tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2882184922237799202024-03-13T12:27:52.970-05:00 The Maze of Our Lives Simply sharing the things
I learn about life and my faith.Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009489339317713532noreply@blogger.comBlogger198125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288218492223779920.post-19023541775158047232018-12-20T14:27:00.001-06:002023-04-07T09:38:28.514-05:00Where, Oh, Where Has She Gone?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's the season of Christmas parties and seeing friends. I was asked at one of these festive events if I still blogged. (Gulp) My answer was no. I went on to say that I hadn't blogged much at all since I got married. But, I also said that I hoped to start making time to do it more often. I hope to make more time for it.<br />
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Blogging is more for me—at least that's the way it seems. I never did have a lot of followers. I'm not an "Influencer" in the blog world. I'm just me. I'm sharing things that I learn along the way in this maze I call life. If my thoughts inspire or challenge others along the way, then God has used it for His purposes.<br />
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I do enjoy writing. My style is more of a conversation in my
head that I need to put on paper. So, when you read my blog posts it's a little bit like we're sitting across the table, drinking a cup of tea or coffee, and talking about life. I've done a little professional writing in the past couple of years. I work for a publisher and have published some prose and poetry. I prefer writing prose, but did try my hand at a poem once. I suppose it's because of my blogging that writing prose comes more naturally to me.<br />
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My mom was the poet of our family and began writing her poems as a young girl and continued to write throughout her life. She wrote poems about each of her children and grandchildren. Those poems are treasures for all of us! She also wrote a lot of religious poetry. Somehow the content of what she and I write are probably very much the same, but she was able to put it in rhyme and verse, whereas I prefer to write without those restrictions. I never really thought about that before, but I guess we were cut from the same cloth—so to speak. Mom is no longer with us on this Earth. She's now with Dad in heaven and I'm certain that she is enjoying life there.<br />
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That is one of the changes in my life since I stopped blogging regularly. There was a period of time when I was taking care of Mom's affairs and seeing to her needs. Blindness robbed her of reading and writing in her final years—two of the things she most loved to do. I've pondered that more than a few times. I don't have any answers to the question of why those two things, but it does remind me to hold everything with an open hand.<br />
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Of course, I've mentioned before that I was married almost two years ago. It's amazing to realize that two years ago this week I was making last-minute plans for our wedding! I had a whole lot of help, though. Trying to put together a small wedding in roughly six weeks can be done, but not without help. My fiance (now husband) helped a lot. Several sweet friends stepped in and helped with other details like decorations, flowers, dress shopping, and wedding planning. Whew! That made everything a little easier.<br />
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Okay, what else have I been doing? Well, there's selling a house, moving twice, buying a new house, settling into a new life as a married person, and then working full time. Those are just the highlights, of course. In those in-between times, I'm attending church, trying to keep up with family and friends, and dealing with other things that life throws at us. Needless to say, when I get home in the evening after an aggravating commute (traffic is often horrible around here), I usually end up vegging in front of the television with my hubby. It's an escape and a way to relax. Writing is not uppermost on my mind, though I do think about it.<br />
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We've been singing about <b>Hope</b>, <b>Peace</b>, and <b>Joy </b>at church—the Advent words. Christmas is more than exchanging gifts. Christmas is a time to celebrate Jesus's birth and the Hope, Joy, and Peace that only He can bring. As I sit here writing, I can see our Christmas tree about six feet away. My husband has hung an angel in the room and just beyond that is the star atop our tree. It reminds me of the scene in Luke 2:8-15, when the angel came to the shepherds to let them know of Jesus's birth:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r1g8emV-1mQ/XBv4LbvqqSI/AAAAAAAAJi8/C-2QSWbmeoUzfg_zcs4axeWB7IobTVLvwCLcBGAs/s1600/Christmas%2Bangel%2Band%2Bstar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r1g8emV-1mQ/XBv4LbvqqSI/AAAAAAAAJi8/C-2QSWbmeoUzfg_zcs4axeWB7IobTVLvwCLcBGAs/s320/Christmas%2Bangel%2Band%2Bstar.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the view from my chair. (c) themazeofourlives</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b><i><span class="text Luke-2-8" id="en-NIV-24982">And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.</span> <span class="text Luke-2-9" id="en-NIV-24983">An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.</span> <span class="text Luke-2-10" id="en-NIV-24984">But the angel said to them, </span></i><span class="text Luke-2-10" id="en-NIV-24984">“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.</span> <span class="text Luke-2-11" id="en-NIV-24985">Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.</span> <span class="text Luke-2-13" id="en-NIV-24987">This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” </span><i><span class="text Luke-2-13" id="en-NIV-24987">Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,</span></i><span class="text Luke-2-14" id="en-NIV-24988"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b><span class="text Luke-2-14" id="en-NIV-24988">“Glory to God in the highest heaven, </span><span class="text Luke-2-15" id="en-NIV-24989"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Luke-2-14"> </span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b><span class="text Luke-2-15" id="en-NIV-24989"><span class="text Luke-2-14">and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” </span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b><i><span class="text Luke-2-15" id="en-NIV-24989">When
the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to
one another, </span></i><span class="text Luke-2-15" id="en-NIV-24989"></span><span class="text Luke-2-15" id="en-NIV-24989">“Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has
happened, which the Lord has told us about.”</span></b></span></div>
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'Tis the season to tell the Good News. The angel shared the news. Then the shepherds saw the babe in the manger and then they went on to spread the word. The One they had been awaiting had finally come! Share the gift of hope, joy, and peace this season. His name is Jesus!<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog post first appeared on www.themazeofourlives.blogspot.com.
(c) TheMazeOfOurLives 2012-2016.
</div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009489339317713532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288218492223779920.post-6140452813208575072017-05-21T09:31:00.001-05:002017-05-21T09:31:23.055-05:00Changes for Better or for WorseThere are many quotes about change. Just Google the words <i>Quotes about Change</i> and you'll find plenty of sources. Change is something that affects every single person--whether we like it or not.<br />
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In the months since I last updated this blog, I've seen many changes. My country elected a new president and has sworn him into office. Babies have been born and some people have died. Job changes have been made--some voluntary and some not.<br />
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I have experienced many of my own changes. I got married. I moved. I sold a house. Now we're in the process of buying another house and will move again. Those are just the highlights of the past few months. Of course, there are many under-the-radar changes that occur to me/us all the time. We age a little every day so our hair and skin begin to change. Our thoughts and beliefs begin to change as we age. Our weight changes daily--sometimes for the better and sometimes not. I could go on and on.<br />
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How do we manage with all these changes? I suppose we all have a different tolerance level for change. It may also depend on what sort of changes are occurring to us, too. Good changes are easier to handle than sudden changes such as illness or job loss. Our maturity levels also contribute to how well we handle changes. As far as politics go, I've seen some people handle the changes well and others [ahem] not handle it well AT ALL. <br />
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I must confess that having gone through many of my own changes in the past few months it has certainly showed me how mature I am. Although I've handled most of it well, there have been those inevitable times that I did not. When I was weary of the many changes, when I was overly tired, and maybe just a big "hangry" [hungry & angry is not a good combination], my maturity level degraded to that of a stubborn 3-year old. Those were the times I simply wanted to build a blanket fort in my living room, crawl under it, drink chocolate milk, and hide for a while.<br />
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I don't really have any huge spiritual insights to add to this post. Typically, that's what my purpose of writing on this blog is about. But, as the title of my blog implies, this is the <u>Maze of My Life</u> right now. I enjoy writing and really want to get back into the habit of doing so. Although, as busy as my schedule has been and may continue to be for a while, it's not likely I'll get back into a regular writing routine anytime soon.<br />
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The only thing I do know is that God never changes. He will always love me--even when I act like a stubborn 3-year old. When everything around me is quickly changing, I can always look to Him and trust that God is always there.<br />
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Oh, and a patient husband is a huge blessing!!<br />
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In Him,<br />
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I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.
Jimmy Dean<br /> Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/jimmydean131287.html</div>
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<div style="left: -99999px; position: absolute;">
I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.
Jimmy Dean<br /> Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/jimmydean131287.html</div>
<div style="left: -99999px; position: absolute;">
I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.
Jimmy Dean<br /> Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/jimmydean131287.html</div>
<div style="left: -99999px; position: absolute;">
I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.
Jimmy Dean<br /> Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/jimmydean131287.html</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog post first appeared on www.themazeofourlives.blogspot.com.
(c) TheMazeOfOurLives 2012-2016.
</div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009489339317713532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288218492223779920.post-32751157048432257912016-11-24T08:39:00.006-06:002016-11-24T08:39:55.920-06:00Help Me Find ItIt's Thanksgiving morning and while I'm preparing food to share with friends and family, I am listening to some of my favorite songs saved on a YouTube channel several years ago. Listening to these songs brings back memories, but one in particular just reminded me of God's sovereignty, His loyal love, and infinite kindness to me.<br />
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<i>Help Me Find It </i>is a song by a group called Sidewalk Prophets.When this song was first released on the radio, I remember listening to the lyrics and identifying with its message. Perhaps you've been there, too. You're on a path and suddenly the path is closed off and you're not sure where to turn or even why the path was blocked off. Questions abound: <i>What happened? Why? Where do I go now? Lord, was this your plan?</i><br />
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When I found myself in that very position, this song ministered to my soul. I deferred to God and asked Him to show me the path to take. <i> </i><br />
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<b><i>Help me find it.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>I will trust in You.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Give me peace for the moment.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>I will wait for You.</i></b></div>
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Those days were not easy, living in the unknown. But, leaning on God during those times did help. Each time this song came on the radio, it was another opportunity for me to renew my commitment to wait on God and His plan.<br />
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I can now look back on those times and know that God is faithful to His promises. I am ever so thankful that I yielded to God's plan, even in those moments of hurt.<br />
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On this day of Thanksgiving, I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for His blessings that often come through those hard times.<br />
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<i><b>I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; </b></i></div>
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<i><b>I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.</b></i><span class="p"> </span><span class="p">- Psalm 32:8</span></div>
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<span class="p"></span><br /><b><i>Pray that the LORD your God will tell us </i></b></div>
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<b><i>where we should go and what we should do.</i></b> - Jeremiah 42:3</div>
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Grateful that God helped me find the right path. <i><b><br /></b></i><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog post first appeared on www.themazeofourlives.blogspot.com.
(c) TheMazeOfOurLives 2012-2016.
</div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009489339317713532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288218492223779920.post-61727745788291091522016-09-22T20:45:00.001-05:002016-09-22T20:45:04.843-05:00Consult Your GPS<div class="MsoNormal">
I was driving to work one morning when traffic
suddenly came to a grinding halt. Road delays are not all that
unusual, but the location of this particular stop was unusual. </div>
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This traffic standstill was on a two-lane road with forest on either side. Ahead of me I
saw several vehicles turning around to find another route. <b><i>Ugh! How
long would this delay be? Should I find another route? Which route would
be faster?</i></b> All of these questions were running
through my mind as I looked ahead as far as my eye could see. Unfortunately, I could not see the cause of the
problem.
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4J7uYaN8ZVI/V-SGOjXwHyI/AAAAAAAAB6A/g-2gfa9K6twbs4wP2vJta-XbGGkNKDKzwCLcB/s1600/gps-maps-fullfunction.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4J7uYaN8ZVI/V-SGOjXwHyI/AAAAAAAAB6A/g-2gfa9K6twbs4wP2vJta-XbGGkNKDKzwCLcB/s200/gps-maps-fullfunction.png" width="200" /></a>So, while I was sitting still in traffic (not while
I was moving), I consulted my GPS. According to GPS, there was indeed a
backup on the road I was on (duh) and a wreck ahead. <i>Okay, that's what's going on.</i> Unfortunately, GPS
didn’t tell me important things like how long this delay would
be or whether I should find another route. </div>
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The questions continued to swirl through my mind, but this time I decided the
best course of action would be to wait and see. Many times the detours don't end up saving me time! I decided not to panic and turn
around. </div>
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After I made that decision, traffic began to slowly move and I noticed cars coming from
the other direction. <i>That’s a good sign!</i> This was a short-lived delay! Traffic continued to move forward and before long I saw the reason for our slow-down. Two vehicles who had bumped into each other pulled their vehicles to the side of the road so that traffic could continue to flow.
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Thankful that I was finally on my journey again, I
suddenly realized I had a response to a prayer I asked of God five minutes earlier! </div>
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Minutes before this traffic delay, I was
thinking about circumstances in my life that left me feeling discouraged about
the future. I breathed a quick prayer and asked the Lord for some encouragement.<br />
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I remembered a Bible verse that I'd read earlier that morning. God could make water come out of a rock, so I knew the Lord could handle the details of my life. <i>Thank you, Lord, for reminding me.</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><b>He opened the rock, and water gushed out;</b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><b> it flowed like a river in the desert. </b></i></span></span></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Psalm 105:41</span></span></b></i></div>
<i><span class="p"></span></i><br />
I continued on my journey and a new song began to play on the radio. The words to this song reminded me that God's will was more important than mine. <i>Okay, point taken.</i><br />
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As I was pondering these thoughts, that's when I ran into the traffic delay mentioned previously. After I was back on my journey I suddenly realized God had been trying to show me something. <i>Aha! </i><br />
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<b>God sees me. (Genesis 16:13)</b></div>
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<b>God hears me. (1 John 5:14)</b></div>
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<b>God has a plan for my
life. (Jeremiah 29:11) </b></div>
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God reminded me that there will be delays in life and sometimes He asks me to
wait. How long? Hmmmm... I wish I could consult my other GPS (God Positioning
System), but that app has not been invented. Sometimes the delay is long
and sometimes it’s brief. I do need to trust Him, though. God may detour me or ask me to be patient till He clears the way ahead.<br />
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Yes, that encouragement I prayed for had come. I only needed to pay attention and expect an answer. God is faithful! <br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog post first appeared on www.themazeofourlives.blogspot.com.
(c) TheMazeOfOurLives 2012-2016.
</div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009489339317713532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288218492223779920.post-14261195402743731952016-09-10T10:14:00.000-05:002016-09-10T10:14:13.003-05:00We love because He first loved us.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This Bible verse has come to my attention three times in a 24-hour period this week. Each time from a different source. After the third time seeing this verse I sat at attention. <i>Is there some reason you want me to pay close attention to this verse, Lord?</i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="text 1John-4-19" id="en-NIV-30623"><span style="font-size: large;">We love because he first loved us.</span> </span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="text 1John-4-19" id="en-NIV-30623">1 John 4:19</span></span></div>
<i><span class="text 1John-4-19" id="en-NIV-30623"><br /></span></i>
<span class="text 1John-4-19" id="en-NIV-30623">I thought about it for a bit and then forged ahead with my day. The clock was ticking and I had to keep moving. For the most part I pushed those early morning thoughts aside, but it was still there in the back of my mind.</span><br />
<span class="text 1John-4-19" id="en-NIV-30623"><br /></span>
<span class="text 1John-4-19" id="en-NIV-30623">As the day moved on, challenges came to the forefront. The challenges included individuals testing my patience, deadlines, and unexpected traffic delays. On the flip side were sweet times with thoughtful an supportive friends, laughter and silliness, and a simple, sweet text from my boyfriend letting me know he was thinking of me.</span><br />
<span class="text 1John-4-19" id="en-NIV-30623"><br /></span>
<span class="text 1John-4-19" id="en-NIV-30623">It's easy to be loving with the latter scenario. It's not so easy to be loving with the former scenario. Now that I've had time to think about these verses popping up everywhere, perhaps it was a reminder that I cannot be loving without Christ's love inside me. <b>God is love and Christ is the product of that love. Without Christ in my life it's a constant struggle to love and to respond in a loving manner during difficult times.</b> Oh, I'm not always successful in my responses. Sometimes I respond in unloving ways. It happens. <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[shrug]</span></span></span><br />
<span class="text 1John-4-19" id="en-NIV-30623"><br /></span>
<span class="text 1John-4-19" id="en-NIV-30623">I haven't been writing on this blog as regularly as I used to. This morning I saw a message on Facebook that reminded me that I have a story to tell. All of us do and we should share it in whatever platform given to us. My platform happens to be this blog which I started over four years ago during a time of struggle and testing. Blogging helped me and encouraged others while carrying out the message Paul taught in 2 Corinthians chapter 1.</span><br />
<span class="text 1John-4-19" id="en-NIV-30623"><br /></span>
<span class="text 1John-4-19" id="en-NIV-30623">I remember about the time I first began blogging here, God showed me that I cannot truly love a man without first understanding His love for me. It was a profound moment for me to learn that tidbit of truth. Since that time God has been teaching me how much He loves me. Earlier this year, several months after meeting my boyfriend, I had an epiphany. As much as my boyfriend loved me--and that's a whole lot--God loved me even more. Wow! My eyes filled with tears as I realized the magnitude of what that looked like. <b>I had a human demonstration of unconditional love and finally understood how much God's love transcends all of that. </b></span><br />
<span class="text 1John-4-19" id="en-NIV-30623"><br /></span>
<span class="text 1John-4-19" id="en-NIV-30623">Over my lifetime I have had many demonstrations of love to show me this connection, but I didn't really get it until now. Better late, than never. God used this man in my life to teach me and to bless me. I am so very grateful. </span><br />
<span class="text 1John-4-19" id="en-NIV-30623"><br /></span>
<span class="text 1John-4-19" id="en-NIV-30623">I was reading a devotional yesterday about the disciple John. It said that as John grew older, his writing become more and more focused on one subject: LOVE. The legend says that one of John's younger followers asked him why he focused so much on this topic and John's response was, "Because there isn't anything else." </span><br />
<span class="text 1John-4-19" id="en-NIV-30623"><br /></span>
<span class="text 1John-4-19" id="en-NIV-30623"><b>Love is the answer.</b> We get so hung up on who's right and who's wrong, what she did and what he didn't do, and so on. Jesus calls us to keep loving--even when it's hard!</span><br />
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<span class="text 1John-4-19" id="en-NIV-30623">I'll sign off with John's words from 1 John 4: 11-21.</span><br />
<span class="text 1John-4-19" id="en-NIV-30623"><br /></span>
<span class="text 1John-4-19" id="en-NIV-30623"><br /></span>
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<i><span class="text 1John-4-11" id="en-NIV-30615"><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.</span> </i></div>
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<i><span class="text 1John-4-12" id="en-NIV-30616"><sup class="versenum">12 </sup>No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another,</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="text 1John-4-12" id="en-NIV-30616">God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.</span></i> </div>
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<i><span class="text 1John-4-13" id="en-NIV-30617"><sup class="versenum">13 </sup>This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit.</span> </i></div>
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<i> <span class="text 1John-4-14" id="en-NIV-30618"><sup class="versenum">14 </sup>And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="text 1John-4-14" id="en-NIV-30618"> </span> <span class="text 1John-4-15" id="en-NIV-30619"><sup class="versenum">15 </sup>If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.</span> </i></div>
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<i><span class="text 1John-4-16" id="en-NIV-30620"><sup class="versenum">16 </sup>And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="text 1John-4-16">God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.</span> <span class="text 1John-4-17" id="en-NIV-30621"><sup class="versenum"> </sup></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="text 1John-4-17" id="en-NIV-30621"><sup class="versenum">17 </sup> </span><span class="text 1John-4-17" id="en-NIV-30621">This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="text 1John-4-17" id="en-NIV-30621"> on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.</span> <span class="text 1John-4-18" id="en-NIV-30622"><sup class="versenum">18 </sup>There is no fear in love. </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="text 1John-4-18" id="en-NIV-30622">But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="text 1John-4-18" id="en-NIV-30622">The one who fears is not made perfect in love.</span></i></div>
<i> </i><div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text 1John-4-19" id="en-NIV-30623"><sup class="versenum">19 </sup>We love because he first loved us.</span><span class="text 1John-4-20" id="en-NIV-30624"><sup class="versenum">20 </sup>Whoever claims to love God </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="text 1John-4-20" id="en-NIV-30624">yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="text 1John-4-20" id="en-NIV-30624">whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.</span><span class="text 1John-4-21" id="en-NIV-30625"><sup class="versenum"> </sup></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="text 1John-4-21" id="en-NIV-30625"><sup class="versenum">21 </sup>And he has given us this command: </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="text 1John-4-21" id="en-NIV-30625">Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.</span></i></div>
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<span class="text 1John-4-21" id="en-NIV-30625"> </span></div>
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<span class="text 1John-4-21" id="en-NIV-30625"> </span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog post first appeared on www.themazeofourlives.blogspot.com.
(c) TheMazeOfOurLives 2012-2016.
</div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009489339317713532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288218492223779920.post-52519898200792251842016-06-11T17:11:00.002-05:002016-06-11T17:11:33.143-05:00Hide Our Lights Under a Bushel? No.It's been almost exactly six months since I've posted anything new on this blog. Life has been keeping me pretty busy. I'm going to do a little stream of consciousness writing.<br />
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As we get older, there's this notion that things will get easier and slow down. I guess that can be true, but almost no one I know is experiencing a slow down. Instead, life seems to get busier. Of course, there are ways to say <b><i>no </i></b>to those optional events. That helps.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ckfXOCcD9X8/V1yGVTeaCyI/AAAAAAAAB1o/dP02VKXFBbgweakh8O499KJMetT_NrisQCLcB/s1600/this-little-light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ckfXOCcD9X8/V1yGVTeaCyI/AAAAAAAAB1o/dP02VKXFBbgweakh8O499KJMetT_NrisQCLcB/s200/this-little-light.jpg" width="200" /></a>On the other hand, there are other events in life that come around the corner, face us square in the eye, and require our complete and immediate attention. Never mind that we'd already made plans to do something else. This new thing takes priority over everything.<br />
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The last six months of my life has been filled with the unexpected. I had to take care of my precious feline companion till his final days on earth. Saying goodbye to this friend of 14 years was difficult, but I knew that whatever was wrong with him was draining his quality of life.<br />
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Also during this time I had to closely oversee the needs of my elderly mother. After having lived apart from her for 28 years, I was given several months to visit with her a couple of times a week and make new memories. One of those memories was getting on an airplane together--including the aggravation of TSA delays (grrr)--and flying to Texas where she now lives.<br />
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And the best part of the past six, busy, months has been because of a wonderful man who has become such a blessing to me and my family. When I was not tending to the aforementioned priorities, I was spending time getting to know this precious man and making memories with him. He was there for me when I had to say goodbye to my kitty companion and he was there when I needed to move my mother to Texas. He makes me laugh, we have wonderfully deep conversations, and he makes me feel completely safe. He even stretches me out of my favorite comfort zone, encouraging me to try something new. I've tried foods I never would have before and I've even sung in Italian, in public! I've also made him sing karaoke with me in public! I'm so happy that God has blessed me with this man!<br />
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Today I had some extra time on my hands so I began thinking about life and how fleeting it can be. This morning I heard the news of how a young woman, a wonderful singer, had been gunned down by some man while she was signing autographs. It's just tragic to see a life taken so quickly. The headlines in the past few days seem to echo this sentiment. A young boy of 7 was killed while sitting in the safety of the back of his family's mini-van. A driver behind him was distracted and couldn't stop in time. Now this family has to deal with the loss of a young life. More tragedy.<br />
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I guess if I had to sum up the point of this blog post is that we do not know how much time we have on this earth and what it holds for us while we're here. I suppose it would be cliche to say that we should make the most of our life here on earth. It reads very much like a bumper sticker or a beer commercial. I suppose it is true, however cliche it may sound. I've lived life in the background. It's a somewhat safe place, but often lonely. I'm pretty certain God had bigger plans for me than that. My purpose on this earth is not to try to preserve myself, but to spread myself around and by doing so I'm spreading Jesus around. Since His love resides inside of me, it needs to come out and see daylight. I don't need to hide it in my heart.<br />
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All of this reminds me of a childhood song:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.<br />This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.<br />This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.<br />Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.<br /><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; background-size: auto; cheight: 0px; cwidth: 77; ez_min_text_wdth: 82; hcalc: 4950; margin-for-scale: 0px 0px 0px 0px; nodepath: /html/body/div/div[2]/div/div[3]/div/span[1]; obj_px_area: 0; padding-for-scale: 0px 0px 0px 0px; pagepos: 97; parent-line-height: 30px; parent-text-align: center; rcnt: 1; rend_px_area: 0; req_margin_and_padding: 0; req_px_area: 418110; req_px_height: 30px; span_added_for_text: yes; vertical_margin: 0; wcalc: 77px; wcalc_source: child; wocalc: 77px;"><span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD4">Hide</span> it under a <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD1">bushel</span>? No! I'm gonna let it shine</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; background-size: auto; cheight: 0px; cwidth: 77; ez_min_text_wdth: 82; hcalc: 4950; margin-for-scale: 0px 0px 0px 0px; nodepath: /html/body/div/div[2]/div/div[3]/div/span[1]; obj_px_area: 0; padding-for-scale: 0px 0px 0px 0px; pagepos: 97; parent-line-height: 30px; parent-text-align: center; rcnt: 1; rend_px_area: 0; req_margin_and_padding: 0; req_px_area: 418110; req_px_height: 30px; span_added_for_text: yes; vertical_margin: 0; wcalc: 77px; wcalc_source: child; wocalc: 77px;">
Hide it under a bushel? No! I'm gonna let it shine</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; background-size: auto; cheight: 0px; cwidth: 77; ez_min_text_wdth: 82; hcalc: 4950; margin-for-scale: 0px 0px 0px 0px; nodepath: /html/body/div/div[2]/div/div[3]/div/span[1]; obj_px_area: 0; padding-for-scale: 0px 0px 0px 0px; pagepos: 97; parent-line-height: 30px; parent-text-align: center; rcnt: 1; rend_px_area: 0; req_margin_and_padding: 0; req_px_area: 418110; req_px_height: 30px; span_added_for_text: yes; vertical_margin: 0; wcalc: 77px; wcalc_source: child; wocalc: 77px;">
Hide it under a bushel? No! I'm gonna let it shine</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; background-size: auto; cheight: 0px; cwidth: 77; ez_min_text_wdth: 82; hcalc: 4950; margin-for-scale: 0px 0px 0px 0px; nodepath: /html/body/div/div[2]/div/div[3]/div/span[1]; obj_px_area: 0; padding-for-scale: 0px 0px 0px 0px; pagepos: 97; parent-line-height: 30px; parent-text-align: center; rcnt: 1; rend_px_area: 0; req_margin_and_padding: 0; req_px_area: 418110; req_px_height: 30px; span_added_for_text: yes; vertical_margin: 0; wcalc: 77px; wcalc_source: child; wocalc: 77px;">
Let it shine, Let it shine, Let it shine.</span></i></b></div>
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I'm reminded of my theme verse for this blog, Jeremiah 29:11. I want to change it up a bit and look at the verse in a different paraphrase. When we memorize it or hear it the same way all the time, there's a tendency to gloss over it. Here's verses 10 & 11 from <i>The Message</i>:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="text Jer-29-10-Jer-29-11" id="en-MSG-8344">This is <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">God</span>’s
Word on the subject: “As soon as Babylon’s </span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="text Jer-29-10-Jer-29-11" id="en-MSG-8344">seventy years are up and not
a day before, </span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="text Jer-29-10-Jer-29-11" id="en-MSG-8344">I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and </span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="text Jer-29-10-Jer-29-11" id="en-MSG-8344">bring
you back home. I know what I’m doing. </span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="text Jer-29-10-Jer-29-11" id="en-MSG-8344">I have it all planned out—plans
to </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span class="text Jer-29-10-Jer-29-11" id="en-MSG-8344">take care of you, not abandon you, </span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="text Jer-29-10-Jer-29-11" id="en-MSG-8344">plans to give you the future you
hope for.</span></i></b></div>
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Just as a reminder, this promise was given to the Israelites from God. God had a plan for His people. During those 70 years they would have to endure a lot. I'm sure they wanted to hide out and wait for someone to tell them when it was time to come out of hiding. Yet, God had a plan. It's an individual plan for each and every one of His own. And it's a plan for His collective people. He wasn't going to abandon His own. He also had a future planned for them. And these promises apply to us. Next time we're ready to give up or hide out, we need to remember God's words. <i><b>"I know what I'm doing." </b></i>Even when it looks like the world is going nuts and the election news is worse than the day before, God knows what He is doing. Just hang on and trust Him.<br />
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Keep reading <b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2029&version=MSG" target="_blank">this chapter</a> </b>on your own. The words are comforting:<br />
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<b><i><span class="text Jer-29-12" id="en-MSG-8345"><sup class="versenum">12 </sup>“When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen.</span></i></b></div>
<b><i> </i></b><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="text Jer-29-13-Jer-29-14" id="en-MSG-8346"><sup class="versenum">13-14 </sup>“When you come looking for me, you’ll find me.</span></i></b></div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog post first appeared on www.themazeofourlives.blogspot.com.
(c) TheMazeOfOurLives 2012-2016.
</div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009489339317713532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288218492223779920.post-68160752235874424062015-12-12T07:41:00.000-06:002020-03-17T08:06:20.248-05:00Look Up!<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZV7oWhQp6ds/Vmwg-5bzYKI/AAAAAAAABzk/6-c4EbgejGY/s1600/12107858_10153748444238674_460767953326527311_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZV7oWhQp6ds/Vmwg-5bzYKI/AAAAAAAABzk/6-c4EbgejGY/s320/12107858_10153748444238674_460767953326527311_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Look up into the heavens.</i></span> Isaiah 40:26a</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was thinking about this verse and it occurred to me that when I am looking up I can see God at work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When I am looking down all I see is myself and the world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I don't know about you, but looking at my own life and the rest of the world has a tendency to bring me down. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There's a lot of dissension and turmoil on this earth. Most of the time you don't have to look very far to see it. It's in our relationships and it's plastered all over the headlines of the news and social media. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I can recall a time in years past—before the days of social media—when I felt overwhelmed by the bad news in the world. I felt helpless to do anything about anything. My choice was to remove myself from so much of the negativity for a time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Look up</i></span></span>.</i></span></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the past month I kept seeing verse showing up. I took notice of it and then it took me back to a time more than eight years ago.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was attending a retreat when the speaker felt led to change the topic on which she was planning to speak. The main thing I remembered from that retreat was the feeling that God was telling me when things get rough to look up. The speaker repeated that phrase several times. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There was nothing in particular going on in my life at that time. Little did I know that within days that my world was going to change due to the loss of a loved one. As I walked through those dark days, those words came back to me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Look up.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I looked up. I relied on the Lord to carry me through. It wasn't easy, but the load was lighter since I wasn't bearing it all myself. When I looked up I was also able to observe how God was working all around me. I could see the comfort he was providing in tangible ways. I could still see the beauty around me. My gaze wasn't focused downward on myself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Fast forward to the present. When this scripture kept coming to my attention, I took notice. It reminded me that whatever was coming, <i>look up.</i> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If life becomes overwhelming,<i> look up.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If I don't know what to do, <i>look up.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If I'm feeling sad,<i> look up.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If I'm feeling joyful,<i> look up.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Just </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>look up.</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Where does my help come from? It comes from the Lord. He gives power to the weak. He comforts those in trouble. He never tires or grows weary.</span></span></span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="text Isa-40-31" id="en-NLT-18428">But those who trust in the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> will find new strength.</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-31">They will soar high on wings like eagles.</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-40-31">They will run and not grow weary.</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-31">They will walk and not faint.</span></span> </i></span>Isaiah 40:31</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Read the entire 40<span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span> chapter of Isaiah <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah+40&version=NLT" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><i> </i></span></span><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog post first appeared on www.themazeofourlives.blogspot.com.
(c) TheMazeOfOurLives 2012-2016.
</div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009489339317713532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288218492223779920.post-75123986438742138002015-10-17T09:44:00.000-05:002015-10-21T06:16:07.071-05:00Life is MessyLife is messy. There. I said it.<br />
<br />
I bet you're reading this and nodding your head. If not, you are young enough to have not experienced enough of that mess that comes with life. Enjoy this time. I'm serious! Enjoy it!<br />
<br />
Most of the messy stuff comes from relationships with others.<br />
Unmet expectations.<br />
Disappointments.<br />
Betrayal.<br />
Miscommunication.<br />
All of these things contribute to heartaches and that overwhelming feeling of . . .<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Life is Messy!! Make it stop!!!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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We only need to watch the evening news once to see the messy part of life in high definition, full color, and surround sound. There are plenty of reports of lying, cheating, stealing, murder, and the list goes on. Most of these acts are against another human. This brings to mind a B.J. Thomas song: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SasBT98rCuY" target="_blank">Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song</a>. Country music is full of lyrics about people doing wrong to others.<br />
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Yes, I'll say it again, most of the mess comes from relationships.Someone gets angry at a neighbor or spouse and acts upon their anger. Suddenly they have become the subject of a breaking news story. I'll bet in many cases those people would never have thought that would happen. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fhqRkNU_1M4/ViJbpQRp5qI/AAAAAAAAByU/zqzb6GN817U/s1600/perfect-relationships-exist-in-thoughts-movies-and-5220-290x290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fhqRkNU_1M4/ViJbpQRp5qI/AAAAAAAAByU/zqzb6GN817U/s1600/perfect-relationships-exist-in-thoughts-movies-and-5220-290x290.jpg" /></a>The truth is that we live in a fallen world. I know. That's Christianese that I'm speaking. So let me define that phrase for those who don't speak church language. A "fallen world" is the result of Adam's sin as recorded in the book of Genesis. Because of that first sin by Adam, we are all born with that nature to sin. And this sin nature continues to come out in each of us. [I don't want to turn this into a theology lesson so I'll stop here, but that isn't the end of the sin story. I suggest reading the book of John in the New Testament to find out about the remedy.] <br />
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Now that we've established that our sin nature is behind most of this messy life, what's next? Let me bring this back around to where I started. Relationships are often difficult. People disappoint me and I disappoint others. Relationship woes have been uppermost in my mind over the past few months. These woes have touched every aspect of my life from coworkers and neighbors to loved ones.<br />
<br />
<b>There are two things of which I've been reminded through all of this:</b><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><b>We are not battling people, we are battling an Enemy greater than that.</b> Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, "For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against
evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers
in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.<span class="p">" To put all of this in perspective I must remember when someone I love hurts me, that there is this sin nature at work and Satan is always there ready to tempt me into retaliation.</span><span class="p"> </span></li>
<li><span class="p"><b>Retaliation feels good--for a moment.</b> Ephesians 4:26 tells me, "</span><span class="text Eph-4-26" id="en-NLT-29259">And 'don’t sin by letting anger control you.' Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry." Why should we not let anger control us? Because, as verse 27 so aptly points out, "</span>for anger gives a foothold to the devil." Yep. As soon as I let anger take over, Satan is right there ready to "help me." His kind of "help" may ease the sting temporarily, but nothing good comes from his "help."</li>
</ol>
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Case in point, someone I love dearly did something so unexpected and hurtful to me. After the shock wore off I began mounting my defense. In my mind I began rehearsing what I would like to say and explain how hurtful those actions were to me. In the midst of my hurt I heard a still, small voice in my heart say, "Be angry and sin not." I realized at that moment that while I was planning my own defense I was about to unleash my anger and do something hurtful in return. Yes, it would have felt good at that moment, but only for a moment. Eventually I would have felt worse for inflicting pain. I don't say this to brag about self-control. I say this to confess my own sin nature. It's always lurking.<br />
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<b>I was angry because I cared. The opposite of love is not hate, but indifference.</b> Think about it. If someone we don't know makes a flippant comment that makes us angry, we're more likely to shrug it off. When someone we love makes the same comment to us, we take that more seriously and are more likely to retaliate. It's those close relationships that we need to be more guarded about. <br />
<br />
When those hurts come flying at us like arrows, the book of Ephesians reminds us that we should be wearing our breastplate of righteousness to defend against those arrows. In fact, <span class="text Eph-6-11" id="en-NLT-29309">we are to "<b>Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil</b>" (Eph. 6:11).</span><br />
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<span class="text Eph-6-11" id="en-NLT-29309"><br /></span>
<span class="text Eph-6-11" id="en-NLT-29309">Whether we are dealing with a colleague at work who has it in for us or simply dealing with a loved one who has seriously disappointed us, those relationships have a way of provoking our peace. </span><br />
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<span class="text Eph-6-11" id="en-NLT-29309">How did I handle the situation mentioned previously? I prayed about it and the Lord showed me that I had already explained my side of the story, in detail, prior to this distress. For now, I should remain silent. If there's any vindication, the Lord will handle it. In my situation I am able to put space between me and this person, but if you are unable to distance yourself from the one who offended you, I urge you to seek God's help and direction on how to handle the situation. </span><br />
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For His glory,<br />
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<span class="text Rom-5-18" id="en-NLT-28027"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Yes, Adam’s one sin brings </span></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Rom-5-18" id="en-NLT-28027"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">condemnation for everyone, </span></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Rom-5-18" id="en-NLT-28027"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">but Christ’s one act of righteousness </span></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Rom-5-18" id="en-NLT-28027"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">brings
a right relationship </span></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Rom-5-18" id="en-NLT-28027"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">with God and new life for everyone.</span></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Rom-5-18" id="en-NLT-28027">Romans 5:18</span></div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog post first appeared on www.themazeofourlives.blogspot.com.
(c) TheMazeOfOurLives 2012-2016.
</div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009489339317713532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288218492223779920.post-21532581077562746442015-08-22T13:02:00.002-05:002015-08-22T13:02:38.415-05:00Perspective: Putting on New Glasses<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SRHgJqqKS8E/Vdi089R4oRI/AAAAAAAABwc/K-aY6MKPxZ4/s1600/file4861234485345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SRHgJqqKS8E/Vdi089R4oRI/AAAAAAAABwc/K-aY6MKPxZ4/s320/file4861234485345.jpg" width="320" /></a>I recently had an eye exam. I'm happy to report there was very little change in my vision for the last few years. I'm happy for one reason in particular--I don't have to spend any money on new glasses!<br />
<br />
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As we get older our vision will change more frequently. Regular exams can detect these changes and with those changes come those annoying expenses and question. Does anyone else get frustrated with the quick flip of the lenses and the repeated questions? "Which is better...This one or this one?" Sometimes there's a clear difference and other times I can't tell a difference at all! Often my eyes are still adjusting to the quick changes so I just have to take my time and hope the technician is patient.<br />
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Regular eye exams can also detect other potential problems in areas of the eye that we cannot see on the surface. It takes special tools and training to see these places in the back of the eye and to recognize the problem.<br />
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This all leads me to the topic of perspective. I wrote about <b><a href="http://themazeofourlives.blogspot.com/2013/02/perspective.html" target="_blank"><u><i>Perspective </i></u></a></b>a few years ago but it was in a different context. I was thinking about perspective again a few weeks ago, but I didn't have time to really delve into it. However, since that time I've done some thinking about it and discussed it with a friend. Here's the definition of the way I'm using it:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span>The origin of this word indicates that it actually means from the "science of optics" or "to look closely at." </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span>When I put on my eyeglasses I can get a clearer view of what I'm looking at. Without the glasses, I can still see but my perspective is different. Things are a little fuzzy and it takes a little straining to see. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span>The same applies to our perspective on life. We all have these special glasses with which we view life. Our special glasses are formed from the time we are born and continually shaped by our environment. Our parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends all have a hand in shaping these glasses and give us a unique perspective on everything. Therefore, when we look at a particular issue it's always through the perspective of our own special glasses (experiences). In addition to people, our education and faith also help form these special glasses.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In this day and age in which we as a society seem to be offended about everything, <span>it might help us to get an "eye exam" to correct or confirm our perspective. We should ask ourselves are few questions:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><span><b>What lens am I using to look at this particular problem? </b>Am I looking at this problem through the eyes of my family or past experiences? Or am I looking at it through God's eyes? Sometimes I have to ask God to show me what's going on from His perspective. The Bible is one way to find out what He thinks.</span></li>
<li><span><b>Should I take off this lens and put on another pair of eyeglasses?</b> Maybe I need to see this situation through another person's lenses to understand or maybe I need a new prescription!</span></li>
<li><span><b>Have I looked at this situation so long that I no longer clearly see what's happening?</b> Have you ever driven the same route day after day and not noticed something? Then one day you're in the car while someone else is driving and you have more time to casually look around. Suddenly you notice a building you hadn't noticed before. Then you ask how long it's been there and find out it's been there for three years! Sometimes it takes stepping back from a situation to see what's right in front of us.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span>Just like my visits to the eye doctor can help detect potential changes or problems, I need to continue to examine my own perspectives on life. I can't always assume that my viewpoint is correct because that's the way I've always believed it to be. I need to be willing to humble myself and listen to other perspectives while always running those through Scripture to find out what God thinks. Sometimes I will find that it's time to put on some new glasses!</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Phil-4-4" id="en-NLT-29407">Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!</span> <span class="text Phil-4-6" id="en-NLT-29409"> </span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Phil-4-6" id="en-NLT-29409">Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. </span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Phil-4-6" id="en-NLT-29409">Remember, the Lord is coming soon. <sup class="versenum"></sup> </span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Phil-4-6" id="en-NLT-29409">Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. </span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Phil-4-6" id="en-NLT-29409">Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. </span><span class="text Phil-4-7" id="en-NLT-29410"><sup class="versenum"></sup> </span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Phil-4-7" id="en-NLT-29410">Then
you will experience God’s peace, </span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Phil-4-7" id="en-NLT-29410">which exceeds anything we can
understand. </span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Phil-4-7" id="en-NLT-29410">His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in
Christ Jesus.</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Phil-4-8" id="en-NLT-29411">And
now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. </span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Phil-4-8" id="en-NLT-29411">Fix your thoughts on
what is true, and honorable, </span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Phil-4-8" id="en-NLT-29411">and right, and pure, and lovely, and
admirable. </span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Phil-4-8" id="en-NLT-29411">Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.</span> <span class="text Phil-4-9" id="en-NLT-29412"> </span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Phil-4-9" id="en-NLT-29412">Keep
putting into practice all you learned and received from me—</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Phil-4-9" id="en-NLT-29412">everything
you heard from me and saw me doing. </span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Phil-4-9" id="en-NLT-29412">Then the God of peace will be with
you.</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Phil-4-9" id="en-NLT-29412">Philippians 4:4-9 </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Phil-4-9" id="en-NLT-29412"><br /></span></span></i></div>
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<span>Faithfully yours,</span><br />
<span><br /></span>
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<span> </span><div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog post first appeared on www.themazeofourlives.blogspot.com.
(c) TheMazeOfOurLives 2012-2016.
</div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009489339317713532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288218492223779920.post-23426662927475347172015-07-18T13:16:00.000-05:002015-07-18T13:16:55.722-05:00Birthday ThoughtsTomorrow is my birthday. I've been thinking about it a lot lately. There's nothing particularly significant about this new number, but it's those in-between numbers that seem to hit me harder than the ones ending in zero, five, or nine.<br />
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This morning I was thinking that tomorrow my age number changes. The fact of the matter is that I am one day older each day that I wake up. It just so happens that when the day of my birth rolls around I'm "suddenly" one year older. I had to ponder that one a moment. Just because the calendar says I'm one year older does not mean that I suddenly aged one year. No, it happens gradually over the course of a year and there's nothing I can do about that. God created time to move forward.<br />
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<b>Hmmmmm. As much as I'd like to stop time and stay at one particular age I cannot.</b></div>
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Another thing I've been mulling over is birthday celebrations. Because my birthday falls in the middle of vacation season I've learned to adapt to whatever is happening around me. As a kid my birthday was always celebrated with family and usually with little fanfare. My mother's birthday is the day after mine so there was usually the shared cake and party.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z30U6GZDC6o/VaqUN9orYhI/AAAAAAAABuU/7fsUvg8rIRg/s1600/ice%2Bcream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z30U6GZDC6o/VaqUN9orYhI/AAAAAAAABuU/7fsUvg8rIRg/s200/ice%2Bcream.jpg" width="200" /></a>Those of you with summer birthdays may also understand the angst of not being able to celebrate a birthday at school. I don't know if kids celebrate birthdays at school these days what with all the restrictions and food allergies. In my day, mothers used to bring cupcakes and those cute little ice cream cups with wooden spoons to school on the day of their child's birthday. Everyone enjoyed the treats and the birthday child enjoyed the special attention. In most classes there was usually a handful of us with summer birthdays who weren't able to participate in that fun. I suspect the mothers appreciated not having to worry about it, though.<br />
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Over the years I've had many different kinds of birthday celebrations. I've had quiet ones and loud ones. Small ones and large ones. Celebrations with friends. Celebrations with family. Celebrations with coworkers. Parties with karaoke. Parties with bowling. Parties with orange-colored foods. Parties with cake and ice cream. Parties with Italian or Mexican food. Each party has been unique and memorable. And the best birthdays were not because I was the center of attention. (Anyone who knows me well knows that I am not one who seeks to be the center of attention.) <b>No, the most memorable birthdays have been because people chose to share their time with me.</b> We weren't thinking about the age (well, sometimes we did), but we were simply enjoying each others' company and celebrating the connection we have.<br />
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I heard a song on the radio yesterday called <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7K3d22TEQDc" target="_blank"><b><u>39 and Holding</u></b></a> by Jerry Lee Lewis. Since I was thinking about my upcoming birthday, I listened with interest. The song is about a man who is trying to hide his age. He's out late every night trying to keep up with the younger crowd, but he doesn't quite fit in. He's still doing the same moves that he did when he was 30 years younger and he's doing everything he can to prove that he's still a man--not an old man. The truth is that he isn't fooling anybody but himself. I think we've all known people like that. Uh-huh..... LOL. For the record, I don't think there's anything wrong with trying to look younger or doing some things that younger people do. But, birthdays are one of those times to write yourself a reality check. <br />
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The days leading up to this birthday have been a time of reflection for me. I've thought about the birthdays I've celebrated most recently. All were unique and memorable in their own way. This birthday has also been unique, but not because I have big plans. I don't even know how I will celebrate this birthday yet! I do know that however I celebrate the day that I have a God who loves me more than I will ever understand this side of heaven. I have been blessed with family and friends who love me. And if I ever start looking like an old woman with young hair and clothes.... PLEASE STOP ME!! Hahaha.<br />
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Love you all. <br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog post first appeared on www.themazeofourlives.blogspot.com.
(c) TheMazeOfOurLives 2012-2016.
</div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009489339317713532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288218492223779920.post-38156586879634982442015-06-21T19:00:00.001-05:002015-06-21T19:00:49.490-05:00What Are You Waiting For?It's been quite a while since I've updated this blog. It's been a busy season and it has been challenging to stay focused on any one particular task. So, I do just what I must do to keep going and let extra things like reading for pleasure or writing fall by the wayside. I often use quiet moments in the car or early mornings to think about things, though.<br />
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I was reminded this morning about the subject of waiting on God. The song by John Waller called <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6X71sXagUY" target="_blank"><i>While I'm Waiting</i></a> from the movie <i>Fireproof </i>came to mind. A few years ago that song and the movie helped me to turn my focus back to waiting quietly on God and to keep moving forward, trusting God to work out his plans for my life <span style="font-size: x-small;">(<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jeremiah+29%3A11&version=NLT" target="_blank">Jer. 29:11</a>)</span>. As I reflected on these things, I went back to read a blog post that I first shared three years ago. I think this one is a timeless message worth a repeat. Enjoy!<br />
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The Waiting Game </h3>
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Have you ever played the "waiting game?" Probably a silly question since
we spend our entire lives waiting. When we're children, we wait for our
birthdays, Christmas, summer vacation. We pestered our parents with
that age-old question, "Are we there yet?"<br />
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Then as adults we wait for that first job offer, we wait in grocery
lines, we wait at the traffic light. I could go on and on. It seems we
spend our whole life waiting on something or someone. We get impatient
waiting for that light to turn green or for the microwave to ding. I
can't imagine a life without a microwave, yet I did live in a time
without a microwave and I managed just fine. It seems our society has
groomed us to expect everything to happen quickly.<br />
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God doesn't work the way the world does. He took seven days to create
the world. That seems pretty quick to me since it takes the government
two years to finish a short interstate construction project.
Nevertheless, God could have created the entire world in an instant if
He wanted to. Perhaps there is something to be learned from that? Time
means nothing to God. He sees time in a completely different way than we
do. We see it in our clocks and calendars. But He knows that we have
that limitation to understand time. Maybe that's why God paced himself
by creating the earth in the span of seven days. Perhaps He was giving
us an example. . . . Click <a href="http://themazeofourlives.blogspot.com/2012/06/waiting-game.html" target="_blank"><u><b>HERE </b></u></a>to read the rest of this blog post.<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog post first appeared on www.themazeofourlives.blogspot.com.
(c) TheMazeOfOurLives 2012-2016.
</div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009489339317713532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288218492223779920.post-8458667441446891122015-05-02T12:06:00.000-05:002015-05-02T12:11:35.276-05:00Is it Complaining?<div class="version-NLT result-text-style-normal text-html ">
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<span class="text Eccl-1-9" id="en-NLT-17301">Recent internet posts and conversations have me thinking lately about complaints. A few months ago I was challenged by one post to not complain and to look for the positive in situations and build up others. Great idea! There's so much negativity in the world already, so trying to find the positive in a situation makes sense. </span><br />
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<span class="text Eccl-1-9" id="en-NLT-17301">But real life happens and in the course of conversations, someone asks how you are and rather than giving the usual response of<i>, "I'm fine</i>," you share your concerns with someone close to you. Is that considered complaining? </span><br />
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<span class="text Eccl-1-9" id="en-NLT-17301">I've heard it labeled as complaining by some. Others would say no, because they did genuinely want to know and are concerned for your well-being. So which is it?</span><br />
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<span class="text Eccl-1-9" id="en-NLT-17301">Someone I know is going through a very difficult time of life. As she relates what's happening in her world she downplays the real story. I don't know the reason why. Maybe she is sparing some of the details. Maybe she doesn't want to worry others. Or maybe she doesn't want to come across as complaining. I honestly don't know. </span><br />
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<span class="text Eccl-1-9" id="en-NLT-17301">As I was pondering these scenarios, I wondered what the difference was between complaining and relating facts about life. The conclusion I came to was it's all about what's in the heart. </span><br />
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<span class="text Eccl-1-9" id="en-NLT-17301">For example, I may relate details of a challenging day to a friend in order to share life and to give them a context in which to pray for me, possibly offer help, or give advice. If my motivation for relating these details is to simply relate to those who care about me, it's not complaining--in my opinion. </span><br />
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<span class="text Eccl-1-9" id="en-NLT-17301">Should I be offended or feel uncomfortable if someone close to me wants to tell me about her challenging events of the day? I don't believe so if we have a relationship that lends itself to that sort of conversation and especially if I ask how it's going. </span><span class="text Eccl-1-9" id="en-NLT-17301">Granted, some people politely ask how it's going with no intention of hearing the truth.You can usually tell when someone isn't interested in hearing details and it's best to just move on. </span><br />
<span class="text Eccl-1-9" id="en-NLT-17301"> </span><span class="text Eccl-1-9" id="en-NLT-17301"> </span><br />
<span class="text Eccl-1-9" id="en-NLT-17301">By contrast, if I withhold the challenging details of my day from a close friend or a loved one simply because I don't want to appear to be discontent or complaining, how is that benefiting either of us? </span><br />
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<span class="text Eccl-1-9" id="en-NLT-17301">I do feel as if there is a fine line between complaining and telling others what's going on in my life. I guess finding that balance is crucial. I should ask myself questions before I speak such as...</span><br />
<span class="text Eccl-1-9" id="en-NLT-17301"><br /></span>
<span class="text Eccl-1-9" id="en-NLT-17301">Why do I want to tell this person about my problems? </span><br />
<span class="text Eccl-1-9" id="en-NLT-17301"> Am I trying to manipulate them into helping me? </span><span class="text Eccl-1-9" id="en-NLT-17301"> </span><br />
<span class="text Eccl-1-9" id="en-NLT-17301"> Do I want to deepen our relationship by sharing my burdens and sincerely </span><br />
<span class="text Eccl-1-9" id="en-NLT-17301"> look for help or support? </span><br />
<span class="text Eccl-1-9" id="en-NLT-17301"> If I do need help, why don't I just come right out and ask for help rather </span><br />
<span class="text Eccl-1-9" id="en-NLT-17301"> than manipulate or guilt others into helping? </span><br />
<span class="text Eccl-1-9" id="en-NLT-17301"></span><br />
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<span class="text Eccl-1-9" id="en-NLT-17301">I think the key is often in the relationship and knowing who your audience is.</span>
<span class="text Eccl-1-9" id="en-NLT-17301">I think our culture--our beliefs, customs, way of life, the people we live around--forms how we handle these types of situations. I grew up in a more superficial culture where people just didn't talk about their feelings and for the most part acted as if everything was fine. After moving away from that culture and into a different one, I've learned that not everyone is that way. I have learned that when one of my friends ask how I'm doing, they truly want to know--every detail, everything good or bad. </span><br />
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<span class="text Eccl-1-9" id="en-NLT-17301"></span>
<span class="text Eccl-1-9" id="en-NLT-17301">I guess my main point in all of this is that we need to be careful not to assume the worst of others when someone shares a concern or a burden. What may seem like a complaint on the surface may simply be someone needing to be heard. If the person speaking is close to you, you should know what's going on in their life so that you can pray for them and offer help, when appropriate. If you are close enough to them, hopefully you know whether their heart and whether what they offer are complaints or concerns. </span><br />
<span class="text Eccl-1-9" id="en-NLT-17301"><br /></span>
<span class="text Eccl-1-9" id="en-NLT-17301">And, of course, we should also weigh our words carefully before speaking and ask those questions of ourselves: Is what I'm going to say building up or tearing down? What is my motivation for sharing? </span><br />
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<span class="text Eccl-1-9" id="en-NLT-17301">So what do you think about this topic? I'm curious to know...</span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog post first appeared on www.themazeofourlives.blogspot.com.
(c) TheMazeOfOurLives 2012-2016.
</div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009489339317713532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288218492223779920.post-20331979982154680592015-04-05T11:29:00.000-05:002015-04-05T11:29:55.342-05:00Life Has No Movie Soundtrack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The scenario: Someone is on a stroll through the woods. The scenery is beautiful, in the background you can hear the padding of footsteps in the quiet peacefulness. Slowly the background music creeps into the scene signaling something is about to change. Suddenly the eerie sounds of music grows louder and a stranger runs onto the path. For those of us watching the movie, we anticipated something was coming because the music in the background prepared us for it. If only life was like that. The problem is. . .<br />
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<b>Life has no movie soundtrack!</b></div>
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If life was more like a movie, we would know that something was going to happen because of the music or sounds playing in the background. For example, you are sitting in a restaurant having a quiet dinner and some comedic music begins to play nearby. You feel rather lighthearted for some reason and a moment later the waiter drops an entire tray on the floor. Ripples of quiet laughter erupt in the restaurant.<br />
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Or let's use that same setting and play the sounds of the <b><i>dun-Dun-DUN</i></b> near the handsome couple having dinner together. A sense of dread comes over the restaurant and everyone braces for what happens next: The woman tells her significant other that she wants to break up. She stands up and throws a ring in his lap while he sits with mouth agape. Cue the sad violin music. <br />
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You get the picture. Movies or television programs give us hints about what's going to happen by the music and sounds being played. This music actually manipulates us into feeling a certain way to help propel the storyline. <br />
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Real life is so much different. You suddenly find out someone wants to have a discussion with no clue about what's going to be discussed. Since the meeting was not planned, you immediately begin to anticipate the worst and pour over anything that could be wrong. It's so easy to imagine the worst rather than the best. If only there was a movie soundtrack to give you a clue!<br />
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I don't have any great revelations to share about this. It's really just a thought that occurred to me recently as I have watched life unfold all around me. Surprises--good and bad--come with nary a clue and definitely no soundtrack hints. Sometimes the blessing is in the surprise otherwise knowing the future would not be good.<br />
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I guess as believers in Jesus the best thing to do is to be prepared by staying close to God because nothing surprises Him. We have to keep our eyes on Him. He knows what is coming long before I do and the the Bible is full of examples like: Joseph, Sarah, Job, David, Peter, John, and Paul. <b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hebrews+11&version=NLT" target="_blank">Hebrews 11</a></b> is a list of people who trusted God when they weren't sure what was going on and God honored that faith.<br />
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I may not know what's going to happen in the next minute, the next hour, the next month, or the next year. However, I do know the Lord promises to be with me no matter what--even without the background music!<br />
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<b><span class="text Ps-16-8" id="en-NLT-14077">I know the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is always with me.</span></b><span class="indent-1"><b><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span></b><span class="text Ps-16-8"><b>I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. - Psalm 16:8</b></span></span></div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog post first appeared on www.themazeofourlives.blogspot.com.
(c) TheMazeOfOurLives 2012-2016.
</div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009489339317713532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288218492223779920.post-73848880653652903062015-02-16T17:12:00.001-06:002015-02-16T17:12:26.656-06:00Beside Still Waters<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sometimes what I look at as an inconvenience or a problem, God means for me to see it as a gift.</b></span></div>
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Today was a prime example of that. A winter storm blew through the area causing hazardous road conditions which meant many businesses did not open today.<br />
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Most schools were already closed in observance of President's Day, but teachers were still supposed to report to work. Government agencies and banks were already closed. However, the majority of businesses were planning to be open as usual. That meant a lot of parents had to find someone to watch the kids while they went to work. Instead, many people got an unexpected day off.<br />
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Rather than risk lives and property, officials warned people to stay home and stay safe until roads could be cleared. Many people heeded that advice.<br />
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So, families reconnected and played outdoors, watched movies together, or played games. Some worked from home, or rested, or caught up on chores at home because of these unexpected change in routine.<br />
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Psalm 23:1-3 reminds us about a shepherd who guides the sheep to rest. Without the guidance, the sheep may not take the time to rest.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Ps-23-1" id="en-KJV-14237">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is my shepherd;</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Ps-23-1" id="en-KJV-14237">I shall not want.</span></span></i></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Ps-23-2" id="en-KJV-14238">He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: </span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Ps-23-2" id="en-KJV-14238">he leadeth me beside the still waters.</span></span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Ps-23-3" id="en-KJV-14239">He restoreth my soul: </span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Ps-23-3" id="en-KJV-14239">he leadeth me in the paths </span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Ps-23-3" id="en-KJV-14239">of righteousness for his name's sake.</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-23-3" id="en-KJV-14239">Our Shepherd occasionally leads us to a place to rest, a place of still waters, so that he can restore us. Admittedly, we occasionally get too busy with life to rest. Sometimes it takes something big to get our attention . . .</span><br />
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<b><span class="text Ps-23-3" id="en-KJV-14239">a broken leg</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="text Ps-23-3" id="en-KJV-14239">a broken-down car</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="text Ps-23-3" id="en-KJV-14239">a job loss </span></b></div>
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<b><span class="text Ps-23-3" id="en-KJV-14239">an ice storm</span></b></div>
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<span class="text Ps-23-3" id="en-KJV-14239">. . . to get us to slow down, to rest, to (hopefully) reconnect with the Shepherd and listen for his voice. When the Shepherd says it's time to get up and move again, we can follow--hopefully refreshed and ready to serve. </span><br />
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<span class="text Ps-23-3" id="en-KJV-14239">Sometimes what looks like a roadblock or a setback, is simply God giving us an opportunity to stop and rest. When we're asked to wait a little longer at the doctor's office it's easy to get irritated or upset. But, who knows, maybe God's giving me a chance to lower my blood pressure before seeing the doctor instead of raising it! </span><br />
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<span class="text Ps-23-3" id="en-KJV-14239">Just like the ice which formed on the branches created something beautiful, sometimes the waiting, the delays, and setbacks can also create something beautiful: memories! </span><br />
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<span class="text Ps-23-3" id="en-KJV-14239"><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog post first appeared on www.themazeofourlives.blogspot.com.
(c) TheMazeOfOurLives 2012-2016.
</div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009489339317713532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288218492223779920.post-37833317239482755252015-01-14T20:21:00.001-06:002015-01-14T20:21:03.849-06:00What We See Outside Our Window<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I woke up this morning and looked outside my window to discover what appeared to be a heavy layer of frost on my car. After seeing reports of snow in the area I soon realized what I thought was frost was actually a very thin layer of snow. I made an assumption without knowing the facts. I did not go out and touch the snow. I had not listened to a weather report. I took in the situation and made a snap decision.<br />
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A short time later I noticed someone on a community Facebook page was complaining about the current state of weather. The chief complaint was that schools should be closed because outside her house was snow and ice. This woman's perception of the situation was skewed because there was snow and ice outside her window so she made the assumption that it must be the same way all over town. I do not know whether she had access to a television or if she had gone outside to look around and further assess the situation before making her decision. Maybe she just wanted a reason to keep her child home from school! <br />
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These two events got me to thinking about perception and misunderstandings. I was thinking how easy it was to make an assumption based only on what I saw outside my own window. From my perspective there was no problem outside that couldn't be taken care of with an ice scraper or a good dose of sunshine. I went on with my morning without giving it another thought until I was enlightened. Meanwhile, a few people around town were having accidents because of icy roads and schools were closing in a nearby county.<br />
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The Facebook woman made the wrong assumption when she saw snow and ice outside her window. Perhaps from her perspective closing schools and businesses was the only way to keep everyone safe. What she did not know was that sunshine was already taking care of some of the roadways and in just another hour there would be no more snow outside her own window. Hmmmm . . . Perspective. <br />
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It's so easy to make wrong assumptions about something or someone based on what we see "outside our window." There are times when we will have only the facts in front of us in which to make a decision and we come to a conclusion based on those facts. Sometimes our instincts will be right and sometimes we will be wrong. More than likely we're not seeing everything and taking in the landscape beyond our front door. <br />
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I guess it's much worse to make the wrong assumptions when it comes to relationships with our family, our friends, our coworkers. These myopic views outside our windows can put a wedge between two people.<br />
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For example: I see a headline on the news about a celebrity and make an immediate assumption based on the snappy headline. The truth is that I don't know enough about the celebrity or his situation to form an opinion. Or, someone reads something I wrote and misunderstands my intention because they can't see the gleam in my eye and the curl of my lip as I type something that I thought might be funny. Instead, that person becomes offended because they assumed I meant harm.<br />
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I've just been thinking about these things and how easy it is to be wrong. It's okay to admit that we're wrong sometimes because we ALL do it. We all make mistakes. I make mistakes. We live in a fallen world full of sin and where an Enemy who is always finding ways to help us mess up our relationships with each other. I guess if there is any point to this post today it's to remind me and you that what we see "outside our window" may not be the whole story. Withhold judgment, if possible, until more facts can be obtained. Our heavenly Father extends grace and mercy to us, so maybe it's a good idea to extend grace and mercy to others--along with forgiveness. And above all, pray for wisdom and guard the tongue.<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog post first appeared on www.themazeofourlives.blogspot.com.
(c) TheMazeOfOurLives 2012-2016.
</div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009489339317713532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288218492223779920.post-83840894974952739062014-12-29T11:04:00.000-06:002014-12-29T11:04:02.928-06:00The End of Another YearThis final week of December is filled with reflection on the past year and anticipation of a new year. The Christmas season is behind us and celebration plans for the new year are in full-swing. Facebook feeds are sprinkled with remembrances of the year. Television programs are doing year-end reviews and reminding us of the top stories of 2014.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3JHMjh3TxFM/VKGHBZkilgI/AAAAAAAABjo/GBgJ1ed-ZOg/s1600/Wait%2Bfor%2Bthe%2BLord2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3JHMjh3TxFM/VKGHBZkilgI/AAAAAAAABjo/GBgJ1ed-ZOg/s1600/Wait%2Bfor%2Bthe%2BLord2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo courtesy of www.incourage.me</span></td></tr>
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Reflection on the past is a good thing. During this past week I was reminded not of something that happened this year, but something that happened exactly three years ago on the 26th of December. In an effort to maintain some privacy I won't share the event on this blog, but I will say that a God-timed moment reminded me of how good He is.<br />
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Three years ago I made a decision to take a step out of my comfort zone. What happened after that decision set off a chain of events that, had I known what was coming, I might have opted to hibernate and leave well-enough alone! However, what happened was both wonderful and downright painful. For the record, my decision was morally neutral--neither right or wrong. But it did open me up to some new experiences which grew me up spiritually and emotionally.<br />
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This blog was birthed during those difficult days and I chronicled some of the ups and downs right here. Someone once asked me if I could go back and change things, would I do it? My answer then (in the midst of the difficulty) was no. And my answer now is still a resounding <i>NO</i>!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>This God-timed moment a few days ago reminded me...</b></span><br />
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<b>of my FREE WILL, given by God. </b>God doesn't sit up in the sky moving me around like some chess piece on a game board. Sometimes my life would be easier for Him to make those moves for me, but He gives me a sound mind and sense to seek His will and make my own decisions. Whether my choices are good or bad, He still uses my choices to accomplish His will for my life. It's amazing what He can do! <br />
<i>Genesis 50:20 "<span class="text Gen-50-20" id="en-NASB-1527">As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about <sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NASB-1527o" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NASB-1527o" title="See footnote o">o</a>]"></sup>this present result, to preserve many people alive."</span></i><br />
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<span class="text Gen-50-20" id="en-NASB-1527"><b>that God has a PLAN for me and it's a good one.</b> I've written about this many times on this blog. Going back to the first point: no matter what I do it's not going to "mess up" my future because God already knows before I do what my choices will be. So even when my life looks messed up beyond belief, I can trust that God has everything all figured out. Will He "fix it" for me? Uh... well, not necessarily. It depends on the situation. I need to take responsibility for my choices and pay the price for whatever my part is in my current situation. But He will be there to walk through it with me. Anyway, God can redeem ANY situation if I seek Him. </span><br />
<i><span class="text Gen-50-20" id="en-NASB-1527"><span class="text Jer-29-11" id="en-NASB-19647">Jeremiah 29:11-14 "For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.</span> <span class="text Jer-29-12" id="en-NASB-19648">Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.</span> <span class="text Jer-29-13" id="en-NASB-19649">You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.</span><span class="text Jer-29-14" id="en-NASB-19650"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>I will be found by you,’ declares the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, ‘and I will restore your <sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NASB-19650i" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NASB-19650i" title="See footnote i">i</a>]"></sup>fortunes and will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you,’ declares the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, ‘and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.’"</span></span></i><br />
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<span class="text Gen-50-20" id="en-NASB-1527"><span class="text Jer-29-14" id="en-NASB-19650"><b>of God's merciful LOVE.</b> Like any parent who loves a child regardless of their behavior, God loves me even more than that. His forgiveness is there when I seek it. God's mercy and blessings are there for me when I run to Him. </span></span><br />
<i><span class="text Gen-50-20" id="en-NASB-1527"><span class="text Jer-29-14" id="en-NASB-19650">Lamentations 3:22-23 "</span></span><span class="text Gen-50-20" id="en-NASB-1527"><span class="text Jer-29-14" id="en-NASB-19650">The <span class="small-caps">Lord’s</span> lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They <b>are</b> <b>new</b> every morning; Great is Your faithfulness."</span></span></i><br />
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<span class="text Gen-50-20" id="en-NASB-1527"><span class="text Jer-29-14" id="en-NASB-19650"><b>WAITING on the Lord is <u>never</u> a waste of time.</b> This is a big one! As someone who likes to keep busy, waiting on someone else is not easy for me! But, this is a lesson that the Lord wanted to teach me during this period. Over and over again God reminded me to Be Still and Know that He is God (Ps. 46:10). He wanted me to cease striving and stop trying to be independent. God wanted me to stop trying to be my own god. (gulp) Instead, God kept hammering home this point of "get to know ME and trust ME." It took a lot of time, but that lesson finally took hold. I finally learned to Be Still and to wait and to trust Him. I learned, as Psalm 37:4 said, to delight myself in the Lord and trust Him for the desires of my heart.</span></span></div>
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<i><span class="text Gen-50-20" id="en-NASB-1527"><span class="text Jer-29-14" id="en-NASB-19650"><span class="text Ps-37-4" id="en-NASB-14455">Psalm 37:4-7a "Delight yourself in the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>; </span><span class="text Ps-37-4">And He will give you the desires of your heart.</span> <span class="text Ps-37-5" id="en-NASB-14456">Commit your way to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, </span><span class="text Ps-37-5">Trust also in Him, and He will do it. </span><span class="text Ps-37-6" id="en-NASB-14457"><sup class="versenum"></sup>He will bring forth your righteousness as the light a</span><span class="text Ps-37-6">nd your judgment as the noonday. </span></span></span><span class="text Ps-37-7" id="en-NASB-14458">Rest in the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> and wait patiently for Him."</span></i></div>
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<span class="text Gen-50-20" id="en-NASB-1527"><span class="text Jer-29-14" id="en-NASB-19650">There were many, many lessons learned during these past three years. Waiting on God and trusting Him has been worth it. I've seen God do some amazing things! I expect there to be many new lessons to learn in the coming year as I continue to be His student, the daughter of a King, and His beloved. Here's a toast to the past and to the coming new year! </span></span><br />
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<span class="text Gen-50-20" id="en-NASB-1527"><span class="text Jer-29-14" id="en-NASB-19650"> </span></span><i><span class="text Gen-50-20" id="en-NASB-1527"><span class="text Jer-29-14" id="en-NASB-19650"></span></span></i> <div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog post first appeared on www.themazeofourlives.blogspot.com.
(c) TheMazeOfOurLives 2012-2016.
</div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009489339317713532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288218492223779920.post-39929072459824067302014-11-16T21:06:00.000-06:002014-11-16T21:06:05.203-06:00Thankfulness. . . 'tis the season to share it<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As we inch closer and closer to Thanksgiving, we are reminded that the season is more than just family get-togethers and meal-planning or the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. I enjoy reading posts on Facebook and blogs from people who share all the things for which they are thankful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Today I sat in a church service with people who have been my family for more than 20 years. We've grown up together, laughed together, grieved and cried together, and worshiped together. Each year we take time near Thanksgiving to allow anyone who wishes to share an opportunity to publicly say what it is they are thankful for.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span class="chapter-3"><span class="text Ps-107-1">Oh give thanks to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, for He is good,</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-1">For His lovingkindness is everlasting.</span><span class="text Ps-107-2" id="en-NASB-15702"> </span></b></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="text Ps-107-2" id="en-NASB-15702"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Let the redeemed of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> say so.</b></span></i> <span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="text Ps-107-2" id="en-NASB-15702"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Psalm 107:1-2a</span></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It's a sweet time to hear how God is working in the lives of others. It strengthens our faith to hear how God has provided during the year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As I think back through this year, I am ever so grateful to see how God has worked in my own life and my family's life. At the beginning of this year I was part of a Bible study called "Believing God" by Beth Moore. It was no coincidence that I was deep into this study when I needed to believe God for some miracles in my own life and that of my family. My faith was stretched as I came to a point where I had no answers of my own and had to simply trust God to work things out. This quote from <i>Streams in the Desert</i> really illustrates this point well:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Remember, the very time for faith to work is when our sight begins to fail. And the greater the difficulties, the easier it is for faith to work, for as long as we can see certain natural solutions to our problems, we will not have faith. Faith never works as easily as when our natural prospects fail.</span></b></i> <span style="font-size: x-small;">George Mueller</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />As I came to the end of my own resources and natural solutions, I turned to God and asked Him to step in and take over. I have watched Him work in surprising and wonderful ways. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Yes, I give thanks to the Lord, for He <u>is</u> good! </span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog post first appeared on www.themazeofourlives.blogspot.com.
(c) TheMazeOfOurLives 2012-2016.
</div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009489339317713532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288218492223779920.post-88109290842943772842014-10-09T07:09:00.003-05:002014-10-09T07:09:52.219-05:00Pursuit<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-23-6" id="en-NLT-14218">Surely your goodness and unfailing love </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-23-6" id="en-NLT-14218">will pursue me</span> <span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-23-6">all the days of my life,</span></span> <span class="text Ps-23-6"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-23-6">and I will live in the house of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord </span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-23-6">forever.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-23-6"> </span></span></span><span class="text Ps-23-6">~ Psalm 23:6</span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-23-6">I was reading the 23rd Psalm this morning. This one is so familiar it's easy to just breeze through it, but I've learned that when I read the more familiar passages it's a good idea for me to slow down and try to read it as if for the first time. Just let it soak in.</span><br />
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<span class="text Ps-23-6">When I got to the final verse of this passage, my eyes rested on the word <i>pursue</i>. I immediately thought of what that word means to me. As a single woman, I want to be pursued--not like a game, but to know that the one pursuing really <i>wants </i>me. </span><br />
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<span class="text Ps-23-6">That pursuit brings a sense of confidence and security with it. My pursuer, Jesus, really does want me.</span><br />
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<span class="text Ps-23-6">In other Bible versions the word used instead of <i>pursue </i>is <b><i>follow</i></b>. I'm not sure that word carries the same weight in my mind. I rather like the idea of the Lord pursuing me.</span><br />
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<span class="text Ps-23-6">The Hebrew word for follow/pursue is actually </span><em id="yui-gen89"><b><a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H7291&t=KJV" target="_blank">radaph</a></b>. </em>Some of the words used to describe the verb are: Chase, Pursue Ardently, to Run After, to Dog, to Follow Earnestly. I've linked the word to the lexicon if you'd like to read the definition more closely.<br />
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So Jesus chases after me ALL the days of my life with His goodness and unfailing love. Wow! Just wow!!<br />
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<span class="text Ps-23-6"><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog post first appeared on www.themazeofourlives.blogspot.com.
(c) TheMazeOfOurLives 2012-2016.
</div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009489339317713532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288218492223779920.post-44658788935373933932014-08-04T20:06:00.000-05:002014-08-05T06:26:13.771-05:00From Me to WeAn interesting thing has happened in the last month. My vocabulary has slowly changed from saying <span style="font-size: large;"><i>I </i></span>and <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Me</i></span> to <i><span style="font-size: large;">Us</span> </i>and <i><span style="font-size: large;">We</span></i>. I'm not sure exactly when that happened, but it evolved slowly.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XCsuZpwA9IE/U-AseOAe7XI/AAAAAAAABg0/nOkxwhCvEh8/s1600/phil+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XCsuZpwA9IE/U-AseOAe7XI/AAAAAAAABg0/nOkxwhCvEh8/s1600/phil+3.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
After several decades of doing life solo...<br />
<br />
After years of waiting and wondering...<br />
<br />
After many years of praying and trusting...<br />
<br />
God has allowed a very special man to come into my life. That's how my vocabulary changed from saying <i>Me </i>to <i>We</i>.<br />
<br />
It's a rather unusual thing of which to take notice. Most people would probably never consider such a change as significant. However, when one [namely me] is used to always riding off in the sunset like the Lone Ranger <b>ALL. THE. TIME. </b>doing whatever I want to for years on end, it is a curious notion to stop and consider someone else.<br />
<br />
On this blog which I have called <a href="http://www.themazeofourlives.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Maze of Our Lives</a>, I have always tried to write about the things that I learn about life--the things God is teaching me. I've been rather quiet the past few months, though. Amazingly, I still have visitors stopping by this blog (thank you).<br />
<br />
One of the reasons I have blogged less and less is that my life has been changing. Since May there has been planning a move for a family member, the actual moving/road trip, and part-time caring for a family member. That's in addition to a full-time job. And then there is this other new thing: dating.<br />
<br />
Both of these circumstances have taught me things about relationships. Allowing people into our everyday lives can present challenges to the status quo. Each situation has taught me how to be patient and understanding. I have been learning to prioritize my time and consider others needs ahead of my own. Each situation has also enriched my life as I step out of the bubble I've lived in for so long.<br />
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Paul's words to the Philippians is quite fitting. He's reminding them to be more like Christ. Paul says in chapter 2, verses 3- 5...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text Phil-2-3" id="en-NASB-29395">"Do nothing from<sup> </sup><sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NASB-29395b" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-29395b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]"></sup>selfishness or empty conceit, </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text Phil-2-3" id="en-NASB-29395">but with humility of mind regard one another </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text Phil-2-3" id="en-NASB-29395">as more important than yourselves; </span> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>do not merely look out for your own personal interests, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>but also for the interests of others. </i><i><sup class="versenum"></sup> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Have this attitude <sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NASB-29397c" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-29397c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]"></sup>in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Jesus surrendered his privileges in order to serve others. And the point of it all...<br />
<br />
To shine brightly with the love of Christ so that others can see...<span class="text Phil-2-13" id="en-NASB-29405"></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Phil-2-13" id="en-NASB-29405"><i>"...it is God who is at work in you, </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Phil-2-13" id="en-NASB-29405"><i>both to will and to work for His good pleasure" </i>(Phil 2:13).</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text Phil-2-13" id="en-NASB-29405">I have been blessed by these changes and am grateful to have watched how God has worked out all the little details to make these things happen for His good pleasure. I hope through these changes that I can shine brightly for others to see Christ at work!</span></div>
<span class="text Phil-2-13" id="en-NASB-29405"><br /></span>
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<span class="text Phil-2-13" id="en-NASB-29405"><br /></span>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog post first appeared on www.themazeofourlives.blogspot.com.
(c) TheMazeOfOurLives 2012-2016.
</div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009489339317713532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288218492223779920.post-89371591390856495602014-07-07T20:33:00.000-05:002014-07-07T20:33:39.084-05:00Gravity<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-et6SBSvfHOU/U7tClaj3JiI/AAAAAAAABgE/czKPoiTra8A/s1600/wile+e+coyote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-et6SBSvfHOU/U7tClaj3JiI/AAAAAAAABgE/czKPoiTra8A/s1600/wile+e+coyote.jpg" height="264" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Source Unknown</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I was amused by this cartoon featuring a beloved cartoon character. Anyone who ever watched this cartoon will immediately recognize the truth in how the coyote always seemed to defy gravity. He was lighter than air until he looked down at the ground miles below. At that point, he fell like a rock down, down, down until he hit the ground. Eventually the coyote walked away from the fall and chased the road runner again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After I saw this cartoon I immediately thought of Peter when he stepped out of the boat to take that gravity defying walk on water toward Jesus (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+14%3A22-33&version=NLT" target="_blank">Matthew 14:22-33</a>). Peter stepped out in faith, but when he took his eyes off Jesus he immediately began to sink into the water. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I don't have any great revelation to share here. This was just another reminder to me that sometimes Jesus asks us to "defy gravity" and step out in faith, trusting Him. When those moments come, <b>we just have to keep our eyes on Jesus and trust that if we sink, He will be there to pick us up.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog post first appeared on www.themazeofourlives.blogspot.com.
(c) TheMazeOfOurLives 2012-2016.
</div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009489339317713532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288218492223779920.post-78822322175722774432014-06-03T07:14:00.003-05:002014-06-03T17:54:17.838-05:00You Love Me AnywayI was driving home from work and listening to the radio. I listened to a few songs then changed the channel. A song came on the radio that I've heard many times before, but as I listened closely to the words it brought tears to my eyes. Good tears.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>"But, You love me anyway."</b></div>
<br />
Isn't that what we all want? We just want to be loved for ourselves, in spite of our faults, our imperfections, our poor choices, our dumb quirks, our lies, our jealousy, our pride, and so on.<br />
<br />
There is only One who can love me that perfectly. Only Jesus can love me when I keep making the same mistakes over and over, when I keep doubting Him, when I ignore Him and put other things ahead of Him.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>"It’s like nothing in life that I’ve ever known."</b></div>
<br />
Yes, Jesus does love me anyway. Just let that thought soak in to your soul.<br />
<br />
I was reminded of the Apostle Peter. He loved Jesus with all his heart. Yet, when it came right down to choosing between his own life and Jesus, Peter chose to save himself. Not once, but three times. Peter...well, I can't even imagine how he felt after that. I can only fathom the depths of despair running through his heart. Peter must have felt lower than low. How could you truly love someone and then--to use current vernacular--throw them under the bus when their life depended on it?<br />
<br />
The best part of the story is that Jesus loved Peter anyway. Then He gave Peter an opportunity to openly profess his love for Jesus publicly. At the Sea of Galilee <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+21&version=NLT" target="_blank">Jesus appeared to the disciples while they were fishing</a> (John 21). After Jesus cooked breakfast for the guys, he asked Peter three times, <span class="text John-21-15" id="en-NLT-26879"><span class="woj">"Simon son of John, do you love me?" Did you notice Jesus used Peter's former name when He asked this question? (Interesting.) </span></span><br />
<span class="text John-21-15" id="en-NLT-26879"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text John-21-15" id="en-NLT-26879"><span class="woj">Jesus loved Peter anyway and Peter went on to do great things in Jesus' name. Jesus also loves me and you anyway--no matter what we've done.</span></span><br />
<span class="text John-21-15" id="en-NLT-26879"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/y8BBCYFAYRI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text John-21-15" id="en-NLT-26879"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Watch the official video of "You Love Me Anyway" by the Sidewalk Prophets</span></span></span></div>
<span class="text John-21-15" id="en-NLT-26879"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text John-21-15" id="en-NLT-26879"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog post first appeared on www.themazeofourlives.blogspot.com.
(c) TheMazeOfOurLives 2012-2016.
</div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009489339317713532noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288218492223779920.post-49711246233127832682014-05-25T19:02:00.000-05:002014-07-06T17:28:03.471-05:00A Time to Cry and a Time to Laugh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6LsRJmJCs3g/U4KArtkbu1I/AAAAAAAABe8/Z9eWuq14L3w/s1600/psalm+147.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6LsRJmJCs3g/U4KArtkbu1I/AAAAAAAABe8/Z9eWuq14L3w/s1600/psalm+147.3.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
I was driving down the road recently and suddenly remembered that I forgot to take something to alleviate the pain in my foot. Twenty minutes earlier I was in my house and preparing to resume my shopping adventure after I made a stop at home to change shoes. But, as my memory is not quite as good as it used to be, I was distracted and forgot. I was already several miles from my house before I realized that I'd forgotten to take that ibuprofen before I left. {sigh}<br />
<br />
I started to reason with myself. Okay, maybe the pain isn't bad enough for me to turn around and go home. I decided to just deal with it and be careful to not overdo it.<br />
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That's when a thought popped into my head. The purpose of pain is to warn the body of a problem. I was reminded of stories I'd read in the past people who are born without the ability to feel pain. Sounds wonderful, right? You might think so, but the problem is that they are susceptible to serious injury. The person who is unable to feel pain would not realize it when they grab a too-hot skillet or when they twist an ankle and keep walking on it until it breaks.<br />
<br />
As I was processing these thoughts my mind recalled another kind of pain: emotional pain. There are many times I would have given anything to not have to feel grief, heartbreak, or hurt feelings.As I compared emotional pain to physical pain, it seemed to me that there were a lot of similarities. Both types of pains are indicators that something is wrong and requires attention. Just as the pain in my foot reminded me to walk carefully and take it easy, emotional pain should be an indicator to attend to whatever is causing that pain.<br />
<br />
The trouble with the emotional pain is that society is uncomfortable with it. So, we're taught to shake it off, dry up the tears, and be tough. Carry on! Be a trooper! As with the physical pain, we seek ways to mask the emotional pain with some sort of pain killer. I won't go into all the ways we (as a society) tend to cover up the emotional pain. I think you get the idea. The point of this is to remind myself and others that emotional pain is a normal part of life.<br />
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<span class="text 2Cor-4-9" id="en-NLT-28829"><br /></span>
Ecclesiastes 3:4 reminds us <span class="text Eccl-3-4" id="en-NLT-17340">that there is...</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="text Eccl-3-4" id="en-NLT-17340">A time to cry and a time to laugh.</span> <span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Eccl-3-4">A time to grieve and a time to dance.</span></span></b></div>
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<br />
<br />
Remember <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+samuel+1&version=NLT" target="_blank">Hannah</a>? She was the childless woman in the Bible who felt years of emotional pain. Being childless in those days was considered a disgrace. It didn't help that her husband had another wife who was able to give him children. Hannah deeply desired to give her husband a child and she prayed about it for years. She cried and she even refused to eat. Each time she went to the temple, she prayed about her heartache. Hannah was so distraught that she became outwardly emotional about it as she talked to God. The priest was observing her from a distance and thought Hannah must have been drinking because she was that upset as she prayed!<br />
<br />
The Bible reminds us that...<br />
<br />
The <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> is close to the <b>brokenhearted</b>; he rescues those whose<br />
spirits are crushed. (Ps. 34:18)<br />
<br />
He heals the <b>brokenhearted</b> and bandages their wounds. (Ps. 147:3)<br />
<br />
The Spirit of the Sovereign <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> is upon me, for the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> has anointed me<br />
to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the <b>brokenhearted</b><br />
and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. (Is. 61:1)<br />
<br />
Paul reminds us in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians+1:7-9&version=NLT" target="_blank">2 Corinthians</a> that "<b>they were crushed and overwhelmed </b><br />
<b> beyond their ability to endure</b>" but they learned to rely on God during this time.<br />
And he goes on to say in chapter 4, verses 8 and 9 that...<br />
<br />
<span class="text 2Cor-4-8" id="en-NLT-28828">"We are <b>pressed on every side by troubles</b>, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, </span><br />
<span class="text 2Cor-4-8" id="en-NLT-28828"> but not driven to despair.</span> <span class="text 2Cor-4-9" id="en-NLT-28829">We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. <b> </b></span><br />
<span class="text 2Cor-4-9" id="en-NLT-28829"><b> We get knocked down, but we </b></span><b><span class="text 2Cor-4-9" id="en-NLT-28829"></span></b><span class="text 2Cor-4-9" id="en-NLT-28829"><b>are not destroyed</b>."</span><br />
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<br />
<span class="text 2Cor-4-9" id="en-NLT-28829">To be perfectly honest, my first reaction is not to embrace the pain and allow God to truly heal the emotional pain. More often than not I lean toward feeling overwhelmed and crushed. I want Him to take the pain away. I want it to just go away. God could take it away, but He may want to use the pain as part of the healing process. If I seek ways to mask or avoid the pain I may delay healing. </span><br />
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As I was drafting this post, I read the following quote in <i>Streams in the Desert...</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>"God seems to use the pressure of pain to trample out the </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>fulfillment of His promises and thereby release the sweetest juice </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>of His winepress. Only those who have known sorrow can </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>fully appreciate the great tenderness of the 'man of sorrows.'" </b></div>
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It's comforting to know that Jesus understands our emotional pain. He wept over the death of his friend Lazarus. He also experienced the pain of rejection. So Jesus can certainly relate to any sort of pain you or I may experience.<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog post first appeared on www.themazeofourlives.blogspot.com.
(c) TheMazeOfOurLives 2012-2016.
</div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009489339317713532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288218492223779920.post-678646138128845172014-05-10T09:08:00.000-05:002015-04-05T10:25:35.819-05:00Absence and Disappointments<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I haven't done a lot of writing lately. The last time I posted on this blog (about six weeks ago) I alluded to some things going on in my life that kept me busy, but also some things that were <a href="http://themazeofourlives.blogspot.com/2014/03/faith-lets-take-test-drive.html" target="_blank">testing my faith</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have written only a little in my personal journal. Friends on Facebook may have noticed that I don't write/post as often there either. The easy answer is to say that I have gotten out of the habit of writing. Truth. <b>But I've also been struggling to put words to what's been going on inside of me lately.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Each time I think to myself that I should write, I procrastinate and avoid thinking about it. I busy myself with anything else. I suppose avoidance is the main reason I haven't been writing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Today I decided to go back to the beginning of this blog and read <a href="http://themazeofourlives.blogspot.com/2012/04/gods-timing.html" target="_blank">the first post</a>. It reminded me why I started this blog. I felt as if God was leading me to share things that I was learning as I journeyed through my life. Writing was as much for my own benefit (therapy) as it was for anyone else. I had no idea whether anyone would ever read my blog anyway. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">You see, when I started this blog I was recovering from a broken heart over a failed relationship. To maintain some privacy, I have never mentioned that fact before on this blog. I also didn't want my blog to be all about that. I chose to write in general enough terms so that anyone going through difficult circumstances could relate. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The broken heart from two years ago has healed--mostly. I still struggle at times. I won't go into what's happened in the past two years because you can read previous posts on this blog and figure that out. To sum it up it has been a time of waiting, of learning, of praying, of more waiting, and this cycle has continued. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">During these past two years my relationship with Jesus has grown exponentially. I once had a spiritual mentor ask me if I had known what was going to happen before I met this guy, would I still have gone through with it? The answer then was yes. The answer now is still yes. <b>Pain and all, Jesus is still worth it and He's made use of everything I went through.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Two months ago marked the two year anniversary of when that relationship officially ended. Something else changed about that time. This guy, who I still considered a friend, completely disappeared from my life. I had limited contact with him and we did not live in the same city so we never saw each other. However, without any explanation, he suddenly cut off all contact with me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Why should I care? Trust me. This doesn't make any sense without all the back story. But, having that door finally and completely closed like that was like a mild earthquake in my life. Yes, earth-shattering describes it. You see, I did not get the closure that I desired, that I had sincerely hoped and prayed for.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Yes, I had fervently prayed for some closure with this man--to clear the air--and had hoped to see that come to fruition. We had been good friends and I wanted to see that friendship return. When that door closed--and God allowed it to be closed--it was upsetting. After pondering my feelings of why I was so upset, I finally came to realize that my feelings were hurt. Not just by this guy, but by God. <b>The truth was that I was disappointed in God.</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This disappointment caused me to emotionally shut down in God's presence. Oh, I still read my Bible, I continued to read devotionals and attend church. I even prayed...some. Frankly, I was demoralized. I had lost some confidence and hope in God. When I was believing in Him for something I thought was a good thing and the answer I wanted did not materialize, it shook my faith. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">When it came to praying and asking God for anything I had come to a place of thinking to myself, <i>What's the point? Why should I pray? He'll just say no again.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It reminded me of the time I asked a simple favor of a supervisor and I fully expected a <i>yes </i>based on our relationship and the fact that I rarely asked for favors like this. However, this one time I got a <i>no</i>. It was surprising and disappointing. It made me rethink my relationship with that supervisor and fearful of asking for favors ever again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Where this situation with God was concerned, in my head I knew that I wasn't thinking correctly. But, my heart was disappointed and confused. My relationship with Jesus had grown to a point of knowing what to expect of Him. So when I didn't get the answer I expected, it was very confusing. I began to question everything that I had been through the past two years and I questioned my intimate relationship with Jesus. It really has been a time of soul-searching.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Then one day a few weeks ago I was scrolling through Facebook and happened to see a quote from an author that I follow. It said, "<i><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">…the
miracles in the authentic Gospels are about love, not power...Although
Jesus’ miracles were far too selective to solve every human
disappointment, they served as signs of his mission, previews of what
God would someday do for all creation." </span></i><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">The quote came from a book titled <i>Disappointment With God</i> by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PhilipYancey" target="_blank">Philip Yancy</a>. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">That was it! Seeing that quote and book title helped define what I'd been feeling for several weeks. I bought the e-book and have been reading it. I have found myself nodding in agreement over some of the things I'm reading. I've also found myself very convicted as I realize that this whole life isn't all about me. <b>This has forced me to look at this world from God's perspective and imagine His disappointment with these people He created and how we always fall short.</b> Imagine His disappointment with me! Wow. Talk about turning the tables on the situation!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I won't pretend that everything is "all better now." I am still working through all of these issues with God. I am still healing and learning and processing. And I have to remember to keep my hope in Christ and not in the outcome of a particular request. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Keeping it real...</span></span><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog post first appeared on www.themazeofourlives.blogspot.com.
(c) TheMazeOfOurLives 2012-2016.
</div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009489339317713532noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288218492223779920.post-75249739503705877472014-03-29T18:51:00.000-05:002014-03-29T18:51:24.273-05:00Faith: Let's Take a Test Drive<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldC6xWRbLag/UGJitRWg5nI/AAAAAAAAAlI/WxCcVAHvt4k/s1600/Heb+11.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldC6xWRbLag/UGJitRWg5nI/AAAAAAAAAlI/WxCcVAHvt4k/s1600/Heb+11.1.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Faith seems to be the theme running through my life during the past few weeks. I've been learning about what simple faith means from a variety of sources. And even in the midst of the academic portion of learning, I'm receiving some hands-on training. It's pretty much like God is saying, "You've got the facts now so let's give this puppy a test drive!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Consequently, I haven't been blogging lately because of these tests of faith.
Processing through these events have taken a lot of my mental energy. I've also been using
more of my free time to pour into a lovely group of single women. In return, they have been pouring back into my life. What a blessing! I'll put in a quick plug for the <a href="http://www.incourage.me/community" target="_blank">(in)courage community groups</a>. If you aren't part of one, you really should join! </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So I have been pondering some things in my heart <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202:19" target="_blank">much like Mary</a> did after she observed the reaction of the shepherds and heard what the angel said to them following the birth of Jesus. She was quite amazed to hear what these people had to say about her son and wanted to preserve these things in her mind.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The things I'm pondering are not nearly as great. But, as I grapple with this issue of simple faith and apply what I'm learning to present circumstances, it does leave me to wonder at times what is happening. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I think <i>testing </i>is probably an accurate way to describe what's going on. I've written about <a href="http://themazeofourlives.blogspot.com/search/label/Testing" target="_blank">testing </a>in previous blog posts, but I have a new level of appreciation for it now. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">You see, I've been sincerely praying for answers to several issues close to my heart. It seems that those issues which are most important to me--translated as I've been praying extra hard--have actually gotten worse. So the more I prayed about them, extended my faith, and trusted God with the outcome, it seems the farther away from an answer I've gotten. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I think it's no coincidence that the more I dig in and trust God, the harder it's gotten. Satan wants me to become discouraged and give up on God, to think He's not listening. But, as a spiritual mentor of mine pointed out recently...</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Faith takes possession </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">by anticipation of </span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">God's provision.</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am believing God will provide an answer. When? How? I don't know. It's His agenda and not mine. I have to be okay with the sovereignty of God. But I will keep praying.</span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog post first appeared on www.themazeofourlives.blogspot.com.
(c) TheMazeOfOurLives 2012-2016.
</div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009489339317713532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288218492223779920.post-62268880771063819682014-03-03T17:17:00.000-06:002014-06-12T19:16:17.130-05:00Expectations vs. Reality<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>"I've done everything you've asked. So you can give me what I want now."</b></div>
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Have you ever said anything like that to God? My guess is probably not in so many words. Naturally, we know better than to be demanding in that way. Right? (You're nodding your head right now, I hope.) But, maybe we secretly do expect God to respond that way.<br />
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This past weekend I watched a livestream of a <a href="http://new.livestream.com/redeemer-nyc/single" target="_blank">singles conference</a> from Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC. They had several good speakers, but one in particular said some things that resonated with me. She talked about life plans. As a young adult, she'd mapped out her life, but it seems as if her expectations did not meet her reality. She was still single when she'd planned to be married with children by now.<br />
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Imagine these scenarios:<br />
<ul>
<li>You studied for a career, but ended up in a different profession. </li>
<li>You had intentions of moving to a particular house/neighborhood/city, but ended up in your 3rd or 4th choice. </li>
<li>You were sure you would be married by a certain age, but find yourself still single.</li>
<li>You would have 2 or 3 children by the age of 35, but your house is still empty.</li>
<li>You planned to travel abroad or be a missionary, but somewhere along the way those dreams are still unfulfilled.</li>
</ul>
You get the picture. If you haven't imagined your own scenario by now, take a few minutes to think about it. We all have these great plans, but sometimes life doesn't align itself to match our plans. Sometimes these plans are really good things, yet hopes and desires remain unfulfilled. <br />
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<br />
The thing that really struck a chord with me was when the speaker talked about bargaining with God. It's easy to fall into this perception that if I'm doing all the right things--pursuing God, putting God first, reading my Bible regularly, praying--that it's a given that these expectations would be finally be fulfilled. You know, Do this + this = That. That's the way life works. We have a sense of entitlement after we've done "all the right things" so we think to ourselves, <i>surely now that I've done these things, God will finally give me my heart's desires.</i><br />
<br />
Another week goes by...<br />
Another month goes by...<br />
Another year goes by...<br />
<br />
and that desire still hasn't been fulfilled. Then what? We start to question God. We start to question ourselves. We compare our lives to others. We may even try to manipulate circumstances, make changes, or simply take over and do it ourselves. <br />
<br />
The speaker shared this quote from John Newton:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>"Everything is necessary that God sends our way.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Nothing can be necessary that He withholds."</b></div>
<br />
This quote is profound, yet makes me uncomfortable. These things that I find "necessary" may not be necessary in God's design. I'm still processing that thought. But what all of this reminds me of is a simple Bible verse that God continues to put in my path, and has done so quite a lot lately.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">For I know</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">the plans</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">that I have for you.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">They are plans for good</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">and not for disaster</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">to give you a future </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">and a hope. </span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">- Jer. 29:11</span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(I broke up the verse this way to cause the reader to stop and consider each of these phrases. I recommend reading it several times this way.)</span><br />
<br />
Most of the time I've stopped reading right there at the end of verse 11. But last week Im my devotional reading the next two verses were tacked onto this. They really stood out to me:<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In those days when you pray, I will listen.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. </span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">- Jer. 29:12-13</span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
Yes, God has plans for me. He knows the plans and they are good plans. He knows exactly when to unfold these plans for me. In the meantime, I need to keep working on really knowing the One who is in charge of those plans, praying to Him. God is listening even when it seems He isn't. I just need to keep looking to Him. It's there that I will find my Hope. My hope is not in the outcome, it's in the One who is in charge of the outcome. <br />
<br />
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<br />
Linking up with <a href="http://thebarnprincess.com/2014/06/the-single-life-single-dreaming/">TheBarnPrincess.com</a>:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o4yNIEMwLRo/U5pCeR4QmPI/AAAAAAAABfw/l6MYGSavRH0/s1600/TheSingleLife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o4yNIEMwLRo/U5pCeR4QmPI/AAAAAAAABfw/l6MYGSavRH0/s1600/TheSingleLife.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thebarnprincess.com/2014/06/the-single-life-single-dreaming/"></a><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog post first appeared on www.themazeofourlives.blogspot.com.
(c) TheMazeOfOurLives 2012-2016.
</div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009489339317713532noreply@blogger.com0