tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72868490716828697152024-03-05T03:41:16.976-05:00HeartstringsJudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243081068409386598noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286849071682869715.post-77090756754067753732014-03-10T10:04:00.000-04:002014-03-10T10:15:59.771-04:00DO WE REALLY KNOW WHAT SAYING "I DO" MEANS?<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hello dear one!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm sitting in the stillness of my study and thinking about the burdens the Lord has placed on my heart for His beloved people. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Marriage is one that is continually there and with that in mind I share a post from the archives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I could hear the frustration in her voice. It sounded familiar. Many women I've counseled have expressed similar frustration.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How many times have I heard:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> "It just isn't fair. I thought that when we were married that our home responsibilities would be shared 50-50. After all my job is demanding too, and when I get home I need to decompress. Why can't he cook dinner some nights? I'm not the best cook around either but I'm trying to learn. Do you think my expectations were unrealistic? When we were dating he was so attentive! I just don't get it!!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In this day of "his" and "hers" thinking I've noticed that many times those who are choosing marriage are choosing to "incorporate" their life with the life of another. Not become "one flesh" as the bible teaches. <b><u>They keep a record of their personal rights and think love is a right not a gift. </u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Love is the greatest gift given when there's not a requirement of reciprocation. 1 Corinthians 13 describes God's ideal love. In the Greek it is "Agape", translated "charity" in the KJV, meaning benevolent love. In Zodiates Complete Word Study New Testament this benevolence is explained as not doing what the person loved desires but what the one who loves deems as needed by the one loved; (e.g., For God so loved the world that He gave...John 3:16) He gave not what man wanted but what man needed as God perceived the need. God loves us, dear ones, with this love and he calls us to offer His precious gift to others. It is unconditional love..<b><u>God's love.</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">During a bible study first completed some time ago the Lord began to reveal to me how I was missing His mark as far as loving my husband as he teaches in His Word. It's been a revelation that devestates as well as inspires almost simultaneously. Believe me, I am still a work in progress. I have good days and not so good ones. However, it's becoming more comfortable "dying to self" and as I see fruit sprouting forth I am encouraged to "Keep going on, and on, and on".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This morning I picked up a small book with a huge conviction impact. The title is "If", written by Amy Carmichael.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Reviewing this precious writing helps me to check my heart and progress.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This morning the Lord has spoken to me through this precious pearl:</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"IF the moment I am conscious of the shadow of self crossing my threshold,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I do not shut the door, and in the power of Him who works in us to will and to do,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">keep that door shut,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">then I know nothing of Calvary Love."</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The burden of my heart dear ones, is "Marriage". Mine and those of other women desiring not to miss God's mark - loving as He does.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Has the Lord given you a similar burden? I'd love to hear about it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Til next time - sending His love your way,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Judy</span>Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243081068409386598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286849071682869715.post-64385841788840974212014-01-05T16:19:00.003-05:002014-01-07T15:47:29.687-05:00Hope Has A Name<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Good afternoon friend!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's Sunday afternoon and I'm wondering what you are doing right now. This is the Lord's day and possibly you were in church this morning and received a good Word regarding the year ahead. Your Pastor may have given you a powerful call regarding how important we each are to grow the church.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Maybe some of his challenge was new to you: It's not about "You"; Our accumulation of "stuff" might be holding us back</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">on our journey with Christ; It's a spiritual battle; We must be prayer warriors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So many people are walking in darkness friend. They have searched and searched for an answer to their emptiness and as they looked into the way of the world, instead of the light, their world became darker and darker. Maybe that describes your situation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I want to encourage your heart today. Their is HOPE.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">HE has a name. His name? Savior, Lord, Redeemer, Friend,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">JESUS! He's waiting for YOU!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">He. Loves.You. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yes, YOU! He's in the heart changing business!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Will this be the year you will say "Yes, Lord...I need You to lead and guide me; I am sorry for my sins. Thank you for your sacrifice on the cross, thank you, that my sins are now forgiven." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am praying for you....that you will find hope in Christ; you will never be the same.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.holleygerth.com/" style="background-color: white; clear: right; color: #8cc7cc; float: right; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Coffee for Your Heart 150" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3900" src="http://holleygerth.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Coffee-for-Your-Heart-150.png" height="150" style="border: none; display: block; height: auto; margin: 0px auto 10px; max-width: 100%;" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My sister dreamer and author of "Opening the Door to your God-sized Dream", Holley Gerth has issued a 2014 challenge: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>"</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #4c4d4f; font-style: italic; line-height: 24px;">The concept is simple: I’m asking you to pour out a little love with your words every Wednesday.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #4c4d4f; line-height: 24px;"><i> "</i> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Each week Holley will give us a prompt for our posts. We will share on Facebook and tweet about it and when next Wednesday rolls around, gather together online at the site above to share and discuss together. We'd love you to join the challenge - check it out! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hugs,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Judy</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>"..One thing I do; forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Philippians 3:13-14</i></span><br />
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<br />Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243081068409386598noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286849071682869715.post-3804293404954588582013-12-31T20:16:00.002-05:002014-01-01T06:38:40.163-05:00Chasing My God-sized Dearm<br />
December 31, 2013<br />
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Good evening sister dreamers....a year ago today we were waiting for the year to turn and Holley Gerth's long awaited weekly coaching and encouragement to dream God-sized dreams launch.<br />
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Included with Holley was her fabulous Dream Team; each member a wonderful writer in her own right.<br />
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Women of all ages and seasons of life who were willing to share their hearts and dreams every Tuesday for about 6 months. Those Tuesdays became a highlight of my week. So many blessings have been a result of those weeks for me and I venture to say, to most who participated. <br />
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Now we go to another level of dreaming. The Lord gave sister dreamer Christine Wright a dream for a website for Godsized Dreams. Wow.....has it come together wonderfully.<br />
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We will be meeting up every Tuesday and sharing how our dreams are moving toward God's best for us and how we manage life as we keep our commitment to the Lord and to each other.<br />
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2013 has passed so quickly and I find that where I thought I might be by this time is a bit different than what I had in mind. <br />
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Life has taken some turns that were not expected (Am sure that has happened to you) and I find it difficult to stay on task.<br />
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In the midst of the frustration I have sister support here in Tampa whose prayers are precious to me, as are yours.<br />
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Sharing God's faithfulness no matter what is my greatest joy along with encouraging other women as they walk this faith journey.<br />
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For all of us I pray that we will draw ever closer to Jesus during the coming year and that we will be open to His leading when we hear his whispers in our hearts.<br />
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My verse for 2014 is - <i>".....but one thing I do; forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward goal of God in Christ Jesus." </i><br />
<i>Philippians 3:13-14</i><br />
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Looking forward to reading your weekly posts (click on the site below)......and thanking the Lord for bringing you all into my life.<br />
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'Til next time,<br />
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Judy<br />
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<a href="http://godsizeddreams.com/">http://godsizeddreams.com</a><br />
<br />Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243081068409386598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286849071682869715.post-40003938078189545152013-12-25T00:00:00.000-05:002013-12-25T08:08:21.979-05:00MERRY CHRISTMAS<br />
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Twinkling lights and bright colored ornaments,<br />
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Treasured Dreamsicle angel ornaments dangling from green branches brings years past to mind.<br />
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Candles and handmade ornaments brightening the tables prods memories of seasons past when small children sang familiar carols and "Happy Birthday Jesus" on Christmas Day.<br />
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The Nativity displayed to remind us it's more than tinsel. This day we anticipate each year is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and share our joy with others.<br />
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A picture flashes through a mother's mind of a little 3 year old on his knees, head bowed and hands clasped in prayer in front of the baby Jesus laying in a manger at his greatgrandmother's house.<br />
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Oh Lord,<br />
My heart is full today. Thank you.<br />
My memories make me smile. Thank you. <br />
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As Mary, on the day so long ago when the Savior of the World came to earth as a babe....to bring light in the darkness and joy in sadness; so I shout to my Lord as I breathe in the sights and sounds of the season -<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>"I am the Lord's slave. May it be done to me as He has proclaimed." Luke 2</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>May today be one of revelation and new surrender for each of us who call Him LORD!<br />
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<i><b>Merry Christmas with love,</b></i><br />
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<i><b>Judy</b></i><br />
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Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243081068409386598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286849071682869715.post-24352541480626978992013-12-18T10:30:00.000-05:002013-12-18T10:30:01.052-05:00MEET ME ON THE PORCHWednesday morning in paradise and I'm sitting here in my study thinking of you friend.<br />
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I'm wondering what you're passionate about and how that passion is evident in your life.<br />
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I'm wondering what you've learned as you've traveled this road of life.<br />
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I'm wondering what makes you smile and what makes you dance.<br />
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I'm wondering how you've learned to make lemonade when life has thrown you lemons.<br />
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I'm wondering who inspires you and why.<br />
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I'm interested to know, at this point in you life how you manage your thoughts and your time.<br />
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I'm wondering, what is the best and the worst of being the age you are.<br />
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I'm wondering about you.<br />
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I imagine us sitting down together on a porch facing the Gulf of Mexico sharing the answers to these questions and more. Wouldn't that be delicious, the sun making its descent in the western sky, the sound of the surf lapping against the sand and you and me sipping our coffee (maybe you're sipping tea) and encouraging each other onward in this gift of life in Christ we've been given.<br />
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This space will have to be our beach my friend. Will you join me?<br />
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<i><b>"Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."</b></i><br />
<i><b>Hebrews 10:24</b></i><br />
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So the invitation is out there.....can't wait to meet you on the porch....to hear your story.<br />
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Because Jesus lives,<br />
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Judy<br />
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<br />Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243081068409386598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286849071682869715.post-68704328327300528452013-12-06T13:49:00.000-05:002013-12-06T13:49:11.717-05:00One of Those Days!!!!!<br />
Have you ever had one of "those" days? <br />
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A day when you feel at the brink of ENOUGH ALREADY!<br />
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A day when you just want to run away - remember the old commercial for Calgon bath salts....a woman in the bathtub..surrounded by bubbles and uttering "Calgon, take me away"?<br />
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A day when you don't have any idea where "away" is, just not here in this time and place! Thoughts and feelings that are threatening to derail you.<br />
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A bruised heart tired of aching. The problem?..... my heart is aching because I keep taking back a burden that the Lord has promised He will carry for me.<br />
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Have you ever been in the same predicament?<br />
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What do you do?<br />
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I, finally, adjust my gaze heavenward. <br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Oh Lord Jesus, I am sorry. I took my eyes off You and your promises. Thank you for showing me my sin. And thank you, too Lord, for reminding me that I am not up to doing what only you can do.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Noah built an Ark for You Lord. The bible tells us that <i>"Noah was a righteous man, blameless among his contemporaries; Noah walked with God."</i> (Genesis 6:9) The earth had become corrupt and violent in your eyes and was filled with violence. Noah trusted You; not himself, not his friends and family but You. How do I know? Your Word assures me over and over: <i>"And Noah did this. He did everything that God had commanded." </i>Help me to walk my talk and bring to my mind the scriptures that you have taught me that I might engrave them afresh on my heart in order to boldly go where the Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 3:13-14 - <i>"..but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Amen Lord, Amen.</i></span></span><br />
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Holding tight to His righteous right hand because He loves me.<br />
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JudyJudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243081068409386598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286849071682869715.post-70932784188903897372013-11-28T08:09:00.000-05:002013-11-28T09:27:59.088-05:00THANKFULFrom the archives on this cool day in Paradise...wherever you are may your heart be warmed by God's Word and the Koinonia of family and friends.<br />
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Good morning friend,<br />
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This Thanksgiving morn, before rustling up breakfast, my thoughts travel to you and what you mean to me.<br />
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I am ever grateful that the Lord has given me this opportunity; to share His word whenever and wherever He purposes.<br />
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You friend are an important part of this journey.<br />
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As I seek to encourage you with God's Truth you have encouraged me more.<br />
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Wherever we are in this wide, wide world we have been connected by words traveling over time and space for such a time as this.<br />
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To receive Word from Jen who writes from Africa and notes from Rachael "across the pond"; to follow Pam as she blooms, blooms, blooms where the Lord has planted her; to be reunited with classmates scattered across the country; to reach out to my family, and heart friends here at home whenever they come to mind, this brings me joy that bubbles over into thanksgiving.<br />
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Ecclesiastes 4:9-12</h3>
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New International Reader's Version (NIRV)</div>
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<span class="text Eccl-4-9" id="en-NIRV-17391" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">9 </sup>Two people are better than one.</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Eccl-4-9" style="position: relative;">They can help each other in everything they do.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Eccl-4-10" id="en-NIRV-17392" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">10 </sup>Suppose someone falls down.</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Eccl-4-10" style="position: relative;">Then his friend can help him up.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Eccl-4-10" style="position: relative;">But suppose the man who falls down doesn’t have anyone to help him up.</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Eccl-4-10" style="position: relative;">Then feel sorry for him!</span></span><br />
<span class="text Eccl-4-11" id="en-NIRV-17393" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">11 </sup>Or suppose two people lie down together.</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Eccl-4-11" style="position: relative;">Then they’ll keep warm.</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Eccl-4-11" style="position: relative;">But how can one person keep warm alone?</span></span><br />
<span class="text Eccl-4-12" id="en-NIRV-17394" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">12 </sup>One person could be overpowered.</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Eccl-4-12" style="position: relative;">But two people can stand up for themselves.</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Eccl-4-12" style="position: relative;">And a rope made out of three cords isn’t easily broken.</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
Praise be to our God and Father for His Word that puts the period on my thoughts toward you.<br />
<br />
Wishing you each a blessed Thanksgiving dear ones.<br />
<br />
Love you,<br />
JudyJudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243081068409386598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286849071682869715.post-10000512690936565672013-11-13T15:50:00.005-05:002013-11-13T15:50:54.916-05:00Hearing The Lord SpeakCold snap.....a very interesting term isn't it? <br />
<br />
We've been listening for days about snow falling in many places across our country and how this week we could expect "a cold snap" According to all reports today, it has come and will be gone in a "snap", literally. What ridiculous yet appropriate terminology for this cool air that I'm enjoying this afternoon. I can feel the crispness and my spirit begins to soar. The chimes on the patio are making music accompanied by traffic sounds and a plane overhead coming closer to earth as it prepares to land.<br />
<br />
All sounds that keep me tuned into the area around our home.<br />
<br />
I ask myself...what does all this have to do with hearing the Lord speak??<br />
<br />
Isn't He bigger than the voices of the world?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="heading passage-class-0" style="background-color: white; color: #5c1101; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 10px;">
<h3 style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;">
Psalm 139:1-24</h3>
<div class="txt-sm" style="font-size: 12px;">
English Standard Version (ESV)</div>
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<div class="passage version-ESV result-text-style-normal text-html " style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<h3 style="font-size: 1.05em;">
<span class="text Ps-139-1" id="en-ESV-16241">Search Me, O God, and Know My Heart</span></h3>
<h4 class="psalm-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin-top: 1em;">
<span class="text Ps-139-1">To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.</span></h4>
<div class="poetry" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line">
<span class="chapter-3"><span class="text Ps-139-1" style="position: relative;"><span class="chapternum" style="bottom: 0.1em; font-size: 1.25em; font-weight: bold; left: -3em; line-height: 0.8em; position: absolute;">139 </span>O <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, you have <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16241A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>searched me and known me!</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-2" id="en-ESV-16242" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">2 </sup>You <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16242B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>know when I sit down and when I rise up;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-2" style="position: relative;">you <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16242C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>discern my thoughts from afar.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-3" id="en-ESV-16243" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">3 </sup>You search out my path and my lying down</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-3" style="position: relative;">and are acquainted with all my ways.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-4" id="en-ESV-16244" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">4 </sup>Even before a word is on my tongue,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-4" style="position: relative;">behold, O <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16244D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>you know it altogether.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-5" id="en-ESV-16245" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">5 </sup>You <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16245E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>hem me in, behind and before,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-5" style="position: relative;">and <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16245F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>lay your hand upon me.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-6" id="en-ESV-16246" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">6 </sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16246G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>Such knowledge is <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16246H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>too wonderful for me;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-6" style="position: relative;">it is high; I cannot attain it.</span></span></div>
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<div class="poetry top-1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-139-7" id="en-ESV-16247" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">7 </sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16247I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>Where shall I go from your Spirit?</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-7" style="position: relative;">Or where <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16247J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup>shall I flee from your presence?</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-8" id="en-ESV-16248" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">8 </sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16248K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup>If I ascend to heaven, you are there!</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-8" style="position: relative;"><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16248L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup>If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-9" id="en-ESV-16249" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">9 </sup>If I take the wings of the morning</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-9" style="position: relative;">and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-10" id="en-ESV-16250" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">10 </sup>even there your hand shall <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16250M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup>lead me,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-10" style="position: relative;">and your right hand shall hold me.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-11" id="en-ESV-16251" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">11 </sup>If I say, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16251N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup>“Surely the darkness shall cover me,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-11" style="position: relative;">and the light about me be night,”</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-12" id="en-ESV-16252" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">12 </sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16252O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup>even the darkness is not dark to you;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-12" style="position: relative;">the night is bright as the day,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-12" style="position: relative;">for darkness is as light with you.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-139-13" id="en-ESV-16253" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">13 </sup>For you <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16253P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup>formed my inward parts;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-13" style="position: relative;">you <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16253Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup>knitted me together in my mother's womb.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-14" id="en-ESV-16254" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">14 </sup>I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-ESV-16254a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139%3A1-24&version=ESV#fen-ESV-16254a" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-14" style="position: relative;"><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16254R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup>Wonderful are your works;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-14" style="position: relative;">my soul knows it very well.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-15" id="en-ESV-16255" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">15 </sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16255S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup>My frame was not hidden from you,</span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-15" style="position: relative;">when I was being made in secret,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-15" style="position: relative;">intricately woven in <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16255T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup>the depths of the earth.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-16" id="en-ESV-16256" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">16 </sup>Your eyes saw my unformed substance;</span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-16" style="position: relative;">in your <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16256U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup>book were written, every one of them,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-16" style="position: relative;">the days that were formed for me,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-16" style="position: relative;">when as yet there was none of them.</span></span></div>
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<div class="poetry top-1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-139-17" id="en-ESV-16257" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">17 </sup>How precious to me are your <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16257V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup>thoughts, O God!</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-17" style="position: relative;">How vast is the sum of them!</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-18" id="en-ESV-16258" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">18 </sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16258W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup>If I would count them, they are more than <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16258X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup>the sand.</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-18" style="position: relative;">I awake, and I am still with you.</span></span></div>
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<br />
.<br />
With Jesus waiting for our daily conversations, we can be assured that He sees us.<br />
<br />
He sees you, he sees me.<br />
<br />
He knows our hearts, inside and out.<br />
<br />
He knows when we think we don't matter, and wants us to know that there isn't anywhere we can remove ourselves from His view or His love and care for each of us.<br />
<br />
May you and I make time each day to not only pray and read His Word but to listen that we might hear Him speak.<br />
<br />
Oh Father, Thank you. You are ever present in my heart and life. I lift up all of my brothers and sisters in Christ to You and ask that you would watch over them, Your Word to perform.<br />
In the name of Jesus, and for His sake,<br />
Amen.<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
Judy<br />
<br />Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243081068409386598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286849071682869715.post-84264609802845600442013-11-11T13:55:00.000-05:002013-11-11T13:55:06.141-05:00What Do You Really Need????It is Saturday, November 9th, 2013 and here in Paradise it is unseasonably warm. In other parts of our country there is snow and wind, and across the seas, a huge typhoon hit the Phillipines. So many weather events this past year and with our 21st century technology we are kept alerted of any bad weather, moment by moment. <br />
<br />
I'm ready for cooler weather! My lament for the past 30 years. What have I been thinking? Winter is nearly nonexistent and the norm is HOT!<br />
<br />
Instead of whining about it what can I do about it? Maybe use less air conditioning or stay off the highways as much as possible? Engines generate so much heat after all. It's a beginning.<br />
<br />
We earthlings are strange creatures. We behave as if the weather should adapt to our likes and dislikes.<br />
Is there a perfect climate? Maybe.. I don't live there. Since I do live here, sunny Florida, not planning to leave (until the Lord calls me home)What to do, what to do?<br />
<br />
<i><b>I remember an entire nation that was not content, no matter what. In the bible we see their discontent in the book of Exodus. No matter what the Lord did for them they found somethig to whine about.</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>Slaves in Eqypt.....God guided them to freedom......as they traveled, their way was difficult.....</b></i><br />
<i><b>Their response to God? We were better off in Egypt.</b></i><br />
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<b><i>God provided manna, enough for every day.....they missed the rich foods of Egypt...more complaining.</i></b><br />
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Fast forward to 2013..... we can be so like the men and women of the exodus ....... wanting more than God gives. Easily distracted by our desires for possessions and power, we're very difficult to satisfy.<br />
<br />
Oh dear God, forgive us our excesses, our desires for more; more of ____________ (reader, you fill in the blank.) We want to find our contentment in you. Help us Jesus to keep our eyes fixed on You, the author and finisher of our faith; to want what You want; to love as You love and to love others as You call us to. Thank you for pursuing us, for rescuing us from the darkness of this world and for transporting us to Your kingdom of light and love. In Your name, Amen.<br />
<br />
XXXOOOJudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243081068409386598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286849071682869715.post-25291610831269705542013-11-08T14:37:00.001-05:002013-11-09T09:59:07.593-05:00UpWords with Max Lucado<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Someone needs to hear this today.....most of us are facing something...the difference is in the individual.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Be encouraged...You will Get Through This -</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<h2 style="color: #666666; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Stay the Course<br />by Max Lucado</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Revenge builds a lonely house. Space enough for one person. The lives of its tenants are reduced to one goal: make someone miserable. They do. Themselves!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Keep a sharp eye out for the weeds of bitter discontent. God’s healing includes a move out of the House of Spite, toward the spacious ways of grace, away from hardness toward forgiveness. Can he really, you wonder? Can He really clean up this mess? This history of sexual abuse? This raw anger at the father who left my mother? Can God heal this ancient hurt in my heart?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Begin the process of forgiveness. Turn your attention away from what they did to you to what Jesus did for you. Stay the course. You’ll spend less time in the spite house and more in the grace house. And as one who’s walked the hallways of both, believe me, you’re going to love the space of grace. You’ll get through this!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">From <a href="http://maxlucado.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/cms_content?page=3104114&sp=118941&event=MXLD018" style="color: #3366b4; cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" title="YGTT"><em style="font-weight: inherit;">You’ll Get Through This</em></a></span></div>
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<a href="http://maxlucado.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/cms_content?page=3104114&sp=118941&event=MXLD018" style="color: #3366b4; cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" title="YGTT"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="" height="133" src="http://maxlucado.com/assets/YGTT_sm.jpg" style="border: 1px solid white; float: left; margin: 0px 4px; vertical-align: middle;" title="YGTT_sm" width="88" /></span></a></div>
<div addthis:title="Stay the Course " addthis:url="http://maxlucado.com/audio/daily-audio/stay-the-course/" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">God bless you friend </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Love in Christ..</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Judy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243081068409386598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286849071682869715.post-17628768694754381082013-10-31T09:40:00.003-04:002013-10-31T09:40:47.721-04:00My Safe Place<br />
Happy Thursday! I've been reviewing past posts. The following is one I posted some time ago and I find it to be fresh encouragement. May it be for you as well my friend.<br />
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I have a sign hung in the corner of my Study that helps me begin my day with a thankful heart.<br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">"Cherish Each Day"</span></em></strong><br />
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<span style="color: black;">I see it when I enter every morning to meet with the Lord and I can almost hear Him speak the words aloud.</span><br />
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On the other side of the room I have a treasured print of Jesus kneeling in prayer which belonged to my grandfather. In the same space God's Word proclaims Jeremiah 29:11 from a plaque sent to me from a dear friend.<br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans to prosper you you and not to harm you. plans to give you a hope and a future." </span></em></strong><br />
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A prayer above my desk cries -<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><strong><em>"Lord make me an instrument of YOUR peace." </em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">In my CD player I have a favorite recording of Hymns by Selah,</span><br />
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All of these, dear ones, help me to take a heart check and prepare it to listen for the words of my Savior as I lean into Him for yet another day.<br />
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Some days I get lost in His Word and revel at His grace pouring through the pages. I can almost feel His hand gripping mine tightly. Other days I run to Him with my breaking heart at conviction of my sinfulness. On those days, most of all, I feel His tenderness as I read that "He is my refuge and strength..a very present help in times of trouble."<br />
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I have to admit that every day with Jesus, for this ordinary woman, is better than the day before. It's His promise. My choice - to believe.<br />
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Thanks for dropping by.....I'm praying for you.<br />
Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243081068409386598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286849071682869715.post-36248061764845216762013-10-21T11:49:00.001-04:002013-10-21T11:49:23.565-04:00Family Photos<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the past 11 months I've been recording what I'm grateful for. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I share a sampling:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57Yk_xUE7hS_VgpXvt9gslj8SWjmq6r2MAj-WlwBzGcSz59YukUc-aUdhLzhE35_6txiuBKzCpFbQMO5WZQLxvfQa3wJg_rcfu7KmBfP8-r02ZO9OGwejOe-1nFKithVh3iq5SqWOUfxs/s1600/056_56.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57Yk_xUE7hS_VgpXvt9gslj8SWjmq6r2MAj-WlwBzGcSz59YukUc-aUdhLzhE35_6txiuBKzCpFbQMO5WZQLxvfQa3wJg_rcfu7KmBfP8-r02ZO9OGwejOe-1nFKithVh3iq5SqWOUfxs/s400/056_56.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you dear husband for your commitment to our marriage and for living what you believe, always.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There isn't anyone on earth I trust more. You are a good role model for our children and grandchildren. I'm a better person because you are in my life. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm grateful for you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank You Lord for my children and grandchildren who have filled my life with joy, laughter (sometimes tears) and pride in the way they live their lives.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm grateful for Whitney, Mindy, Traci, Tony, Ryan, Drew, Lins and Stephen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I sit here looking at these beloved faces and images of babies born dance through my mind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First smiles, first tub baths, first doctors's appointments, first steps, first w</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ords and f</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">irst days of school.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weddings, anniversarie</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">s and the path of life continues as </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">grand babies fill our hearts to overflow. Riding to school and praying for safety (and green lights).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Little League football, Middle School basketball, High School basketball and beach vacations.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time is rushing by and frankly I wish it would slow down! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Lord reminds me that these precious ones are with me here on earth for just a moment by eternal standards....'Make the most of the time you have been given" He whispers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">YES, Lord!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the day that you have made! I will rejoice and be glad in it! (Check out the book of Psalms and hang on to every word the Psalmists penned.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will you join me today in cultivating an attitude of </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">gratitude??</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's my prayer!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Judy</span></div>
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Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243081068409386598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286849071682869715.post-3392605564351777692013-09-14T11:06:00.000-04:002013-09-14T11:06:00.649-04:00How's Your Memory????<br />
Friday in Paradise!! Sun is shining, temperature is rising outside our back door, and I'm thinking of you!<br />
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I can picture you in my mind as I think about you all. Women - all ages, all stages and my mind travels back on stages I have come through to this point in my life.<br />
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Every stage of our lives have had bright days and cloudy days.<br />
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My memories of early childhood are filled with days playing with my sister and cousin; reading, reading reading; wandering through my grandparent's cornfields; the smell of the barn, strong with chickens no longer there; empty stalls where horses once were housed; making dolls out of hollyhocks that lined the side of the barn. Those were the days when little girls wore dresses everywhere except when playing outside in the winter. We rolled down the hill in our back yard and stopped abruptly at the edge of our garden. Our garden, overflowing with freshly grown potatoes, corn, onions, lettuce, squash, tomatoes, strawberries, and two rows of pansies and daffodils edging the front side of the garden. I can still taste the tomatoes fresh off the vine, warm and sweet. We listened to the radio for entertainment or played hide and seek or tag outdoors and board games around the dining room table. Uncomplicated days. The lilac bush planted on the side of our house had the sweetest fragrance; competing for my favorite fragrance were grandma's pies as they baked in her cast iron stove.<br />
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I'm so grateful for these memories. Over the course of time they have served as a reminder of the blessing of my family and the strong foundation they provided.<br />
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What about you dear ones? Do you have a particular "season" of life that is a tender reminder of blessings? <b><span style="color: blue;">I'd love to hear about it. </span></b><br />
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Until next time, I'm praying for you.<br />
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Love you,<br />
JudyJudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243081068409386598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286849071682869715.post-14674751539520860042013-08-28T16:35:00.000-04:002013-09-12T13:41:17.266-04:00When Your Smile Disappears<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Good Morning all,</span><br />
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I have been scratching my head and scratching my head over the last couple of days.<br />
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Seems like I've hit a wall and i'm sitting here "idling"; as if I'm expecting this journey to fuel itself.<br />
I can no more step forward on this road to holiness without fuel and tune-ups along the way any more than my beloved civic can take me to Point B from Point A without fuel and/or tune-ups at regular intervals.<br />
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I wouldn't dream of trying to drive without gas in my car, neither can I expect to continue walking with Jesus toward the purpose He has for my life, without daily spiritual fuel. <br />
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I need to spend time alone with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.<br />
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Time to meditate upon his Word<br />
Time to listen for His voice<br />
Time to examine myself<br />
Time to Pray and Pray and Pray<br />
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Step out and put what I hear God say into practice, that others may find freedom and sanctuary within His everlasting arms of love..<br />
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<i><b>"I have treasured your Word in my heart that I may not sin against You. Lord may You be praised; teach me your statutes. With my lips I proclaim all the judgements from Your mouth. I rejoice in the way revealed by Your decrees as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your Precepts and think about Your ways. I will delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your Word. " </b></i><br />
<i><b>Psalm 119:11-16</b></i><br />
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I acknowledge today that yes, yes, yes - I love God the Father-God the Son-God the Holy Spirit;<br />
the Triune God without whom my life would be stale, boring and meaningless!<br />
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I want to love HIM: MORE, MORE, MORE, tomorrow - than I do today!<br />
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Do You??<br />
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It's my prayer.<br />
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With His Love,<br />
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Judy<br />
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Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243081068409386598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286849071682869715.post-41415430098098388492013-08-01T11:00:00.000-04:002013-08-01T11:00:03.135-04:00IN HIS WORD<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Psalm 1:1-3</i></b></span><br />
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<tr id="Psa_1_1_479001"><td class="td_bible_text" style="padding: 8px 13px 0px 8px;" valign="top"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>"Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on His law day and night.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i style="background-color: white;">That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither -- whatever they do prospers."</i></span></b></td></tr>
<tr id="Psa_1_2_479002"><td align="left" class="td_bible_6_buttons" id="verse_2" style="padding: 8px 0px 0px 8px; width: 57px;" valign="top" width="57"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am grateful that in this season of my life the Lord has given me blocks of time that enable me to spend more time in His Word.</span></span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">His Word is my comfort</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">His Word is my instructor</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">His Word is my encourager</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">His Word keeps me grounded</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">His Word spoken to my heart ,through the Words straight from God''s heart to His </span></span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">handpicked writers, has served to draw me closer and closer to Him.</span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>Psalm 119:1-5</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>"Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who keep His statutes and seek Him with all their hearts - They do no wrong but follow His ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be obeyed. Oh that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees."</b></span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">This passage of scripture is found in a Psalm that is an absolute necessity to bring me back to why I love God's Word. Every verse acknowledges and instructs on the authority of the Holy Word of God!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Why is that so important ? I am human with human frailties and left floundering in my "flesh" I am liable to wander off the narrow way.</span><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">God's Word pulls me back and my eyes go heavenward, once more, and quietly I whisper: thank You Lord, thank You!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Because He loves you and me,</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Judy</span><br />
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Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243081068409386598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286849071682869715.post-21452442931121224282013-07-01T09:35:00.002-04:002013-07-01T10:13:35.528-04:00Christ! Our One and Only!<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Good morning dear friends!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's Monday, the beginning of a new month, a new week, new friends, and a new opportunity to be a light for the One and Only in our every day lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday is gone and we look at the road ahead and catch our breaths as we get a glimpse of what we might be doing in the weeks and months and years in our futures.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do you have a dream you've been dreaming and you're tempted to tuck it away in a drawer because you're not seeing the progress you hoped for? Listen to Jesus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lamp stand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes the people around us can encourage or discourage us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This morning I'm sharing a post written by one of my very favorite writers and a sister dreamer - <span style="color: blue;">Holley Gerth. </span> Holley has been mentoring and coaching many women this past year as she encourages us to dream big. </span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Why You Shouldn't Listen To The Critics</span></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We always find what we are looking for…and critics are going to find something to criticize. Because nothing this side of heaven is perfect.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The casserole could use a little more sauce. The wall color would match a bit better if it were one shade lighter. The event would have been just right if only that one thing hadn’t gone wrong. The book, the dream, the person could always do with a bit of tweaking.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Listening to the critics will drive you crazy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And trying to do everything they say will make your life miserable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pursue excellence, yes. But at the end of the day you don’t answer to the critics. You answer to Christ. And what he asks for is obedience. That is success. That is enough. His way of doing things has always drawn criticism. Don’t expect what he has you do to be the one exception in all of history. It’s not going to be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here’s the thing:</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Criticism is cheap. Courage is costly.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Criticism is easy. Love is hard.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Criticism is safe. Obedience is risky.</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So give me the wild ones. The women who aren’t afraid to say, “I’m gonna do it anyway. And if I mess up, I’ll try again.” Give me the dreamers willing to step out of the shadows and into the light–knowing at some point that will mean exposing something they’d rather keep hidden.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Give me the stubborn and strong who refuse to give up even when progress is painful. Give me the people who will arrive at the feet of Jesus tattered and dirty and saying, “Whew, what a ride!”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let’s be those kinds of women–not critics. Let’s bite our tongue when our words would be destructive. Let’s hold back that sarcastic remark. Let’s seek unity rather then division. Let’s speak the truth, yes, but let’s not forget the “in love” part.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We are all strugglers and stragglers. We all need grace. We all mess up. We don’t gain anything by pointing out each others’ imperfections. We only feed our insecurity and pride.</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let’s not be critics. Let’s be Christ followers.</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And when we are the ones who are criticized let us bear it as he did–with love, forgiveness, and a determination to let nothing on heaven or earth stop God’s mission for us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I will never criticize you, my friend. Not online, not in real life. Not ever. Instead I will look for your strengths. I will cheer on your dreams. I will support you wherever you are headed with Jesus.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You are safe here. You always have been–you always will be.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">XOXO</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Holley</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Thank you dear Holley for always encouraging us to follow Christ, our One and Only!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">God bless you friends, may we begin this new month, this new day with convicted hearts to be a light for Christ!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hugs,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Judy</span></div>
Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243081068409386598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286849071682869715.post-78876106667781514782013-06-12T14:48:00.002-04:002013-06-12T14:48:49.378-04:00It's Me Again<br />
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Wednesday afternoon, June 12, 2013<br />
2:15 PM<br />
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As I begin to write today, to you dear reader, I'm aching to share my heart. The Lord has been filling my heart and mind with so many images over the past several days that I can barely begin.<br />
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I remember when I first put pencil to paper. I wrote special cards and letters to people in my life when I was a child and throughout my life. I remember the time, so long ago now when I felt in my heart and spirit that I was meant to write.<br />
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Why didn't I?<br />
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Distractions of life, and fear.<br />
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Time marched on in my life and I began to hunger and thirst for what I discovered only Jesus could give!.<br />
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So many encouraged me to write.<br />
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Why didn't I?<br />
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The voice in my head that kept dissuading me at every opportunity, and fear.<br />
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As the months and years passed on the calendar I believed it was time to put up or shut up and so I began writing little snippets...here and there...on Facebook and on my blog (with stops and starts).<br />
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My heart was racing as I studied and read, and wrote, and dreamed and then - out of nowhere it seemed....<br />
health issues interrupted my life ! First mine then my man's. It seems a moment by moment twist and turn.<br />
I stop and realized that I know the only One Who can comfort me and reassure me; I look heavenward.<br />
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I have been spending time listening for the voice of God these many months...He has drawn me closer to His heart as He surrounds me with godly sisters and brothers in Christ who help me stay on this road He has called me to travel. <br />
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As I've listened to Him, through His Word and to those He has put into my life for this special season I have never felt His love more strongly.<br />
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I've concluded that I can no longer expect to tie up these struggles with a pretty bow of self-solution. No, rather I can say "Yes, Lord! Not my will Father but Yours be done in my life today. What pleases you pleases me! Thank You for the privilege of sharing in your suffering."<br />
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May the rest of this week be one of blessing for each of you, my dear friends.<br />
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Keep looking up...He is gazing at you, each one, with great joy!<br />
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Til next time,<br />
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Yours, In Christ,<br />
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Judy</div>
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Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243081068409386598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286849071682869715.post-87782964453708223392013-05-07T13:34:00.000-04:002013-05-07T15:11:11.478-04:00And He said, Keep Doing What You're Doing!!!!It's Tuesday and I have been thinking and praying about this week's assignment:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Take this “do what you can” step for your God-sized dream: Find a way to pay it forward. You’ve been encouraged in your God-sized dreams by your sisters here the last few months. How can you spread that encouragement forward by investing in other dreamers? It can be small and simple or BIG and wild. Ask God what you can do and get creative. Then write a post about what you’re doing and link it up below.</b></span><br />
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I have a confession to make - I've asked God what He would have me do. He hasn't given me any great creative undertaking. Nothing I'm not already doing.<br />
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All I hear is -<br />
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"Keep doing what you're doing. Be available to share my love, whenever and wherever."<br />
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And that dear sister dreamers is what I have previously agreed to do. He has me "in school" and has graciously placed me in class with other dreamers putting words on a page to draw others to Him.<br />
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I believe He wants me to share what I'm learning.<br />
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The most important lesson at this moment is that we are more than a number on a calendar. Each of us has something to learn and give to others from the youngest to the oldest. <br />
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My heart's desire is to impress that lesson upon other sister dreamers....those beginning to dream and those who think it's too late to dream.<br />
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Jeremiah 29:11 has pierced my heart as I travel forward living out His dream for me.<br />
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<i>"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans for welfare and not for calamity. To give you a future and a hope."</i><br />
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<b>Yes, Lord!!!!</b><br />
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One step at a time.<br />
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Sending love your way,<br />
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Judy<br />
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Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243081068409386598noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286849071682869715.post-72909075172991742702013-04-30T14:31:00.000-04:002013-04-30T14:31:18.818-04:00Letter to you and you and you and you and you......................It's Tuesday..the day we sister dreamers gather at Holley's Place. This week we're to write a letter to a sister dreamer...<br />
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Dear, dear sister(s) of my heart and faith,<br />
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You've been on my heart for days now as I remembered all the times your smile, your wave, your hug, and/or your poignant words lifted my heart to gaze into my Savior's face.<br />
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Do you know how grateful I am to be walking this journey with you under girding me with prayer?<br />
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Do you know the difference your words either written or spoken have so many times re-ignited my passion to follow God's dream for me?<br />
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Do you know how very much I have still to learn and how much I'm learning through sharing our stories one with another?<br />
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Do you know that the Lord brought us together at this specific time in a variety of places for just such a time as this?<br />
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Oh my sister(s) Yes, yes, yes, yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
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Let's promise one another to keep fixing our eyes on Jesus as He walks with us toward His dream for us!<br />
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Love you, each one.<br />
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Judy<br />
<br />Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243081068409386598noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286849071682869715.post-5236551582270697772013-04-23T14:24:00.002-04:002013-04-23T14:24:21.572-04:00AM I SMILING??????<span style="font-size: large;">Good morning dear sisters, </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've been reading your posts from last week and a couple from today's link-up. You all are inspirations to this writer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last Tuesday I was playing catch-up from the previous week and then during the weekend spent nearly two days at the hospital with my husband and I missed the deadline.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Our assignment from Holley was to spend some time during the week to: "play" "have fun" ..stepping away from my "havetos".. re-energize, laugh, laugh, laugh!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On Tuesday our weekly bible study finished our study of Romans Eight and as we discussed what the last lesson and the entire six weeks meant to us. We found ourselves laughing, smiling and laughing again. Most of us have known each other for a long time. Much love and acceptance is shared with one another while we dig deeper into the Word of God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As we closed the study, we spent time praying for each other. Our hearts nearly broke for our precious sisters who have been walking difficult roads; one watching her husband's health challenges over more than 2 years now and the other grieved over the brokenness in family relationships. Tears flowed as we cried out to God for His comfort and grace for our sisters.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lunch completed our time together and laughter once more filled the space where we sat. Life, lived with passion in our Lord's world!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This time with these precious sisters of my faith laid the foundation of God's strength that He knew I would need at the end of the week!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Community!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift of love to the world when He gave His Son that we might have LIFE and have it abundantly!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Loving Him and loving you,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Judy</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">P.S. My guy is recovering from a mild stroke and doing well. The entire time was an amazing display of God's grace and power. Will fill you in later. And don't forget </span><span style="font-size: large;">to check out the God-Sized Link today and read some of my sisters posts.</span>Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243081068409386598noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286849071682869715.post-25748239468604703082013-04-09T11:34:00.002-04:002013-04-09T13:34:13.616-04:00Dear Chihuahua of Fear<br />
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Tuesday morning in sunny Florida and I'm thinking of you sister dreamers.</b></span><br />
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I'm picturing you writing about the dreams you dream and I wonder are you ever at a loss for words? Do you sit down hoping for inspiration and silence is deafening? Maybe your mind is so active that the "noise in your head" overrides God's whisper?</b></span><br />
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Then what? Do you crumble like a dried up scone? Have you been hearing the voice of fear threatening your resolve to dream big? Do you run from the yip, yip, yip of that pesky little Chihuahua of Fear? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Our prompt from last week was to have a little talk with the fear in our lives. We were instructed by our lead God-Sized Dreamer, Holley Gerth to </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"write a letter that starts out"</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>“Dear Chihuahua of Fear, I have some things I’d like to say to you…” yes I do you little foot tripper and headache causer! Now don't tilt your little head at me....oh that is a growl? Better yet!!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> I have news for you, you almost had me but The King of Kings reminds me, He is bigger than you: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> "God arises. His enemies scatter, and those who hate Him flee from His presence." Psalm 68:1</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"It is good to praise the LORD, to sing praise to your name Most High, to declare your faithful love in the morning and your faithfulness at night...The righteous thrive like a palm tree and grow like a cedar tree in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the LORD, they thrive in the courtyards of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, healthy and green, to declare: "The LORD is just; He is my rock and there is no unrighteousness in Him." Psalm 92:1-2; 12-15</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c4d4f;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><b>"And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him. In this, love is perfected with us so that we may have confidence in the day of judgement; for we are as He is in this world. There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because He first loved us." 1 John 14:16-19</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c4d4f;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><b>"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #4c4d4f;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Praise God, praise God, praise God my sister dreamers. God's Rhema for those times the "Chihuahua of Fear" begins running at me with his "tiny frame" trying to make me stumble. The fear subsides as I read and digest His Word; stopping that "y</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 24px;"><span style="color: #4c4d4f;">ipper" in his tracks!</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #4c4d4f;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Until next time, leave me a comment or two, I love to hear from you and don't forget to </span></span><span style="color: #4c4d4f; line-height: 24px;">click on our God-Sized Dreams link below and</span><span style="color: #4c4d4f; line-height: 24px;"> check out our sister dreamers posts for today. </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Sending love out to each of you,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b> Judy</b></span></div>
Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243081068409386598noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286849071682869715.post-37910424801344048812013-04-02T15:30:00.002-04:002013-04-02T15:30:45.675-04:00Why I can't Ignore This DreamIt's Tuesday sweet sister dreamers!<br />
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For this week's blog Holley asked us:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4c4d4f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;"><i><b>"We’ve talked a lot about “what” your dream is and now it’s time to tackle the “why” behind it. Why is your dream worth pursuing, fighting for and seeing through no matter what happens? Share your answer in a post then link it up here next Tuesday."</b></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4c4d4f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #4c4d4f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">In a Word? <b><i>Jesus</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4c4d4f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">Reflecting on the 40 day pursuit of loving Jesus more today than yesterday, and more tomorrow than today, my heart is beating faster as I fix my gaze on Jesus, my Jesus. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4c4d4f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">I remember as a teen participating in the live nativity at our church...holding in my arms a baby doll swaddled to resemble Jesus newly born. And then many Easters and the celebrations of His resurrection.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4c4d4f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">Our Jesus, bled and died, for you and for me. He was buried and rose from the grave to pay the price for all our sins. Mind boggling? Even when He said He would..we are <i><b>still</b></i> amazed. Even after we have read the account in His Word....many, many times, we are<b><i> still</i></b> amazed.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4c4d4f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">Jesus, my Jesus, called me out of one area of ministry and has called me now to walk in His peace and light as a conveyor of the Truth! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c4d4f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">He's put a desire in my heart to follow Him on this adventure...with my heart, my Bible and my Blog.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c4d4f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">"Here I am Lord; it is I Lord; I have heard you calling in the night.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #4c4d4f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">I will follow, where you lead me, I will hold your people in my heart!"</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c4d4f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">Hallelujah!!!!!!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c4d4f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">Now it's your turn dear sister...Why are you pursuing the dream God has for you? Can't wait to read it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c4d4f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">Press on my sister, press on!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c4d4f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">Love, Judy</span></span><br />
<br />Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243081068409386598noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286849071682869715.post-8595131896263602372013-03-27T15:19:00.001-04:002013-03-27T15:19:32.955-04:00LIFE AS I LIKE IT<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The challenge this week for the God-sized Dreams Sisterhood:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> <i>What’s a typical day in your life like right now? How can you see God’s hand in the middle of the “small” and ordinary too? </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Most mornings I wake before dawn. I love the stillness in the house as I pad first to the bathroom then to my study to turn on the light, and then down the stairs to make a cup of coffee. Yumm!!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What is a typical day? Since the Lord called me out of full-time para-church ministry and convinced me that I was needed full time at home, it's been an adjustment to say the least.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">During almost 45 years of marriage I was a stay at home wife and mom the first 10 years; an administrative assistant, then Office manager, in an architectural firm the next 23 years; 10 years in ministry to single mothers and their children and now a full time help-mate to my husband while pursuing my God-sized dream.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm blessed to be able to spend more time with the Lord than before.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There have been health concerns to deal with which necessitated "sitting still" and leaning into the Lord for what seemed like my very breath at times.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our great God has been so very faithful. He has held me when I thought I'd fall apart..whispered His love to my soul when ringing in my ears and distractibility threatened to drive me off the narrow way, and increased my capacity to love others as He poured His love into me through the pages of His Story!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Coffee and God's Word jumpstarting my day.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Laundry, </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">ironing, </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">grocery shopping, and nutritious meal planning and preparation. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A sounding board and encourager for this man the Lord has given to me to love.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Strong arms to hug me at the end of the day.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The sights and sounds of a not typical day...for interspersed between the lines are interruptions woven throughout the fabric of time.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Moving, ever moving, with the Lord at the helm, toward His dream for me to love others as He is loving me!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Red or yellow, black or white....each is precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oh sister dreamers, we may be little no more, but we are His!!!!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sunday's coming.......when we will rejoice that He, our Lord,</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">He, is ALIVE!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Don't forget to drop by and leave a comment and check out our other sisters posts as well.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Love you, keep pressing on toward your dream...you have a story to tell....only you can tell it!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Judy</span><br />
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Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243081068409386598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286849071682869715.post-1272158388328412102013-03-20T15:48:00.000-04:002013-03-20T15:49:19.722-04:00Joy<br />
<b><i>And what brings me joy?</i></b><br />
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The sights and sounds of a summer day at the beach:<br />
White, soft sand, caressing my toes and the sound of seagulls flying over head.<br />
Striped umbrellas decorating the seascape...while providing cover for a baby sleeping peacefully lulled by the waves breaking on the shore.<br />
Clouds over head forming ethereal shapes.<br />
<b><i>Sheer joy wrapped in peace.</i></b><br />
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The sweet fragrance of cut grass after a Spring rain.<br />
Fresh green leaves bursting forth to announce Winter has come and gone.<br />
Memories of childhood days filled with lilacs, daffodils and pansies.<br />
The apple trees at my gram's home that produced beautiful fruit year after year.<br />
Giggles and smiles making dolls out of hollyhocks growing wildly along grandpa's barn.<br />
<b><i>Sensory joy wrapped in beauty.</i></b><br />
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God's presence as we walk together realizing His dream for sharing His Word.<br />
Listening for His voice during the wee hours of the morning.<br />
Sharing where God found me when He rescued me and transferred me into the<br />
Kingdom of His dear Son.<br />
Seeing Jesus on the faces of those I love.<br />
Reading, studying and meditating on His Word.<br />
<b><i>Divine joy wrapped in wisdom.</i></b><br />
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As this song I first sang as a child resounds -<br />
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I've got the everlovin' love of Jesus, down in my heart; down in my heart to stay. Glory!!!!<br />
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Wishing you His Joy!!!<br />
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Love you,<br />
JudyJudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243081068409386598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286849071682869715.post-22605859680525939822013-03-13T16:38:00.002-04:002013-03-14T13:45:31.218-04:00More Than Anything<br />
Several years ago I was visiting with a precious woman who looked at me and said that she no longer had anything to contribute. She attributed it to her age and an acceptance that her aspirations and dreams had been put on a shelf. I suppose she meant that the shelf she spoke of had a label something like "No Longer Relevant" or "Too Old".<br />
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I remember at the time that frustration enveloped me with thoughts I couldn't shake - "No, that's not right. Her faith and her journey with Christ are always relevant." "We need to learn from her".<br />
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I remembered that I had never read anywhere in the bible about God Followers retiring. On the contrary they were living for and teaching others until their days on earth came to an end.<br />
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My goodness Abraham was 100 when Issac was born and Sarah past 80. They didn't even consider retiring from their faith filled journey serving God.<br />
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Today I am the age my friend was then and I realize that once again the Lord still has the same dream for me. His dream is my dream: to know Him more intimately, to love Him more deeply and to share His Word with joy to those He puts in my path. The dream hasn't changed really, but how He plans it's execution has taken on an urgency in my heart.<br />
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This excerpt from "You're Made For A God-Sized Dream" describes what I want more of. Some might say..."time is running out..I want more time. " Not me, I want more of the One who has my heart.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i><b>A God-sized dream isn’t about what you do as much as how you do it. It’s about pursuing life with passion, purpose, and going with God wherever he leads.</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i><b>It’s about not settling. It’s about tenaciously believing you’re made for more.</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i><b>Not as in “bigger house, fancier car, more luxurious lifestyle.”</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i><b>No, my friend, I mean “more of Jesus, more of what he’s created you to be, more of what he’s called you to do.”</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i><b>Less of you, actually, and more of all he is and all he has for you—which is beyond what you can even imagine. - Holley Gerth</b></i></span></div>
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Yes, time on earth is running out. Heaven will be home one day, it's true. However, I want more of Him while I'm still here. I want to be more for Him while I'm still here.<br />
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Less, less of me Lord Jesus and more, more, more of You!<br />
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Sending love your way,<br />
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Judy<br />
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P.S. Don't forget to check out your sister dreamers and leave me a word or two. Love to hear from you.<br />
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<br />Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243081068409386598noreply@blogger.com3