV">1
Peter 4:10</a></span>,</span> <span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians+2%3A10&version=NIV">Ephesians
2:10</a></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">) for a purpose (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+57%3A2&version=ESV">Psalm
57:2</a></span>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On purpose, God knit you together in your mother’s womb,
weaving in gifts and talents to be used in serving others, all for achieving
His purpose, to please and glorify Him (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+11%3A36&version=TLB">Romans
11:36</a></span>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">According to the Message, we must “figure out what will
please Christ, and then do it” (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+5%3A10&version=MSG">Ephesians
5:10</a></span>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So how do we figure it out? I think we can take a tip
from Canfield. It has to do with our focus. Where do we fix our thoughts? As
Christ-followers, they should be on Him. Whether it’s the last or first 45
minutes of our waking hours or somewhere in between, we should set aside time
for fellowship with Him and studying His Word. As we become well-rooted in the
Law of the Lord, we can be sure of a vision that aligns with His.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Bible says, “Where there is no vision, the people
perish; but happy is he who keeps the teaching” (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+29%3A18&version=MEV">Proverbs
29:18</a></span>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In this verse, “vision” means divine communication or
revelation, while “perish” means without restraint or out of control, like hair
hanging loose and flying every which way in the wind. If we fail to study and
pray for wisdom, we live without vision. We go every which way except God’s
way, and even to our own detriment. But when we do study and apply His Word, we
live a happy and fulfilling life of purpose, sure to make Him smile (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/without-vision-people-perish.html">Got
Questions</a></span>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The experts say you should create a new vision board
every year, assuming that in a year’s time you would have achieved some of your goals. Whether you decide to create one or not, you can live a life of purpose
every day by seeking God for fresh vision and opportunities. Especially now
during these trying times, ask Him what you can do to make a difference today. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dear
God, Thank You for creating me on purpose with a purpose for Your glory. Reveal
to me how I can use my talents and abilities in ways that are pleasing unto You
and that bring smiles to those around me. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Canfield,
Jack. “How to Create an Empowering Vision Book.” Jack </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Canfield: </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Maximizing Your Potential, Self Esteem
Seminars, L.P., 2020, </span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.jackcanfield.com/blog/how-to-create-an-empowering-vision-book/">https://www.jackcanfield.com/blog/how-to-create-an-empowering-vision-book/</a></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Fernandez,
Elayna. “The 12 Universal Laws That Govern Your Results In </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Life.” Elayna Fernandez: The Positive Mom, 5
Sept. 2019, </span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.thepositivemom.com/the-12-universal-laws-that-govern-your-results-in-life">www.thepositivemom.com/the-12-universal-laws-that-govern-your-results-in-life</a></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“What
does it mean that without vision the people perish?” Got Questions: </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Your Questions. Biblical Answers., Got
Questions Ministries, January 2, 2020, </span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/without-vision-people-perish.html">https://www.gotquestions.org/without-vision-people-perish.html</a></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">.</span></div>
<br />Desiree St. Clair Spearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06132518256670986099noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-120512802926686882.post-25788135362586157142020-04-22T18:17:00.000-07:002020-04-24T08:12:04.451-07:00Clear Vision: How will you remember the spring of 2020?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct
you and crown your efforts with success. Don’t be conceited, sure of your own
wisdom. Instead, trust and reverence the Lord, and turn your back on evil; when
you do that, then you will be given renewed health and vitality.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">—<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+3%3A6-8&version=TLB">Proverbs
3:6-8 TLB</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Yesterday I heard a radio show host ask, “How will you
remember the spring of 2020?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As I listened to his co-host respond, I thought how I
would formulate my own answer. I was struck by the host’s phrasing, how he used
the term “spring of 2020,” rather than the “coronavirus pandemic.” I thought
about the way many of us use 20/20 to mean clear vision. I wondered how clearly
we view the events happening around us. Do we focus on the negative aspects? Or
can we see the good things that have come from this pandemic?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As for me, I choose to focus on the good. Don’t get me
wrong. I have had some bad days, shed a lot of tears. But I know the difference
it can make when I shift my focus to the positive. This is what I want to
remember most, and maybe God wants this as well. So if you will oblige me, let
me count the good in this season. Perhaps, if you have been down, it will
change your outlook too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This is what I remember about the spring of 2020:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Before the pandemic, many of us were tired and stressed,
overworked with little time for our families, certainly no time for creativity.
But when we were ordered to stay home, we had time to rest, time with our
spouses to strengthen our marriages, time to bond with our children, and time
to use our talents in ways we had never imagined.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEima-Joi1jKv50fUJNHh33uBo53OHoQdMbPiUXqksGp5pIhdGaeaUMUMwjPgnVl5hqfUMJFv2yNq8Yw-xSxmCKs19gRL3k8W5EKVzdEKJRXVWYhYA7eQT1UbYdM1WKyRtCfnEz_UBaJ_p2L/s1600/Clear+Vision.Window+Art+Creation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEima-Joi1jKv50fUJNHh33uBo53OHoQdMbPiUXqksGp5pIhdGaeaUMUMwjPgnVl5hqfUMJFv2yNq8Yw-xSxmCKs19gRL3k8W5EKVzdEKJRXVWYhYA7eQT1UbYdM1WKyRtCfnEz_UBaJ_p2L/s320/Clear+Vision.Window+Art+Creation.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Artists turned windows into art galleries, sidewalks into
masterpieces. They joined their musical abilities to create beautiful
symphonies and soul-stirring songs. Writers wrote poems and stories that had
been stored inside for years.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSfjBqCMFoc89DdCA2p7CVbm7sGptHbjVFiKL-Vg7AIJF1_ZTSoQ66QG_SNPu4ZRE5vXGbjgdOlZ_BxFqKGAWvUWvN0Jt7IKZy68YQiywztR9Y5_h9b3mbZItpKWFsBhmyw8gKVYaOTpC/s1600/Clear+Vision.Sidewalk+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSfjBqCMFoc89DdCA2p7CVbm7sGptHbjVFiKL-Vg7AIJF1_ZTSoQ66QG_SNPu4ZRE5vXGbjgdOlZ_BxFqKGAWvUWvN0Jt7IKZy68YQiywztR9Y5_h9b3mbZItpKWFsBhmyw8gKVYaOTpC/s320/Clear+Vision.Sidewalk+art.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">People had more time to exercise. Although gyms were
closed, they found walking trails a good replacement, as was lifting children
for weights. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgAWNn_Iryw-Sh1OvVLBuKx3rfkZljdTlQ4ayX9fT95cfOpg-urj_2Wq5tt0ypX8ctxHYKPas_qYctEN5kPcKhhJlOBcK3IA1ct1gYRNHgtgRr2uQfJrr1p7c5pA_ba2_IkfBukJKLo0S/s1600/Walking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgAWNn_Iryw-Sh1OvVLBuKx3rfkZljdTlQ4ayX9fT95cfOpg-urj_2Wq5tt0ypX8ctxHYKPas_qYctEN5kPcKhhJlOBcK3IA1ct1gYRNHgtgRr2uQfJrr1p7c5pA_ba2_IkfBukJKLo0S/s320/Walking.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">While they walked, keeping their social distance, they greeted
passersby and met their neighbors for the first time. They exchanged kind words
as they exercised their legs and their dogs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And it was good that they walked, because they ate more
too. People had time to cook and bake. They used their culinary creativity to
make special meals and memories with their children, as they taught them
valuable skills.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Children drew colorful rainbows<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">, pictures
of promise that they hung in the front windows of their homes</span>. They stuffed teddy bears there too to comfort and bring a smile to
those who searched for the good.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">People were generous. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">They delivered meals to sustain those caring for the
sick, offered RVs to those who couldn’t go home, and sewed masks for those who needed them.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXBJHTzUlFaST5zp6ro8OQZ-NxNcQbeVi5s_OJcUJrcxR_uW36PTq0VPlzdvbkyKtQd92Qd2QwsTme6rye_E2JM_wUYQH77OItAevo2zosSreHZkm4sg9AQjyFA3M7I5PhFfQUA2Wv6sT/s1600/Dad+with+mask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXBJHTzUlFaST5zp6ro8OQZ-NxNcQbeVi5s_OJcUJrcxR_uW36PTq0VPlzdvbkyKtQd92Qd2QwsTme6rye_E2JM_wUYQH77OItAevo2zosSreHZkm4sg9AQjyFA3M7I5PhFfQUA2Wv6sT/s320/Dad+with+mask.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">With teleworking and the closure of
entertainment venues, many had more money to give. Without having to drive to
work, they saved money on gas. They also saved on hair, nail, and massage
appointments and professional clothing. Hidden behind computer screens and virtual
images, they attended work meetings in pajamas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">They also saved on lavish (and sometimes stressful) birthday parties.
Instead, presents were dropped off on porches and parades drove by, people
shouting well wishes from side windows and sunroofs. Others held dance parties
in the street, participants separated by six feet, yet joined together in joy.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYS9-aBbPjSzzNGelRbM29RKBPRowK_E4PO7yYAhOenEuCSSG8RdEJG3ayhD1B7gxkrn7mwqCKOBmhRuXA7dSZbpe0p-kdO7cnPIYNBilaiS03hCWqNSkCbP2i3V_kOvIgQISp0rWi0IP/s1600/Clear+Vision.Mask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYS9-aBbPjSzzNGelRbM29RKBPRowK_E4PO7yYAhOenEuCSSG8RdEJG3ayhD1B7gxkrn7mwqCKOBmhRuXA7dSZbpe0p-kdO7cnPIYNBilaiS03hCWqNSkCbP2i3V_kOvIgQISp0rWi0IP/s320/Clear+Vision.Mask.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">With fewer trips to the store and more shopping online,
they cut down on impulse buying. When they did go out, most of their faces were
covered by masks, so they saved on makeup too.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tm5w5kjN50f9x-2SMWf4cl4fuqfHRdTBKTN69XXNoNHeyM3ugfR2hTTrlW5FdKVChzeveV14pLYCsg4oTMLDw_y8EhEJgZHQC9OZAH52-UrUC8IatY0luFGx9gOLxhbgACkVOROgyN2f/s1600/Christmas+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tm5w5kjN50f9x-2SMWf4cl4fuqfHRdTBKTN69XXNoNHeyM3ugfR2hTTrlW5FdKVChzeveV14pLYCsg4oTMLDw_y8EhEJgZHQC9OZAH52-UrUC8IatY0luFGx9gOLxhbgACkVOROgyN2f/s320/Christmas+card.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVc2iXEnLAX-8XkFPzpugLKNtLcl6hhsbgLtnC0sukE0Gtt2i-02jRJ6UCEpPDQPaCeK87ESZua86W86KexeEwyBmompCQH2CY1oatYlBiS7E-BzNXZFxLElwbXCcoP2SEV3Zr5d_897y/s1600/Christmas+card+inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVc2iXEnLAX-8XkFPzpugLKNtLcl6hhsbgLtnC0sukE0Gtt2i-02jRJ6UCEpPDQPaCeK87ESZua86W86KexeEwyBmompCQH2CY1oatYlBiS7E-BzNXZFxLElwbXCcoP2SEV3Zr5d_897y/s320/Christmas+card+inside.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">They
surprised others with Christmas cards in April, bags of groceries and beautiful
gifts left on doorsteps, painted rocks in gardens</span>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">They remembered the sick with Get Well wishes and the
lonely with plates of food on Easter and pizza to go on Tuesdays.</span></span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">They were resourceful and made masks out of tee-shirts, socks,
scarves and bandannas. They put to use those sewing skills they learned in
school.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfI0jg5ipHN3adxtL7IvqoVHvnSmISwoI6HFE5n8Ljgr0iEPjF3W1CKPC2jNmk5yAJNSU1xZsKxaw0PE8CMotUs9nB2oUmKMnsunMjGDghWxs3wZ03OB1djEXcKGBS6pkbq6spie4WwoN/s1600/Handmade+card+Layla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfI0jg5ipHN3adxtL7IvqoVHvnSmISwoI6HFE5n8Ljgr0iEPjF3W1CKPC2jNmk5yAJNSU1xZsKxaw0PE8CMotUs9nB2oUmKMnsunMjGDghWxs3wZ03OB1djEXcKGBS6pkbq6spie4WwoN/s320/Handmade+card+Layla.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">They made greeting cards by hand, sidewalk chalk out of
cornstarch, and vision boards with magazine clippings.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3n-VExLskoGVQ5COLnpCux8RpGSi-S4iN8ZKzoD8P0-K2-F7OWjch3D7R2iojMj2RVWzkDvGtpWp0UKHTsEmWcFLWaXNztsYrcuAYKj31fPivjiTuuNcR56xLcqSuUr6ngRv-O9rgczP/s1600/Clear+Vision.Vision+Board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3n-VExLskoGVQ5COLnpCux8RpGSi-S4iN8ZKzoD8P0-K2-F7OWjch3D7R2iojMj2RVWzkDvGtpWp0UKHTsEmWcFLWaXNztsYrcuAYKj31fPivjiTuuNcR56xLcqSuUr6ngRv-O9rgczP/s320/Clear+Vision.Vision+Board.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">More on this in my next post!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">They worked on projects they had put off. Many made
restorations to their homes and property.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Workers used godly wisdom to rapidly solve problems, while
remaining flexible in the ever-changing society.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Businesses fashioned products they never figured they would. Distilleries made hand sanitizer, car manufacturers produced ventilators,
and designers sewed face masks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Health care learned new ways of testing; how to set up
beds in tents; and how to clean and reuse PPE.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Teleworking for some led to better working conditions for
others. Fewer cars on the highways made it safer for road crews to make
necessary repairs and improve the infrastructure. Fewer flights led to greater
progress on airport construction. And fewer pollutants and less emission led to a healthier Earth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Although vacations were canceled, people visited more—through
Zoom. New traditions were established, like Grandma’s storytime with her
grandkids, separated by miles, now all together at one time, sharing smiles,
books and the stories of their everyday lives.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3LCinXE7VgRrXzGO5ousnHTdQ95UDuzodlL724jNRUtvZLpg42dDYrLWP0dmlE5boSkKeEdVJVE9G2ymlxuQOxK36r_d0g8Sd5NMv-zGCvei0X6p6GJ_X289hjfBZdZIyQHPutCx5OGV/s1600/Clear+Vision.Easter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3LCinXE7VgRrXzGO5ousnHTdQ95UDuzodlL724jNRUtvZLpg42dDYrLWP0dmlE5boSkKeEdVJVE9G2ymlxuQOxK36r_d0g8Sd5NMv-zGCvei0X6p6GJ_X289hjfBZdZIyQHPutCx5OGV/s320/Clear+Vision.Easter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Weddings were downsized with gatherings of no greater
than 10, yet through the use of technology more guests witnessed the nuptials than
ever planned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Church doors were closed, but the church grew—also through
technology. People, once uncomfortable with walking into a church building, attended services online. They participated in communion at their kitchen table
with bread and juice, and the live stream on the side.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU47mKTdpTQYaxSseEDwqH6AJbg0kJqVZP0WfSyKr7yKyiwd6PnZJVi_6yJmfkbtiQTbtzZ1FaSzrvVQ0sLvGazoNgh7u68MPNWL4ANEA03xLDd794w7oywlN7GmHkHBCBuGoDdiUyFE18/s1600/Clear+Vision.Palm+Sunday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU47mKTdpTQYaxSseEDwqH6AJbg0kJqVZP0WfSyKr7yKyiwd6PnZJVi_6yJmfkbtiQTbtzZ1FaSzrvVQ0sLvGazoNgh7u68MPNWL4ANEA03xLDd794w7oywlN7GmHkHBCBuGoDdiUyFE18/s320/Clear+Vision.Palm+Sunday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Some folks prayed together, twice a day at 7:14, for the healing of our land </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">(see
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+chronicles+7%3A14&version=NIV">2
Chronicles 7:14</a> and <span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.unite714.com/">Unite714.com</a></span></span>). </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Others joined
nightly sing-a-longs of praise on their porch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The week leading up to Palm Sunday, they watched <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Chosen</i>, a new TV series about Jesus
and His disciples that pierced you to the core. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">They celebrated Palm Sunday without palms from trees, but
with palms open, surrendering to the One who has the whole world in His. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">They celebrated Easter without dressing up, going to
church, and gathering with extended family members. Instead, they stayed home with
their immediate families and focused on Jesus and His resurrection.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">They put into practice the Scripture, <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Be
still, and know that I am God” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+46%3A10&version=NIV">Psalm
46:10a</a>).</span> They quieted their comings and goings and spent time with Him. He stilled
their anxious hearts, and they trusted that in time He would also still the
storm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Government leaders spoke more to the people than ever
before. They pulled strings and pulled together finances to provide for the
needs of the citizens, small businesses, and the health care industry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And the people were appreciative. They lifted up windows
to lift up frontliners with rounds of applause for their sacrificial efforts; pasted signs to trash cans to express
gratitude to those once taken for granted; and taped thank you notes to doors for those who
tirelessly delivered their packages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">They rejoiced when they received stimulus checks, which
allowed them to make ends meet and pay off debts. They were incredulous when
payments were suspended on loans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Even with doors closed, they saw inside the homes and
hearts of others—newscasters, politicians, sports figures, and celebrities.
They learned that they are human too, just like the rest of us, with cares and disappointments
of their own. They learned to relate and not idolize.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8qKF0uXgIUilSZhm8s9CNLVP18pavEBe9DGiS7z6aDAZoJgzI4wtBdGlleaAifgoLgJkD1_A3jDR6G40DCA6Y6lvuNkrZY1yX0s6TtkcyDRyLh9y2zcD4wUqCCmjnMjGYLL1ZmHzIEyl/s1600/Puzzle.Norma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8qKF0uXgIUilSZhm8s9CNLVP18pavEBe9DGiS7z6aDAZoJgzI4wtBdGlleaAifgoLgJkD1_A3jDR6G40DCA6Y6lvuNkrZY1yX0s6TtkcyDRyLh9y2zcD4wUqCCmjnMjGYLL1ZmHzIEyl/s320/Puzzle.Norma.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Qhf7P-7M7A66B5kT94AHgeO-8PuBfdPWuqkmhkEgvLT9CGowTL2fh7Xs-T0PubCEJO6CfRO-vbhsS5eW11wCflhU1ntmePS-d_4iRAHJcq6kqfKN-l_n0pDRzF2RvBd8STpm39uA7Ofb/s1600/Puzzle+pieces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Qhf7P-7M7A66B5kT94AHgeO-8PuBfdPWuqkmhkEgvLT9CGowTL2fh7Xs-T0PubCEJO6CfRO-vbhsS5eW11wCflhU1ntmePS-d_4iRAHJcq6kqfKN-l_n0pDRzF2RvBd8STpm39uA7Ofb/s320/Puzzle+pieces.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">While shut in, some families worked to put puzzles together. They watched the pictures take shape before their eyes. In so doing, they pieced
together more than puzzles. They saw good take shape from a pandemic,
solutions to problems that snapped right into place.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHi_41wfgehyajUt5-j87Cf5Q1QE_ch3V28qtT0iKfw06qFGeMOmiv_pgT1s0J-Xqy1oquemZOePr-x1VLmpb0OoNUU1kwfshXJv8TUOW05U7fGISdDwUdOCisMo3ZrUrbO0cXk8BHMcgp/s1600/Clear+Vision.Dogwood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHi_41wfgehyajUt5-j87Cf5Q1QE_ch3V28qtT0iKfw06qFGeMOmiv_pgT1s0J-Xqy1oquemZOePr-x1VLmpb0OoNUU1kwfshXJv8TUOW05U7fGISdDwUdOCisMo3ZrUrbO0cXk8BHMcgp/s320/Clear+Vision.Dogwood.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Some said it was good that it happened in spring, rather
than fall or winter. Isolating over the holidays would have been especially
hard. I agree. But I say it was good for another reason. When the people spent
more time in nature, walking, they also noticed the beauty of the season, new
life resurrecting from the earth. It gave them hope and pointed to the Creator.
They posted pictures of their discoveries online. And I was reminded of a
verse: “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer
and winter, day and night will never cease” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+8%3A22&version=NIV">Genesis
8:22</a>).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKJrJXxEBQERHBQomcIn8FACFNVEAMd-8nRjYT_Vz-dhWbMTujMSVi7JLScUAS3wz13bgg6ec66GWEj7rdFHm_k5psaKF_kJd4R9u8RlXK_TceIGvHUdp4v1VgTKH5TddHsBgsKLoVI3s/s1600/Clear+Vision.In+the+Sky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKJrJXxEBQERHBQomcIn8FACFNVEAMd-8nRjYT_Vz-dhWbMTujMSVi7JLScUAS3wz13bgg6ec66GWEj7rdFHm_k5psaKF_kJd4R9u8RlXK_TceIGvHUdp4v1VgTKH5TddHsBgsKLoVI3s/s320/Clear+Vision.In+the+Sky.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Seasons come and seasons go. This too shall pass. And
through it all, we have hope. God will bring forth a harvest. If we keep Him first, He will bring
forth good. He promises in His word.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2agOWLy8oEnAat6kccO5TTxt8NYaUQbHGQweni252jdRW_CSEgY2dFkZg4CUKX21FYaEAklbUqOf1ZR2bGkwYAHA03JC-YmrODsZ8BNf0qnZ4PuhUqkFIVNw9FrzI7FxZCrQf7epuxOc/s1600/Clear+Vision.Barley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2agOWLy8oEnAat6kccO5TTxt8NYaUQbHGQweni252jdRW_CSEgY2dFkZg4CUKX21FYaEAklbUqOf1ZR2bGkwYAHA03JC-YmrODsZ8BNf0qnZ4PuhUqkFIVNw9FrzI7FxZCrQf7epuxOc/s320/Clear+Vision.Barley.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct
you and crown your efforts with success. Don’t be conceited, sure of your own
wisdom. Instead, trust and reverence the Lord, and turn your back on evil; when
you do that, then you will be given renewed health and vitality” (</span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+3%3A6-8&version=TLB">Proverbs
3:6-8 TLB</a>).</span></div>
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I want to remember the spring of 2020 as a time of
clarity. A time when we were confused and plagued with many questions, but
found answers by keeping our eyes on God for direction and strength. A time when
we were scared, but learned to lean on His reassuring presence. A time when we
were unsure about the future, but trusted in His divine plan, unfolding for our
good. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A time when we reflected on our past and recognized the
error of our ways. A time when we realized that more isn’t always better. And
we rested. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A time of restoration and refreshment, a season that we
emerged from stronger, with renewed vision and health.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Clearly, a time of healing that began long before we knew
it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dear
God, You are ever faithful. You never leave us or forsake us. You bring good
out of evil. Thank You for Your patience and everlasting kindness. Help us to keep
our eyes fixed on You, trusting You for direction and strength for this season
and the next. Amen. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br /></div>
Desiree St. Clair Spearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06132518256670986099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-120512802926686882.post-12532690142176019812020-04-18T08:30:00.000-07:002020-04-19T04:20:43.936-07:00Let Down Your Nets: Trusting in times of financial difficulty<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked
hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will
let down the nets.”</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span id="en-NIV-25114" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When they
had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to
break.</span><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">—<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+5%3A5-6&version=NIV">Luke
5:5-6</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Have you ever worked so hard that you gave it your all,
all your physical and mental strength, yet in the end the results were paltry,
if anything? Maybe you didn’t get the raise. Your new business didn’t turn a
profit. Or the balance on your debt didn’t go down after a string of payments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Does God care? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Now that coronavirus has changed our society, you may be
out of work or have had to close your business that you worked so hard to
establish. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Does God care?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Recently I watched the first season of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Chosen</i>, a new TV series that brings to
life the stories of the Bible. One of my favorite scenes, from Episode 4, captures the story of
Luke 5 where Jesus used Simon Peter’s boat to stand in while teaching the crowd
of people on the shore. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When he had finished
speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for
a catch.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Simon answered, “Master,
we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say
so, I will let down the nets.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When they had done so, they
caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they
signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came
and filled both boats so full that they began to sink (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+5%3A4-6&version=NIV">Luke
5:4-6</a>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitgbyCtOTigO2TB3UFWmqV5f23LDLNkNUKnLfbQidU9d9UOLPKZrsy1Ys7WKTw3uohRcRxzFDyGftLOxTEXtQ7WSI0jNDjrAJOgDqvShR_EjJLKtp9sNJDENOk32pYUeJJ805y-Qud0JuR/s1600/Let+Down+The+Nets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitgbyCtOTigO2TB3UFWmqV5f23LDLNkNUKnLfbQidU9d9UOLPKZrsy1Ys7WKTw3uohRcRxzFDyGftLOxTEXtQ7WSI0jNDjrAJOgDqvShR_EjJLKtp9sNJDENOk32pYUeJJ805y-Qud0JuR/s400/Let+Down+The+Nets.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u><a href="https://www.facebook.com/InsideTheChosen/photos/a.327340024725890/395172317942660/?type=3&theater">Photo: The Chosen Facebook Page</a></u></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />The
Chosen</span></i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> does a beautiful job of building a probable backstory to
this miracle. Peter owes a huge tax debt and is on the brink of going under. In
a last ditch effort to come up with the money, he and his companions go
fishing. However, after a long night on the water, they return to shore
empty-handed. But as the story goes, Peter, while at first incredulous, obeys
Jesus’ command to let down the nets, and the fish come, filling them up with such
a jolt it threatens to turn the boat over. At Peter’s call for help, his
companions run to assist. Together they hoist the bulging nets into the hull,
laughing at such a catch. And there is Jesus, watching from the shore and clapping, delight spreading
all over His face. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Jesus delights in delighting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Later in the scene He gives a nod toward heaven, giving
credit where credit is due.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God does care. He cares about every detail of your life,
including your finances.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ironically (or not, when God is involved), the same week
I watched <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Chosen</i>, I received my
own boatload of blessing. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Like Peter, I too was incredulous when I first heard of
the upcoming provision. But I decided to check it out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Due to the pandemic, the Federal Government has granted
financial relief through a variety of means, one of which is in regards to
student loans. I owe a huge debt for my daughters’ college loans and am making
payments, with their help, on an income-driven plan. Still, the payments cause
financial strain for all of us. Since I am a public school teacher, I qualify
for Public Servant Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), which means that after making 120
payments on the plan, I will have the balance forgiven. But because we are only
three years in, the end seems a long ways off.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I did some googling and found what I was looking for.
When I read on the Student Aid site that payments on income-driven plans were
suspended for seven months and that the suspended payments counted toward the
120 for PSLF, I could hardly believe my eyes. Could this really be true?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I had to call my federal loan servicer to verify. After
waiting several minutes on hold, I was connected to an agent who confirmed what
I had read. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wow, wow, wow.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Thank
You, God.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">While others might say that was a provision from the
government, I say give credit where credit is due. It is only through God that
we are blessed, that we have anything at all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God sees your hard work; He sees your diligence. He cares
and He will make a way, whether it’s through a stimulus check, unemployment
payments, a small business grant, or some other means you have never imagined.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Get ready. Obey like Peter and follow His instructions,
doing what you know is right. Let down your nets and get ready for the catch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dear
God, thank You for Your watchful eye. You see and You care. You are ever
faithful to Your promises. Help me to obey and trust You, especially through
these tough times. You will bring forth the blessing, in ways that only You can
do. Amen.</span></i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Desiree St. Clair Spearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06132518256670986099noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-120512802926686882.post-33913090082145779942020-04-13T09:47:00.000-07:002020-04-13T09:47:02.650-07:00Down to the River: An unconventional Easter sunrise service<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Then the women went away quickly from the tomb, their
hearts filled with awe and great joy, and ran to give the news to his
disciples.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">—<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A8&version=PHILLIPS">Matthew
28:8 PHILLIPS</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I arose early on Easter morning and decided to take a
walk. As I started out, something stirred in me and I took off running. I am
not a runner, so this was odd, but it felt good to run even for a little while,
freeing and exhilarating. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My goal was to worship at the water’s edge, but making it
to the beach could be a problem. As I had expected, I came upon an obstacle in
my path—electrified barbed wire. Normally used to contain cattle in pastures
for grazing, it was keeping me from venturing farther. I could see the river in
the distance but couldn’t get to my desired sanctuary. I longed to see the
sunlight dance like diamonds on the surface, hear the waves lap upon the shore,
the rhythm of the river lulling my spirit to a place of peace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Perhaps I could unhook the three strands that blocked my
passage. Carefully, I removed the lower wire and placed it on the ground while
it snapped and cracked at me, boasting its powerful punch. Then I attempted to
remove the middle strand but found I didn’t have the strength to maneuver the
hook out of the wired eye. Now what?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfIMGuUbqX-pIIRPmCoO9j-_t6s2pJf1j5nh-oSDxbZJtrzj9dUBZTCPKL18bD5Qo0mx0d7XpMPjChuIpqbFiPe98pQPjMv1xe_oAz1FCv5UfyU_9A0ixar40GphxFvfwsDou6Lp1CYgX/s1600/Barbed+wire+and+river.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfIMGuUbqX-pIIRPmCoO9j-_t6s2pJf1j5nh-oSDxbZJtrzj9dUBZTCPKL18bD5Qo0mx0d7XpMPjChuIpqbFiPe98pQPjMv1xe_oAz1FCv5UfyU_9A0ixar40GphxFvfwsDou6Lp1CYgX/s400/Barbed+wire+and+river.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I discerned the distance between the wire and the ground.
Could I crawl beneath it? With mental measurements, I determined I could and
got down on one knee. Now eye to eye with the ominous threat, I imagined a barb
pricking my back as I scooted beneath. I relented and stood to my feet. Still
examining the snag, I remembered Jesus, the One who took the barbs for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When Jesus was arrested, Pilate ordered that He be
flogged. According to historical documents, flogging involved stripping the
victim and tying him to a post with his hands overhead, then whipping him. The
whip was usually a cat o’ nine tails that consisted of a handle with nine
leather straps. At the end of each strap were small metal balls mixed with
jagged pieces of animal bone that clawed at the flesh, ripping and tearing it
to shreds. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I shuddered as I pictured Jesus enduring the pain for me.
But He did it because of His unconditional love—for me, for you, for all of us.
He did it to remove the barrier of sin that blocked our way to the Father in
heaven. We don’t have enough strength to do this on our own. We could never
work hard enough or be good enough to scoot our way in. The Bible says, “For it
is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves,
it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2%3A8-9&version=NIV">Ephesians
2:8-9</a>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Before I turned around, I took one last look at the river
and gave thanks to God for His great gift, the gift of His one and only Son—Jesus,
the Living Water. He is the One who satisfies my thirst and brings peace to my
soul.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As I continued my prayer walk past the pasture, I watched
the sun break through the clouds, over the heads of cattle, mother cows and
calves, and I was reminded of the verse, “But for you who fear my name, the Sun
of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free,
leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture” (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=malachi+4%3A2&version=TLB">Malachi
4:2</a></span>). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Even though the cows stood still while I took their
picture, I knew that as soon as I moved away, the calves would leap and frolic
as I had seen them do many times before. I could relate. I know how it feels to
be set free, how it makes you want to leap with joy, or at least run on Easter
morning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It also makes you want to sing. Without even realizing
it, I began to hum and sing a few words from a tune that had been buried deep
inside of me. I didn’t know all the lyrics or even the title, but I knew it was
an Easter hymn, and I couldn’t hold it in. Then I remembered from the Bible (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A1-10&version=NIV">Matthew
28:1-10</a>) that Mary Magdalene and the other Mary arose early on Easter
morning to go to Jesus’ tomb, and when they found it empty, they ran to tell
the other disciples. They couldn’t hold it in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">With churches being closed this Easter due to coronavirus,
I found a way to still have a sunrise service, a bit unconventional, but
different can be good. I concluded the service with a few lines from the hymn
that had risen to the surface, later identified as “Crown Him with Many Crowns”:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Awake, my soul, and
sing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Of Him who died for
thee,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And hail him as thy
matchless King<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Through all eternity.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dear
God, Thank You for Jesus. Thank You, Jesus, for dying. Thank You, Spirit, for
leading me to the cross—and for waking me up and taking me to church down by
the River. Now may I use my voice to lead others as well. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />Desiree St. Clair Spearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06132518256670986099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-120512802926686882.post-10200649952050842642020-04-09T05:36:00.001-07:002020-04-09T05:36:35.337-07:00Making Easter Story Cookies: A devotional story for children<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
—<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A5-6&version=NKJV">Matthew 28:5-6 NKJV</a></div>
<br />
When Grandma came to visit, she and Layla made Easter Story Cookies.<br />
<br />
Grandma placed pecans in a zipper baggie, then Layla beat the nuts with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. While Layla worked, Grandma said, “I love you so much, Layla. It’s hard to imagine that anyone could love you any more than I do, but God does. He wants you—and me and everyone—to live in heaven with Him forever, but our sin keeps us separated from Him. So He came up with a plan. God sent Jesus to die for our sins. When Jesus came, He taught and showed the love of God. This made some people angry and jealous. They had Him arrested. Beating the nuts reminds us that Jesus was beaten by the Roman soldiers” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+19%3A1-3&version=NLV">John 19:1-3</a>).<br />
<br />
Next, Grandma put a teaspoon of vinegar into a mixing bowl. “The Roman soldiers nailed Jesus to a cross. When Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+19%3A28-30&version=NIV">John 19:28-30</a>).<br />
<br />
Layla tasted the vinegar. “Yuck!”<br />
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Then Grandma helped Layla add egg whites to the bowl. “Eggs represent new life. Jesus gave His life to give us new life and a forever home in heaven” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10%3A10-11&version=NIV">John 10:10-11</a>).<br />
<br />
Grandma sprinkled a little salt into Layla’s hand, then Layla sprinkled it into the bowl. “The salt represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers,” Grandma said. “They were sad that Jesus was crucified” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+23%3A27&version=NIRV">Luke 23:27</a>).<br />
<br />
Next, Layla poured in a cup of sugar. Grandma said, “The sugar represents the sweetest part of the story. Remember, Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know Him and to belong to His family” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+34%3A8&version=NIRV">Psalm 34:8</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+3%3A16&version=NIRV">John 3:16</a>).<br />
<br />
Layla helped Grandma beat the ingredients with a mixer. Grandma explained, “The color white represents how pure we look to God when our sins have been cleansed by Jesus” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah+1%3A18&version=NIRV">Isaiah 1:18</a>).<br />
<br />
Grandma let Layla fold in the broken nuts, then they dropped teaspoons of mix onto cookie sheets. Each mound represented the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+27%3A57-60&version=NIRV">Matthew 27:57-60</a>). They put the cookie sheets in the oven, closed the door and turned the oven off. Layla put a piece of tape across the oven door to symbolize how Jesus’ tomb was sealed (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+27%3A65-66&version=NIRV">Matthew 27:65-66</a>). Then they went to bed. Layla was sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were sad too when the tomb was sealed (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+16%3A20&version=NIRV">John 16:20</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+16%3A22&version=NIRV">22</a>).<br />
<br />
On Easter morning, Grandma opened the oven. She and Layla each got a cookie. They noticed the cracked surface and took a bite. The cookies were hollow!<br />
<br />
At sunrise on the first Easter, Jesus' followers went to the tomb and were amazed to find it open and empty, hollow just like the cookies. The angel told them, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A5-6&version=NKJV">Matthew 28:1-8</a>).<br />
<br />
The followers were filled with joy and ran to tell others (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A8&version=NLT">vs. 8</a>).<br />
<br />
Layla and Grandma enjoyed their Easter visit and making cookies to tell the story of our risen Savior. How can you tell others that He is risen?<br />
<br />
<i>Dear God, Thank You for Your great love and for sending Jesus to make a way for me to belong to Your family. Thank You also for the love of my earthly family and for giving us time to make special memories. Help me as I use my creativity in sharing with others the greatest love story ever told. Amen. </i><br />
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Desiree St. Clair Spearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06132518256670986099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-120512802926686882.post-25005577782621396582020-04-08T10:47:00.002-07:002020-04-08T13:57:33.379-07:00Acquainted with Grief: How do we overcome sorrow and disappointment?<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows,
acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other
way. He was despised, and we did not care.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">—<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+53%3A3&version=NLT">Isaiah
53:3 NLT</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
I realized I had to cancel my spring break trip to visit my family in Texas, I
was overcome with deep sorrow. I had longed for this trip for months. I hadn’t
seen my grandchildren, Layla and Zion, since August, and their father, my
son-in-law, as well. While my daughter, Emma, had brought their newborn, Tiago,
to Maryland in October, it still seemed too much time had separated us. But I
had no choice as the pandemic pushed through. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Across
the globe, we are practicing social distancing and suffering the disappointment
of cancellations. Weddings, graduations, milestone birthday celebrations. We
are sad, but we do it for the greater good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Early
yesterday morning in the quiet moments before dawn, I pulled out my devotionals
and read through the passages designated for the day. My eyes focused on the
date. Had I gone on my trip, this would have been the day I would have awakened
next to Layla, as I usually shared a bed with her when I visited (and she
usually shared a bed with me when she came to the farm to visit). My flight
would have arrived late in the night. She probably would have been asleep by
the time I got to the apartment. This morning would have been a joyous time of reuniting
with each other.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Since
her family moved to Texas, our visits had been few and far between. I remember
when they were frequent, how often Layla stayed with me when her parents attended
conferences and retreats for the ministry. Through these visits, we formed
a deep bond and always had a joyous time, no matter what we did. Some of my
fondest memories were our walks to the barnyard to point out the farm animals.
I can still see two-year-old Layla with her bouncy hairdo that matched the tail of
the rooster she chased around the yard.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">As
I continued my morning meditation, I heard the rooster crow. Ten seconds later,
he crowed again. Again and again and again, as if he wanted to make sure I was
awake. Or maybe He wanted to make a point.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
remembered from the Bible that the night of the Last Supper, Jesus predicted
Peter would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed and that all of His
disciples would fall away. Peter declared that he would never disown Jesus, and
all the others said the same (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+26%3A31-35&version=NIV">Matthew
26:31-35</a>). But it happened just as Jesus said (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+26%3A69-75&version=NKJV">vs.
69-75</a>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus
is fully God. He knew what would happen. But He was also fully man and, like
us, suffered disappointment. The Bible says, “He was despised and rejected— a
man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and
looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+53%3A3&version=NLT">Isaiah
53:3 NLT</a>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus
is well acquainted with grief and disappointment. Peter and all the others
disowned Him. Judas betrayed Him. And even now, we betray Him with our words
and actions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
great anguish, Jesus prayed for God to remove the cup from Him; His sweat fell
like drops of blood (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+22%3A40-46&version=NIV">Luke
22:40-46</a>). But God did not. Jesus was nailed to the cross for all of us,
even those who turned their backs on Him. As He hung there in agony, He cried
out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+27%3A46&version=NIV">Matthew
27:46</a>). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Many
of us are praying that God would remove this cup from us. We may be
disappointed that God would allow coronavirus to ravage our land. We question why
He hasn’t stepped in by now. Has He forsaken us?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">God
had not forsaken Jesus, but allowed His suffering for the greater good. Likewise,
He has not forsaken us, but allowing our pain too for a greater good. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
my own life, I see it as more than flattening the curve, but a time to draw closer
to God, a time to slow down and pay attention to the beauty of creation and
recognize the Creator. And no better time to do that than spring, especially
this week as we approach Easter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">As
I take regular walks on the farm, I am re-experiencing the joy of a child
discovering for the first time flowers bursting forth from the ground—violets
strewn at my feet and tiny white wildflowers dotting the landscape. I lift my
head to follow the screech of an eagle and turn my ear to the boisterous barnyard
rooster. Through it all I am reminded that if God cares about the flowers and
the birds, how much more does He care for me (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A26-34&version=NIV">Matthew
6:26-34</a>). I have hope He will come through, and that gives me the strength
to endure the tough times and overcome the disappointment. “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their
strength. They will soar on wings like eagles…” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+40%3A31&version=NIV">Isaiah
40:31</a>). And in time they will soar on to Texas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear God, I know You
are acquainted with my grief and You care. Thank You for all the ways You
remind me I am not forsaken, such as resurrecting flowers from the cold hard
ground, like You resurrected a Savior from the tomb for me. I love You, Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />Desiree St. Clair Spearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06132518256670986099noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-120512802926686882.post-50698834453833548152020-04-07T05:21:00.000-07:002020-04-07T05:57:04.590-07:00Stuck: How do we make the switch?<br />
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<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Therefore, if
anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the
new has come.</span></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">—<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+corinthians+5%3A17&version=ESV">2 Corinthians 5:17</a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It was 1:35—for years. The hands of that old clock were stuck.
It was time for a change. And Easter was the perfect season to make the switch.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I removed the clock from my living room wall and replaced it
with a beautiful handcrafted cross. I received the cross in exchange for a
donation to </span><span style="color: #771100; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.teenchallengeva.org/"><span style="color: #771100; text-decoration: none;">Teen Challenge</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">, a program which
“provides successful recovery for women, children, young men and families with
destructive, abusive and addictive lifestyles through mentoring, education,
training and spiritual direction.”</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcwhdEKm64qarGAe9nTRYj83IualJZJ7nfn7J0siW7VdUF8tlEk_2nRt-MbjnTcjuqKYQbdjJRIoN7ts9ckEdn44RQU29LnFas4LAnS1HRXhG4OioP4Wf7TwoakoJkJV3t2jeIm0HIVl3/s1600/Cross3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="714" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcwhdEKm64qarGAe9nTRYj83IualJZJ7nfn7J0siW7VdUF8tlEk_2nRt-MbjnTcjuqKYQbdjJRIoN7ts9ckEdn44RQU29LnFas4LAnS1HRXhG4OioP4Wf7TwoakoJkJV3t2jeIm0HIVl3/s320/Cross3.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The wood for these crosses is handpicked from old, discarded
horse fencing from the Teen Challenge Northern Virginia farm. Cut and stained
by the students, the crosses are a reflection of what happens in their lives.
They come into the program broken, but as a result of Christ’s work in their
lives, they become new.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Is it time for a change in your life? Have you found yourself in
a cycle of destructive behavior? Have you been repeating the same mistakes,
going ‘round and ‘round again like the hands of a clock?</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Easter is the perfect season to make the switch. Jesus came to
seek and to save the lost (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+19%3A10&version=ESV">Luke 19:10</a>)—the oppressed, the beat-down, the
broken. He came to give hope to the hopeless.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">You are not stuck. Pour out your heart to Him (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+62%3A8&version=ESV">Psalm 62:8</a>).</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“For God says, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">‘At just the right
time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.’</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Indeed, the ‘right time’ is now. Today is the day of salvation”
(<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+corinthians+6%3A2&version=NLT">2 Corinthians 6:2 NLT</a>).</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus paid the penalty for our sins by His work on the cross. He
offers forgiveness and new life today if only we believe and accept this gift
of grace.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Your old life passes away and all things become new. You are a
new creation in Christ (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+corinthians+5%3A17&version=ESV">2 Corinthians 5:17</a>), an heir of God (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+8%3A17&version=ESV">Romans 8:17</a>).</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance
that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for
you” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+peter+1%3A3-4&version=NIV">1 Peter 1:3-4</a>).</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">There’s a saying that scrolls along the bottom of the wall paper
beneath the cross in my living room. “There’s no place like home.”</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This Easter make heaven your home—there’s no place like it. And
it’s as easy as A-B-C. Please pray with me today.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear Jesus, I <b>A</b>dmit that I have sinned (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+3%3A23&version=NIV">Romans 3:23</a>)
and <b>A</b>sk for Your forgiveness (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+10%3A13&version=NIV">Romans 10:13</a>). I <b>B</b>elieve
in You as my hope of salvation (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+3%3A16&version=NIV">John 3:16</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+14%3A6&version=NIV">John 14:6</a>). I have <b>B</b>ecome
a child of God (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+1%3A12&version=NIV">John 1:12</a>). I <b>C</b>onfess You as my
Lord (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+10%3A9&version=NIV">Romans 10:9</a>).Thank You for Your indescribable gift (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+corinthians+9%3A15&version=NIV">2 Corinthians 9:15</a>)!</span></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Desiree St. Clair Spearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06132518256670986099noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-120512802926686882.post-81717410692723367212020-04-03T09:20:00.000-07:002020-04-04T11:13:08.213-07:00The Crown of Life: Persevering in Unprecedented Times<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because,
having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord
has promised to those who love him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">—<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A12&version=NIV">James
1:12</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When I think of a crown, I think of a beautiful gem-studded
head ornament. I do not think of a deadly virus. However, the coronavirus was
given its name because its crown reminded scientists of the corona of the sun. While
I first thought the name was ill-fitting, I now see how appropriate it is. A
crown worn by a ruler signifies power. In comparison, the coronavirus has been
ruling our world, exerting its power over our physical bodies, our businesses,
schools, even the doors of our homes. For many of us, it has taken authority
over our heart and mind, inciting fear, anxiety, and worry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5wWuUu0Ctkq1N4zyOPL7_heKRtMXciBkEFAaMwcT8757M5AsWraQ7RWiVHyvjGaI_TdKvS6_rb2WGF_5wOdP0ueL50qz_K140O5pD5m_TIoA53H1aQHrpSUjL0KVMv3gV_OlhA4pxnUB/s1600/March+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5wWuUu0Ctkq1N4zyOPL7_heKRtMXciBkEFAaMwcT8757M5AsWraQ7RWiVHyvjGaI_TdKvS6_rb2WGF_5wOdP0ueL50qz_K140O5pD5m_TIoA53H1aQHrpSUjL0KVMv3gV_OlhA4pxnUB/s640/March+16.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Note my perpetual calendar's verse for March 16th, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">the day that President Trump launched Slow the Spread</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As we enter Holy Week, I am reminded of another
crown—the crown of thorns worn by Jesus. On the day of His crucifixion, Jesus
was beaten by Roman soldiers, who also twisted a crown of thorns and placed it
on His head, mocking Him as King of the Jews. While created in jest, this crown
symbolizes the curse of sin and death that Jesus took upon Himself on the
cross. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Bible tells us, “He was pierced for our
transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought
us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah+53%3A5&version=NIV">Isaiah
53:5</a>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Jesus vanquished the power of sin and sickness in our
lives. Through His death and resurrection, He made a way for eternal life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">According to <a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/revelation/revelation-19/revelation-19-12.html">Biblestudytools.com</a>,
collecting the crown of a vanquished king was customary in the ancient world. The
Bible tells us Jesus wears many crowns (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=revelation+19%3A12&version=NIV">Revelation
19:12</a>). He has collected the crowns of all the rulers, coronavirus
included, signifying that He is King of kings, the sovereign ruler of the
earth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In the midst of our trials, let us look to our King and remember
the price He paid on our behalf. Let us “fix 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” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+12%3A2&version=NIV">Hebrews
12:2</a>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Just as Jesus endured the cross, let us endure these
trials and persevere in the faith, knowing that our troubles are light and
momentary compared to the eternal glory that awaits (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+4%3A17&version=NIV">2
Corinthians 4:17</a>). As Jesus has triumphed and is crowned with many crowns, we
too will wear a crown if we endure to the end, for the Bible says, “Blessed is
the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person
will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him”
(<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A12&version=NIV">James
1:12</a>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Lord says, “Be faithful, even to the point of death,
and I will give you life as your victor’s crown” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=revelation+2%3A10&version=NIV">Revelation
2:10b</a>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If Jesus is the King of your heart, death does not have the
final say-so. Coronavirus does not have the final say-so. Those who have
accepted Christ will live with Him in heaven forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If you have never surrendered your heart to Jesus, now is
the perfect time. Today is the day of salvation (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+corinthians+6%3A2&version=NIV">2
Corinthians 6:2</a>). Surrender your life to the King of kings. Admit your
frailty, ask for forgiveness, and accept His free gift of eternal life. Allow Him
to rule and reign with peace in your heart today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Picture yourself laying down at the foot of the cross all
your sin and shame, your achievements and trophies, and especially now during
these unprecedented times your fear and despair and exchanging it all some day
for a crown. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">That’s the beautiful image I want to see when I think of
a crown.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dear
Lord Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith,</span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Help
me to keep my eyes fixed on You and not on the problems of our world, for You
have triumphed over sin and death by Your work on the cross. Coronavirus may be
ugly, but You can bring forth something good out of this evil, bestow a crown
of beauty for ashes and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+61%3A1-3&version=NIV">Isaiah
61:1-3</a>). Coronavirus may have been named for its resemblance to the corona
of the sun, but I trust in Your name, the name above all names; I focus on the
corona of the Son, worn on the rugged cross for me.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Thank
You, Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjLfcXGRYDz8r9ytQYykGnOxiL5Zwx4MtyllqD5e1Q4nd4L8Nd6AOVVf-JSGS_1wRK3jWDe5kcj-aQU7RExn6hHeayPr42dp-kLGH-QSWlo8wC-jg0yVUtY3cddJA8eTTfOJpNNNdEQyd/s1600/Old+Rugged+Cross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjLfcXGRYDz8r9ytQYykGnOxiL5Zwx4MtyllqD5e1Q4nd4L8Nd6AOVVf-JSGS_1wRK3jWDe5kcj-aQU7RExn6hHeayPr42dp-kLGH-QSWlo8wC-jg0yVUtY3cddJA8eTTfOJpNNNdEQyd/s400/Old+Rugged+Cross.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">When rummaging through my junk drawer, this magnet seemed to float to the surface. <br />Thank You, Jesus, for reminding me of Your guideline for peace in the pandemic.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Desiree St. Clair Spearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06132518256670986099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-120512802926686882.post-72382633174976240402020-03-28T09:41:00.001-07:002020-03-29T04:06:23.794-07:00Falling Axheads: What do you do when your tool falls into the water?<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What
shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these
things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his
kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as
well.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">—<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A31-33&version=NIV">Matthew
6:31-33</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
morning during my quiet time with God I read two devotions back to back, both
of them including a story about an axhead falling into water. That got my
attention. Then I remembered that yesterday I recovered the misplaced rusty head
of an iron tool that I usually display on my deck. That really made me ponder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ41BVlC5cO-bcsbre4sBSjMtWjoOpNZwzG3RWxEY6GO6b-_jJokOW8T3kVyFa-cW0_t1GnfKFWqhzUskhPqi7rfmAg9yTGTKdyBXCis3NaRhXPhfuNpszn7zuaSUUvkPW4Fob3KnABTB5/s1600/Axhead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ41BVlC5cO-bcsbre4sBSjMtWjoOpNZwzG3RWxEY6GO6b-_jJokOW8T3kVyFa-cW0_t1GnfKFWqhzUskhPqi7rfmAg9yTGTKdyBXCis3NaRhXPhfuNpszn7zuaSUUvkPW4Fob3KnABTB5/s320/Axhead.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
first devotion from <i>Our Daily Bread</i>
made reference to the story in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+kings+6%3A1-7&version=NIV">2
Kings 6:1-7</a> in which the prophets who were following Elisha decided to
build a bigger meeting place. In the process of cutting wood, a worker’s axhead
fell into the water. He cried out to Elisha, who came to his rescue. Elisha
threw a stick in the water and the axhead floated to the surface. A miracle
indeed! The author of the devotion assures us that God cares about the details
in our life—lost axheads, lost keys, lost glasses, lost phones—anything that
troubles <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">us.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(1)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
second devotion from <i>Daily Guideposts</i>
was written by rancher Erika Bentsen, who describes her circumstances on a
minus ten degree day. As she used an ax to break up the ice in her horse’s
trough, the axhead fell off and sunk through the hole in the ice into three
feet of water. Instead of sticking her arm into the ice water to retrieve it,
she opted to retrieve her electric tank heater instead. As she entered the pump
house where the heater was stored, she discovered a broken valve in the pump
had caused flooding in the building. God had used frigid temperatures and a
falling axhead to lead Erika to the pump house, so she could fix the valve.
Likewise, God can use our unpleasant situations to lead us to unexpected
blessings.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(2)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Both
devotions were prepublished, but both can be applied to our current world
situation. Many of us are used to navigating life with our tools. We work using
our skills, our degrees, and even processes we have designed. We entertain
ourselves with the tools of sports, theater, and eating out with others. We
take care of our bodies using the tools at the gym and our spirits with the
tools at church. But during this pandemic we have lost the use of many of our
tools. For some of us, our place of work has shut down. All sports arenas,
theaters, restaurants, gyms, and churches are closed as well. What do we do?
Like the worker in the Bible story, we can cry out—to THE LORD. And like Erika,
we can follow His lead to where we need to go to fix what is broken.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">During
our time of isolation, we can evaluate our priorities. Have we placed other
things before our Lord? Have we been lovers of ourselves, worshiping and working
in our own strength, whether physical, mental, or financial (</span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+3%3A2&version=NIV;KJV" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">2
Timothy 3:2</a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">)? Have we worshiped others, celebrities, sports figures, musicians,
even our friends and own family members, placing them above God?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">God
</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">does</i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> care about the details of our
life. He cares about lost axheads, lost jobs, but mostly lost people. He wants
us to fix what is broken by placing Him first, then He will take care of all
the rest. He knows what we need and will provide.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">When
we are lost in the midst of a world crisis, we can trust Him to lead us in the right
direction. Maybe that will include using our tools in a whole new way, like
teachers facilitating digital learning and families entertaining and exercising
within the walls of their own home and churches building a bigger meeting place
by holding services online.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Perhaps
when the pandemic has ceased we will view our old way of navigating life as
rusty as the head of the vintage iron tool I recovered, a relic to remind us of
how far we’ve come.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear Lord, thank You
for caring about all the details of my life. May I refuse to worry, but keep You
first, for You will provide for all my needs and guide me in the way to go. Amen.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">___________________________</span></i></div>
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<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[1]</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <i>Our Daily Bread</i>, (Grand Rapids, MI, Our Daily Bread Ministries,
2019), March 28.</span></div>
<br />
<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Bentsen, Erika, <i>Daily Guideposts 2020: A Spirit-Lifting
Devotional, </i>(New York, Guideposts Books & Inspirational Media, 2020),
95.</span><br />
<br />Desiree St. Clair Spearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06132518256670986099noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-120512802926686882.post-35984607177680410622020-03-19T11:46:00.001-07:002020-03-19T12:13:32.463-07:00Beyond the Door<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the
one who seeks finds; and to the one who</span> </i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">knocks,
the door will be opened.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">—<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A7-8&version=NIV">Matthew
7:7-8</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
cried when my closest colleague told me she was retiring. They should have been
tears of joy for her, but honestly they were tears of sorrow for myself. Roz
and I had worked together for 10 years, both of us high school CTE (Career and
Technology Education) teachers. At least seven of those years, we occupied
adjoining classrooms. I don’t know why the rooms were designed with a shared
door, nor do I know of any similar setups in the building, but I do know it was
designed just right for us. Being next to each other in our secluded wing of
the building gave us the opportunity to get to know each other on a deeper
level. Early communication revealed that we shared the Christian faith. Soon we
were praying together in the mornings before school began. While at first we
prayed for our school, our students, and the day before us, in time our
petitions evolved to personal matters. Roz and I learned we had so much more in
common than our faith. We were both career changers, each of us having worked
in the world of business before becoming teachers. Each of us had also dabbled
in the dramatic arts in our younger days. We were both faithful churchgoers and
at the time we were both church treasurers, collaborating even on church
accounting software. We had granddaughters born within weeks of each other.
Later our daughters gave birth to preemies, each early delivery a result of the
same condition. Together, we rejoiced; together we cried. I shared private
concerns with Roz that I have shared with no other, except the Lord. I knew I
could trust Roz to keep everything in confidence. I also knew I could rely on
her to give wise advice. No matter the situation, Roz would come through for
me, whether an idea for an assignment, a prayer, advice, or her comforting
presence. All I had to do was knock. Help was just beyond the door. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-kMZrdot7I2t4MaVDBj2GgdA_sZuTUbUzGKFFkWBXxIqhgAgGCG0d6qYjL-A41e0vLCC28oBPk4V68IWA6XocYlx69gtlRa_yhyphenhyphens5EEEeHGkPrdA9_3IQC1184aXEQUOAK0d4XB2zGp7/s1600/Roz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-kMZrdot7I2t4MaVDBj2GgdA_sZuTUbUzGKFFkWBXxIqhgAgGCG0d6qYjL-A41e0vLCC28oBPk4V68IWA6XocYlx69gtlRa_yhyphenhyphens5EEEeHGkPrdA9_3IQC1184aXEQUOAK0d4XB2zGp7/s320/Roz.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Of
course, as our friendship grew, knocking became unnecessary. We let ourselves
in. Over time, we could probably finish each other’s sentences. We were quite familiar
with each other’s habits. I knew exactly where Roz would want to sit in a
faculty meeting and could count on her to save me a seat. I would do the same
for her. I knew if she complained about a headache that I should remind her to
drink her water. And if she heard that quiver in my voice, she knew I needed her.
Like the morning in October, only weeks before her retirement. On my way into
work, I received a distressing phone call. A loved one had been in a car
accident. I didn’t know all the details, but began to imagine the worse. When I
got to school, I immediately reached out to Roz. Assessing my emotional state,
she flew into action and acquired a sub for my classes, so I could return home.
That’s the nature of a true friend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
today’s uncertain times, many of us may be in an emotional state. Many may need
a true friend. We have questions and concerns and don’t know where to turn. God
wants to be that friend (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james+2%3A23&version=NIV">James
2:23</a>). He knows us inside and out, what we need, and how to bring us
comfort. But He will not force Himself upon us. He will, however, knock on the
door of our heart and wait for us to answer (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+3%3A20&version=NIV">Revelation
3:20</a>). He desires to hear from us. He longs for us to pour out our hearts
to Him, to bring Him the hard questions, and ask Him for wisdom and solutions.
Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and
the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who
seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A7-8&version=NIV">Matthew
7:7-8</a>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">During
this pandemic, schools, businesses, and social activities have been shut down.
Friends and family members are shut behind doors. We can’t even get to them for
a comforting hug. But shutdowns cannot shut down communication with God. He
wants us to knock on His door. He invites it and promises the door will be
opened. So during this downtime, let us dig in deeper with Him, draw close to
Him and develop a true friendship. Pray more and fret less. And let’s not forget
to laugh. They say laughter is the best medicine (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+17%3A22&version=NIV">Proverbs
17:22</a>), and like communication, humor can strengthen a relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
couple of years ago our school implemented a new policy regarding students arriving
tardy to class. At the bell, teachers shut and lock their doors (for security
purposes). If a student is late, they must knock and wait for the teacher to
answer (as the teacher might be in the middle of starting the class). Since this
was a new policy, teachers were directed to prepare a sign to that effect to
post on their door. As I approached Roz’s classroom door, I read her newly
prepared sign: “If you are tardy, knock and wait quietly. I will answer shorty.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
erupted in laughter. One omitted letter made a world of difference. I pointed
it out to Roz (and other passersby), and we laughed till we doubled over,
especially since we recognized the teen slang of the day. We could just imagine
the students reading the sign. Roz was tempted to leave it for giggles, but
being the ever-professional educator, she opted to correct it instead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
takeaway? Answer God’s knock on your heart. Knock on His door for continual
communication and a deeper friendship. Bring Him your petitions and wait
quietly for Him to answer. And remember who’s in control, shorty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear God, thank You
for the friends You have placed in my life and, most importantly, for my
friendship with You. May I always remember that You are just beyond the door.
All I have to do is knock, and the door will be answered. Amen.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mSxnjnhRvVg_rp-vtCbf2AJ1xVGR1NKAv5Vry__Gg_wcNgWGkDlP20fbhxXtOP9wrKayah7UjZTVTxE3Vt2KmVQo68AfWFf-UuZzxlSQ27l-5vf68zfYrhhvXPngsJLITH1XVRldcG-D/s1600/Roz+%2526+Desiree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mSxnjnhRvVg_rp-vtCbf2AJ1xVGR1NKAv5Vry__Gg_wcNgWGkDlP20fbhxXtOP9wrKayah7UjZTVTxE3Vt2KmVQo68AfWFf-UuZzxlSQ27l-5vf68zfYrhhvXPngsJLITH1XVRldcG-D/s320/Roz+%2526+Desiree.jpg" width="240" /></a></i></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i><br />
<br />Desiree St. Clair Spearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06132518256670986099noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-120512802926686882.post-81536398325331274002020-02-14T03:35:00.000-08:002020-02-14T03:35:06.371-08:00Valentines for the Soul: Nothing will come between us<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither
angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither
height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate
us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">—<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+8%3A38-39&version=NIV">Romans
8:38-39</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">How
many times have you attended a wedding and witnessed the happy couple, pledging
their love to each other? Perhaps they recited vows they wrote themselves or
the traditional wedding vows as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">"I,
___, take thee, ___, to be my wedded husband/wife, to have and to hold, from
this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness
and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to
God's holy ordinance; and thereto I pledge thee my faith [or] pledge myself to
you."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">How
many times have you heard a love-stricken couple declare, “Nothing will come
between us?” Perhaps you have been the subject of that declaration or maybe you
made that statement yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But
how many times <i>has</i> something come between them? How many times have wedding
vows and love declarations been broken by the very things they swore would
never separate them? Close to half of all marriages end in divorce, and one of
the top reasons is money. For richer, for poorer? Another reason is addictions.
In sickness and in health? Also, infidelity. To love and to cherish, till death
do us part?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s
clear, and very sad, that many of us break promises. But God does not. “God
faithfully keeps his promises” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+corinthians+1%3A9&version=GW">1
Corinthians 1:9 GW</a>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">What
God vows, He will do. “I will not dishonor my promise or alter my own agreement,”
He says (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+89%3A34&version=GW">Psalm
89:34</a>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">God’s
love will not fail (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+136%3A1-2&version=CEV">Psalm
136:1-2</a>). His steadfast love is from everlasting to everlasting (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+103%3A17&version=ESV">Psalm
103:17</a>). He will never leave you nor forsake you (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+31%3A6&version=NIV">Deuteronomy
31:6</a>). He is there in the good times and the bad, times of wealth and
health, financial crisis and illness. His faithful love endures forever (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+136&version=NLT">Psalm
136</a>). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Nothing
will ever come between you and the love of the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear God, I know You keep
Your covenant of love for a thousand generations (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+7%3A9&version=NIV">Deuteronomy
7:9</a>). Your love will never fail me; Your vow will never be broken. Nothing will
separate me from Your love.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZNacc4SyGjoiw3A2jocLUAuMz8KGLHyHFU1z8-Lm-ANOwFDy_LdU8hhuqu4sPQDMjCB6-_QZjuQ9r4Cso0gyUXETXknJ7zIRX44_fdBsJajAz5gOPk3johr5QpO8vUo0jeOPRDFXxgDA/s1600/Nothing+will+come+between+us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZNacc4SyGjoiw3A2jocLUAuMz8KGLHyHFU1z8-Lm-ANOwFDy_LdU8hhuqu4sPQDMjCB6-_QZjuQ9r4Cso0gyUXETXknJ7zIRX44_fdBsJajAz5gOPk3johr5QpO8vUo0jeOPRDFXxgDA/s320/Nothing+will+come+between+us.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />Desiree St. Clair Spearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06132518256670986099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-120512802926686882.post-77658152801287664982020-02-13T03:55:00.000-08:002020-02-13T03:55:22.343-08:00Valentines for the Soul: They're playing our song<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And you gave me a new song, a song of
praise to you. Many will see this, and they will honor and trust you, the </span></i><span class="small-caps"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Lord</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> God.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">—<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+40%3A3&version=CEV">Psalm
40:3</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Have you ever been in love and couldn’t help but sing? You
sing along to every love song you hear. You make up your own silly little songs.
You sing with and to your sweetheart. You and your love
even have your own song, one that commemorates a special moment in your
relationship. Perhaps the song was playing on the radio on your first date or
when you shared a meal at a restaurant. Maybe it marked your first kiss. Now
when you hear it, all you have to do is look at your love and your eyes convey
the message, “They’re playing our song.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Falling in love and singing go hand in hand. Actually, there
is a scientific reason for it. When you first fall in love, you experience a
rush of “feel good” hormones to the brain, which can make you do crazy things
like sing all the time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When you fall in love with God, you might also experience a “feel
good” rush. But it’s more than a chemical reaction—it’s a spiritual one. When
you accept Jesus as Savior, your spirit comes alive. You are filled with joy
and can’t help but sing. Your heart bubbles over with praise, and others
recognize the transformation in your life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Bible describes God as your song, the subject of praise: “The
Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and
I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+15%3A2&version=KJV">Exodus
15:2 KJV</a>). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When you fall in love with God, you have the Song in your
heart. And perhaps, like lovers do, you have a particular song that is
meaningful to you, a hymn of praise that commemorates the moment you committed
to a relationship with Him or one that assures you of His peace and presence evermore.
Whenever you hear it, you look toward Him and lock eyes, “They’re playing our
song.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Have you fallen in love with God? Why not open your heart to
Him today?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord,
<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
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<i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Come
into my heart today. Be my Savior, my strength and my song. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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</div>
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<i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Fill
my mouth with Your praise, declaring Your splendor all the day long (</span></i><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+71%3A8&version=NIV">Psalm
71:8</a></span></i><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">).</span></i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
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Desiree St. Clair Spearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06132518256670986099noreply@blogger.com0