tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29943563451282437042024-03-05T05:35:08.429-08:00transformechrista jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904856056253964078noreply@blogger.comBlogger234125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994356345128243704.post-33528994754183399572015-07-20T20:56:00.003-07:002015-08-03T07:53:51.922-07:00I Need Water (A Woman at the Well Story)<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXEgoGIa2tD_Lk301AcKALlJMQGElqOmMaVIQmCqOi3zGWPc_qj_UhDJ6DoqXx1qwTHmaBh4n7xI12IOPSowAyjTQ4gQyOPx5TNbme19esrpuDt1qVN2t0ZXD931f1WdhdjjBLM3NKNg/s640/blogger-image-1804160013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXEgoGIa2tD_Lk301AcKALlJMQGElqOmMaVIQmCqOi3zGWPc_qj_UhDJ6DoqXx1qwTHmaBh4n7xI12IOPSowAyjTQ4gQyOPx5TNbme19esrpuDt1qVN2t0ZXD931f1WdhdjjBLM3NKNg/s320/blogger-image-1804160013.jpg" width="320"></a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I come to this well every day. Every day I wait until noon when no one else will see me. I pull my veil close, this veil of shame that covers me, smothers me. I am an outcast. But, I need water, so I keep coming back, drop the bucket down into the depths. Some days, I think of dropping myself into the cool darkness, letting the water cover me.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But, today, something was different…</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I saw a man sitting here by the well, and froze in my tracks, thought of turning back. It is obvious he is a Jew and that may mean trouble (for Jews do not think highly of us), but I need water. I pull my veil closer, steeling myself for the words that will surely come. I avert my eyes hoping just to be ignored. And, then he speaks.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Give me a drink.” </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What? Did I hear him right?</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I dare not look at his face, but I make some retort about being a Samaritan AND a woman, and</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> why</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is he asking me this? Is he here only to torment me like so many others?</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My thoughts drift back over my life and the failure of it all. So much rejection at the hands of men. I don’t even care anymore. It is hard to feel anything anymore. It is hard to keep going on, trudging through the pain. Is anything worth living for? I am not worth much I know, and I give myself away as if I am free.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My thoughts are interrupted as I hear him talking to me again and now he is saying something about having some sort of Living Water that I know not of and that I will never thirst again and that it will well up within me, continually flowing into eternal life and if I had only known who he was, I would have asked it of him...</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What is he saying? </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I finally glance up and am held by his gaze. Those eyes. A kind voice. Who IS this man? And, I’m not even sure I understand, but something is happening inside of me and I cannot help this longing that almost consumes me, so I blurt out,</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Sir, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">give</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> me this water, so that I may never be thirsty nor have to come to this well ever again!”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At this, he says,</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Go call your husband and come back here.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My heart sinks. Ah, yes. Back to the reality of who I am. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rejected. Worthless. Divorced. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The shame envelopes me again as I dejectedly answer, </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“I have no husband.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I hear him saying, </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Truly you have spoken, for you have had five husbands and the man you are living with now is not your husband.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I glance up at him but I do not see judgment in his eyes. I don’t know why I feel this way, but I don’t want to disappoint him. I am still cautious and so I decide to test him a little,</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> “Well, Sir, I see that you are a prophet.” </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I don’t stop there but ask a loaded question, hoping to change the subject from my relationship problems:</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Our forefathers worshipped on this mountain, but you [Jews] say that Jerusalem is where it is </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">proper</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to worship.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As he answers, he speaks of a time coming, and is now come when genuine worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth and that the Father is </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">seeking</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> those who will worship this way. I see that he is not waylaid by my impertinence, but that there seems to be a passion for what he speaks of.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I still don’t quite understand and I am becoming weary. I need to draw more water, so I say with resignation,</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“I know that the Messiah is coming, He Who is called the Christ: and when He arrives, He will tell us everything we need to know and make it clear to us.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And, then he says words that send shivers down my spine:</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“I, Who now speak with you, am He.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In that instant, I know. I know Who this man is!</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, I drop my pitcher and run.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I run from my old life and all of it's pain.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I tell all the people,</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Come meet the One who knows. He told me everything I ever did! Can this not be the Christ?”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And all the people are running.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And the tears of joy are running down my face as I finally know that I have found the One whom my soul was longing for. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have finally encountered the One who would make me whole.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He had the water I needed all along. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwmAn0SePpr-_-W-_k0dEINjGWEphFYwvvZmi0S0OTWVhlBzceJ3Kdnj3bVF4FaPENF15lC_KfVOHbX9Qey5r2xvIpLc1cpGkITLKpa4LuAJvZZat-APTWF3D7ca7yngj_SqX3wNtJ5c/s640/blogger-image--1759210710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwmAn0SePpr-_-W-_k0dEINjGWEphFYwvvZmi0S0OTWVhlBzceJ3Kdnj3bVF4FaPENF15lC_KfVOHbX9Qey5r2xvIpLc1cpGkITLKpa4LuAJvZZat-APTWF3D7ca7yngj_SqX3wNtJ5c/s320/blogger-image--1759210710.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">~ christa jean</span></i></div>
<br>christa jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904856056253964078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994356345128243704.post-13092785893430754952014-03-25T16:58:00.000-07:002014-04-01T07:44:23.195-07:00The Truth Really Does Set Us Free.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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"I am a terrible Mother" flits through my mind, just as I am drifting off to sleep. Sigh.<br>
Commence restless sleeping.<br>
<br>
This was me last night.<br>
I must say, it has been a looooooooong time since this has happened. Maybe even dating back to <a href="http://transforme-cc.blogspot.com/2013/10/when-your-best-efforts-fail.html" target="_blank">the last time I wrestled with accusing thoughts.</a><br>
<br>
But, that wasn't the only thought in there. When I took the time to jot down my thoughts this morning, to expose them to The Light, I came up with a much longer list:<br>
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"I am an unloving Mother."<br>
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"I am a tyrant."<br>
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"I feel like I'm taking crazy pills."<br>
<br>
"I feel like I'm repeatedly bashing my head against a wall in regards to teaching my kids how to be disciplined." <br>
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"I can't keep it all together."<br>
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"How can I possibly balance being a good wife, mother, daughter, friend, pastor, AND businesswoman?"<br>
<br>
Now, normally, I would have just let that be it, and meditated on negativity, feasted on these lies.<br>
But, not so today.<br>
<br>
Instead, I decided to combat each of those statements with God's TRUTH.<br>
<br>
This phrase has been resurfacing time and again in my head. I finally put it to paper...<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGDmaxH91gT7vaAUieTmTmWhhu81hXUO9rO0iocyatUfnc7NTLTs8jgSMOR98dTgAcKMnAIg_FyYt407PE1AsljUaCHPyeDt_AmtFYErjAc_KEhzdBHKNoLqkCr6_Kz-MwWdJkYQmEhw/s640/blogger-image--1686776997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGDmaxH91gT7vaAUieTmTmWhhu81hXUO9rO0iocyatUfnc7NTLTs8jgSMOR98dTgAcKMnAIg_FyYt407PE1AsljUaCHPyeDt_AmtFYErjAc_KEhzdBHKNoLqkCr6_Kz-MwWdJkYQmEhw/s400/blogger-image--1686776997.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
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Say it again. Say it out loud. Make it personal!<br>
"For <b><i>every</i></b> LIE in my mind, there is a TRUTH in God's Word to counteract it."<br>
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So, this is what I did.<br>
Underneath each of those lies, I wrote a truth from God's Word. It went something like this...<br>
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"I am an unloving Mother."<br>
<b>NO. "The love of God has been shed abroad in my heart." (Romans 5:5) </b><br>
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"I am a tyrant."<br>
<b>NO. "I am a Child of God." (1 John 3:2) </b><br>
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"I feel like I'm taking crazy pills."<br>
<b>NO. "God has given me a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7) </b><br>
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"I feel like I'm repeatedly bashing my head against a wall in regards to teaching my kids how to be disciplined."<br>
<b>NO. "My children shall be taught by the Lord and great shall be their peace." (Isaiah 54:13)</b><br>
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"I can't keep it all together."<br>
<b>NO. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)</b><br>
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"There is no way I can possibly balance being a good wife, mother, daughter, friend, pastor, AND businesswoman."<br>
<b>NO. "He generously gives wisdom to those who ask of Him." (James 1:5)</b><br>
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These were the first verses to come to mind, but there are any number of verses that would fit in each slot.<div><br></div><div>I see two keys in learning to combat the lies:<br>
The <b><i>first</i></b> <i><b>key</b></i> is: writing the truth, reciting the truth, meditating on the truth, and letting the "implanted Word save your soul." (James 1:21) Your soul, which houses your mind, your will, your emotions, yeah, it desperately needs the TRUTH.<br>
<br>The <b><i>seond</i></b> <b><i>key</i></b> is: finding a trusted sister to confess these thoughts to, and being vulnerable with her. "Confess your faults to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed." (James 5:16) We really do need each other.</div><div><br>
<i>Lord, forgive me for entertaining these lies about myself even for a nanosecond. Let truth prevail in my life in every area.</i><br>
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Are you ready to counteract some of the lies you've been listening to?<br>
Tell me what they are in the comments, I would love to pray for you! <br>
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<b>~ <i>christa jean</i></b><br>
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This post, <a href="http://transforme-cc.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-truth-really-does-set-us-free.html" target="_blank">The Truth Really Does Set Us Free</a>, first appeared on <a href="http://transforme-cc.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Transforme</a>.<b><i> </i></b><br>
<br></div>christa jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904856056253964078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994356345128243704.post-59030049027195525532014-02-19T15:20:00.000-08:002014-02-19T15:20:14.092-08:00Chalk It Up.<br />
I seem to like to go months between blogging.<br />
I rationalize this with, "I have nothing that profound to say right now. Or, even if I did, I don't want to take the time to type it all up and make it look rad."<br />
But, then I think, "So what! Do it anyway!" Besides, who would want to read a blog that's all heavy all the time? Not me, haha.<br />
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Here's a quick little project that I've been meaning to do for a long time and I finally got it done!<br />
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Enter IKEA 5 drawer storage unit (not sure if they still sell these).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ikea.com/PIAimages/35776_PE126674_S4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" class="irc_mut" src="http://www.ikea.com/PIAimages/35776_PE126674_S4.jpg" height="400" id="irc_mi" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It comes in this natural wood tone, which, when I bought it eons ago, I disliked and quickly painted it white.<br />
I like the natural quality now. Oh, how our tastes change!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here it is partially white, partially painted. I grabbed a quart of chalkboard paint from Walmart for $9.99, I believe. Super easy to paint, and after 24 hours curing, you just "prime" it with a dusting of chalk.<br />
Oh, how I love the feeling of smoothing paint on an item. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here it is, all pretty like, in it's place on the desktop. Just a word of advice? Spell check yourself BEFORE you snap the picture. This version of "stationary" means "fixed in a position," which is NOT "stationery: personalized writing materials." Haha</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinF2bt9LOAbPutyZKbvvAOlzYgu3oF39EFYOGL38bse6OK0k29AJrWp3ZVPRZNFuYO_g9k0CoawyZaF1YYwsZn5sW-rmkchB9q7yC3-8R6T4FT1MSXYLAIRGKL0gRWHvY4B5HaTbIZCf0/s640/blogger-image--971569756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinF2bt9LOAbPutyZKbvvAOlzYgu3oF39EFYOGL38bse6OK0k29AJrWp3ZVPRZNFuYO_g9k0CoawyZaF1YYwsZn5sW-rmkchB9q7yC3-8R6T4FT1MSXYLAIRGKL0gRWHvY4B5HaTbIZCf0/s320/blogger-image--971569756.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For all you Portlandia peeps, just put a bird on it.<br />
Turquoise tray - Target, white tape dispenser - Walmart, and "Keep Calm" paper weight - World Market <br />
(Also, ignore under the desk, haha)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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And, there you have it! I just love when a space makes sense and is <b>usable</b>. <br />
Now, to keep it clean...<br />
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~ <span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>christa jean</i></span><br />
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<br />christa jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904856056253964078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994356345128243704.post-80545248170273424502013-10-10T20:27:00.000-07:002013-11-12T23:05:53.274-08:00When Your Best Efforts Seem to Fail.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Sometimes I think I measure my life by my failures. The moments I have failed add up to hours add up to days add up to weeks add up to months add up to years add up to a lifetime of despair and hopelessness. Sounds like a morbid existence to me.</span></div>
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An existence that is certainly fading into the past. </div>
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A few months back, I had the opportunity to deliver a meal to a family who had just had a new baby. I had all the ingredients in my cart for a delicious four course dinner. Stroll through the checkout line. Panic because I can't find my wallet. Quickly recall my beloved toddler taking it out of my purse and bringing it to me on the couch. Yes, there it sits. I can see it in my mind's eye. Embarrassed. Drive away without my groceries, go find said wallet and drive back to the store. With five kids.</div>
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That is a small mistake, but one that would affect me as a failure anyway. It would add to the case built against me that I am a floundering, disorganized, chaotic mother who struggles. Who struggles keeping the laundry from looming like an unsurmountable peak. Who stomps her foot like a two year old. Who hollers. Who can't seem to blog to save her life (I know, epic world problems, y'all) and when she does try to blog, she ends up wasting half a day. Who looks forward to bedtime and sometimes rushes through it. Who pushes the snooze button too many times. Who can't seem to plan meals for more than a week and then goes to the store and can't stick within the budget allotted to her. Who goes to buy ingredients for a blessing meal and ends up spending $100 for just one meal?</div>
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Whoever built this case against me anyway? And why was it given any legal ground?</div>
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There is one who is named Accuser, Deceiver, Hater. He preys upon our minds when given an entrance.</div>
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Why do I even listen to him?</div>
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Oh, I know! He speaks in half truths. So, the thoughts seem to be true projections of what I really already am and what I am stuck being.</div>
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There was a moment of revelation that I had a while back. (Cue Lightning Bolt!) I was turning in to bed for the night and the thoughts of my day were passing through my head. Nay, they were the thoughts of every. single. thing <b>I had done wrong</b> that day. I realized in that moment, that I listened to these same thoughts just about every night. It was like scrolling down a list, "Did that wrong, check. Was too harsh there, yup. Missed that opportunity, gosh. Totally flipped out over that minuscule thing, dang it!"</div>
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My old pattern would have been to flow from these thoughts into hatred toward myself.</div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The thoughts of "I hate what I do" would very quickly morph into, "I hate who I am."</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><i>When I begin to hate who I am - my very existence - I begin to hate the I AM, who created my very existence</i></b>.</span></div>
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Now, I am not saying that I should totally ignore these thoughts that come to me in the night, some of them did need my attention, some of them were real sins. Some needed attentive repentance. And, friends? Repentance in humility breaks the back of the enemy. That case will no longer have any legal grounds to torment you. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">"Father, forgive me, I did not treasure the gifts you have given me today. I did not love the least of these. I was self-serving. I repent..."</span></div>
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What I <i><b>am</b></i> saying is I must shut up the voice of the Accuser in my mind. Holy Spirit conviction is one thing, it leads to repentance. Condemnation is another thing, and it only leads to spiritual death.</div>
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Remember beautiful <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/ann-voskamp/" target="_blank">Ann and her perpetual counting of daily gifts and how it makes you 25% happier?</a> </div>
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The next day I woke up and decided that I needed to rehearse what GOOD things I have done during the day.</div>
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Here are a few of my recent ones: </div>
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~ Crafts done with my girls, check!</div>
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~ Letting the girls decorate for fall and not trying to CONTROL EVERYTHING!</div>
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~ Read books to the neglected four year old.</div>
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~ Took the time at bedtime with the one who always wants more time</div>
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~ I posted some of the girl's jewelry in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/transforme" target="_blank">our little shop</a></div>
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~ I actually encouraged someone today!</div>
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Even better? Rehearsing the good things HE does!</div>
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~ He sets the lonely in families... {Psalm 68:6}</div>
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~ He will be with us always, even to the end of the age... {Matt 28:20}</div>
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~ His desire is for NONE to perish... {2 Peter 3:9}</div>
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~ He loves to give good gifts... {James 1:16-18}</div>
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~ He does not leave us helpless... {Hebrews 13:5}</div>
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That list? Barely scratches the surface.</div>
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Phew. Take a breath. Breathe in His grace and mercy.</div>
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Have you been listening to the Accuser too? It's time to stop.</div>
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<i><span class="text Phil-4-8">"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."</span></i></div>
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<i>{Phil 4:8}</i></div>
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How do we overcome this venomous enemy? We listen to the truth. We wash our brains in the cleansing flow.</div>
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<b><i>When you feel like a failure, fall into His arms. </i></b></div>
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Take that list of wrongs done by you, repent for what you need to, forgive yourself, <u>receive His forgiveness</u>, command that evil voice to leave in Jesus name.</div>
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Christ-in-you-the-hope-of-glory? Yeah, He never lets go.</div>
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~ <i>christa jean</i></div>
christa jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904856056253964078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994356345128243704.post-18623947225112925892013-03-21T22:39:00.000-07:002013-03-21T22:45:36.585-07:00What Would Carter Do?<div style="text-align: left;">
Lately, I've found myself given over to lazy whims and desires.</div>
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Take tonight. </div>
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My husband is gone at rehearsal, I am alone with kids. The dishes are piled up, the laundry is piled up. What's a girl to do? </div>
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Avoid them like the plague.</div>
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Then, I got to thinking about my sweet husband and how servant-hearted he is. He does my dishes every night, people. And, if I'm upstairs folding laundry, he comes and helps me do that after the dishes are done.</div>
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There I was, standing in the kitchen and I thought, "What would Carter do?"</div>
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He would do the next thing.</div>
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I'd like to say that I did the next best thing and did the dishes to bless him.</div>
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But, honestly, and here's my grand excuse, I just wanted to crawl up in my bed after dealing with throw-up all afternoon, the stench of stomach acid still lingering in my nostrils. </div>
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I did however empty all the downstairs garbages, and sweep the floors. Hey, it was something!</div>
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Now, I'm resting in my bed, click-clacking away, while he is downstairs clanging pots and pans.</div>
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Ahhhhhh, tis a delightful sound! I'll thank him later. ;-)</div>
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My husband is someone I admire whole-heartedly. He encourages me, protects me (sometimes from my negative self-talk), spurs me on, loves me on bad hair days, never speaks a harsh word to me, he is always the first one to apologize, and makes me laugh daily. He is a man after God's own heart, he seeks Christ daily, he is a good daddy. I kinda like this guy God granted me. Even more, I kinda want to be like him.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">{hubba hubba}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span> </div>
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Words always have a way of toying with me. They stick there, in the forefront of my mind, like that proverbial piece of spinach lodged in the teeth. And I chew on them.</div>
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The following words have been chewed on quite a bit lately.</div>
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<em><span style="color: #134f5c;">“The difference between an admirer and a follower still remains, </span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #134f5c;">no matter where you are. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #134f5c;">The admirer never makes any true sacrifices. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #134f5c;">He always plays it safe. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #134f5c;"> Though in words, phrases, songs, he is inexhaustible about how highly he prizes Christ,</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #134f5c;"> he renounces nothing, gives up nothing, </span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #134f5c;">will not reconstruct his life, will not be what he admires, </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #134f5c;">and will not let his life express what it is he supposedly admires.” </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #134f5c;">{Soren Kierkegaard}</span></em></div>
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I think about how I know God is nudging me to reconstruct my life (get up earlier, exercise consistently, eat well, teach my children scripture) and how I keep shirking from it.</div>
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I think about what I know I need to give up (as I'm here munching on potato chips), not in some legalistic "deny myself everything pleasurable" insanity, but because, I know to Whom I belong, and I want closer, ever closer to His throne, and further, ever further from the trappings of this world.</div>
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How many times have I thanked and praised God for His awesomeness on Sunday morning, only to speak harshly and rudely to the awesome little child-miracles surrounding me that very night?</div>
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This is not a beat myself down session, it is a "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
And see if there
be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." {Psalm 139:23-24}</div>
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I no longer want to be an admirer. Only a follower.</div>
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My name means "Follower of Christ." </div>
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Thank you, Dad and Mom for the foresight to name me thus. </div>
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I aim to live it.</div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000;">~</span> <em><span style="color: #76a5af;">christa jean</span></em> <span style="color: #bf9000;">~</span></div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"></span> </div>
<span style="color: #bf9000;">P.S. Happy Birthday to our Angel baby, our sponsor child. She is ONE today! We found out that she is not an orphan, but her family is so poor they can hardly feed her. She has three older siblings, a set of four year old twins and a sister who is twelve. I pray for strength for her parents today, and favor. Lord, be the Provider of every need.</span><br />
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christa jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904856056253964078noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994356345128243704.post-47036938505596310572013-02-17T19:11:00.000-08:002013-02-18T21:30:40.168-08:00Baby Steppin'I've fallen off the blog wagon, y'all.<br />
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This is my attempt at kicking my batookie back in the saddle again (help me to have discipline, Lord!).<br />
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Here's my issue (yes, I have issues! along with using too many exclaimation points when I type! see?!): I have found that if I can't perform or carry out a job/task/idea/discipline <strike>perfectly</strike> well, I get paralyzed and just do nothing.<br />
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Yup.<br />
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See those five drawers that need to be organized/decluttered? I don't have the organizational supplies that I REALLY want (durn you <a href="http://www.staples.com/sbd/cre/products/martha-stewart-home-office/index.html" target="_blank">Martha Stewart Living Office Supply line at Staples</a>!), and so they just sit there half done or not at all.<br />
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See that jewelry business that will not promote itself? I don't have a suitable work space, all my supplies are in bins, and it's a pain to drag it all out, yada, yada, yada, whine, whine, whine.<br />
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See those children who need to learn something? How do I get them to conform to the way<strong><u> I</u></strong> want to conduct a school day and stay on track and still have a relatively cleanish home, oh, and then sit down to tea and a history lesson in the afternoon.<br />
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See that blog that sits blank for months at a time and only has 37 followers? (I love you my followers! Just stick with me, here!) I have grand ideas about blogging, at <em>the very least</em> once a week, on a certain day, and being a blessing to others (as I social network, ha ha ha).<br />
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Some of my issue stems from, I hate to say it...<br />
Comparison.<br />
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I see another person's beautifully organized craft space and want...<br />
I see another person's start-up business soar into success and wish...<br />
I see another person's homeschool that seems to run so fluidly and wonder...<br />
I see another person's blog touching thousands of lives and get wistful...<br />
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You see, comparison leads me to jealousy and envy and covetousness. Yuck! <br />
Glass half empty anyone?<br />
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Now, let's turn this little post into a positive one!<br />
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I DO have five drawers and am making do with what supplies I DO have (shuffling it all about) and having fun with it.<br />
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I DO have a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Transforme" target="_blank">jewelry business</a> that is currently being molded into something that, I think, hope, pray, will bless His heart more!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BzbsELQKr8C2a5rrSgFmCaBKFzoqkvJxJOaccbsmlajfse6Ru3JPgC_h7vt2hMz82JjFV4yk5wQod-uuPbSMWa6MltERoCNu9qHkCQxkmujJQoVAWsp5rGfAHMPb7s8AXeTSK7bMuA0/s1600/5fa634383c9f11e2adfe22000a1fbd6c_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BzbsELQKr8C2a5rrSgFmCaBKFzoqkvJxJOaccbsmlajfse6Ru3JPgC_h7vt2hMz82JjFV4yk5wQod-uuPbSMWa6MltERoCNu9qHkCQxkmujJQoVAWsp5rGfAHMPb7s8AXeTSK7bMuA0/s1600/5fa634383c9f11e2adfe22000a1fbd6c_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I DO have little children who ARE learning. Even if some days, it's just how to be kind and take care of a baby.<br />
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I DO have a happy little space on the interwebs, where I can prattle on about whatever I please if I so desire. Maybe someday I'll write a book. But, that day is not today. Whenst "that day" comes, it will be with white couches and nicely manicured nails and grandbabies running amok... on second thought, maybe I'll have white couches in Heaven. <strong>Today</strong>, is the day that I have babies and diapers and dishes and laundry and snuggles and THIS is the day that the Lord has made for me.<br />
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I am baby steppin' into a new season of my life. A season of thankFULLness. A season of giving and not consuming. A season of not taking things personally, or becoming easily offended. A season of seeking Him first. A season of newness. A season in which I desire for all that I am and all that I do, to please Him.<br />
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I finished the year 2012 in the first few chapters of an<a href="http://www.amazon.com/7-Experimental-Mutiny-Against-Excess/dp/1433672960" target="_blank"> excellently thought provoking book</a>.<br />
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I didn't really know how to download and process it all, nor how to apply it to my life.<br />
I can't exactly say that it's changed everything, but I can say that it's changed small things that could very well turn into the big things that change everything.<br />
Here's the proof: <br />
<ul>
<li>Since the reading of it, I have loaded up bags of clothes and shoes and toys to take to a ministry in town that gives clothes away to those who are in need. </li>
<li>I have handed a man standing on the corner a hot roasted chicken from Costco with some cash (missed two other opportunities to give away food/money, and kicked myself, prayed that I'd <em><strong>notice</strong></em> more).</li>
<li>We've given away lots of money.</li>
<li>My desire to buy, buy, buy has lessened. Not totally disappeared as evidenced by my desire to buy office supplies in Tiffany blue.</li>
<li>Last night, out on date with hubs, he offers to go into Forever 21 with me to take a peek. WHAT?!!! Never before heard of! But, ya know what? I didn't really want to. I have so many clothes and shoes, I could clothe a small village in Africa. Period.</li>
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That's progress people!</div>
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Speaking of Africa, we have finally decided on the child we want to sponsor! After thinking for years that we would sponsor a child with Compassion International (yet never able to figure out how to budget it in) we decided to sponsor through a ministry that rescues and cares for orphans in Uganda, called<a href="http://www.returnministriesuganda.org/" target="_blank"> Return Ministries International</a>. If you <a href="http://instagram.com/transforme_cc" target="_blank">follow me on Instagram</a> (my mini blog), you'll know that my girls were selling jewelry to earn money to sponsor a child. Their dream is becoming reality! They want to go beyond sponsoring and adopt her, bless their hearts. You will want to adopt her too, when you see her little face. <br />
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The face of an angel.</div>
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{Namaganda Angel will be one year old on March 21st}</div>
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One thing I know for certain...</div>
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Baby steps are a precursor to walking strong, then running.</div>
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Let's do this!</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #f4cccc;">~</span> <span style="color: #45818e;"><em>christa jean</em></span> <span style="color: #f4cccc;">~</span></span></div>
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<br />christa jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904856056253964078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994356345128243704.post-84427315324388551852012-12-04T00:53:00.000-08:002013-01-21T22:05:49.991-08:00Gift Guide 2012<br />
Welcome to my 2012 Gift Guide!<br />
If you are planning on doing any shopping this month, please consider supporting handmade!<br />
Speaking of! If you'll scroll down a bit, you'll see that I have items<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Transforme" target="_blank"> in my shop</a>. Finally! I opened it in January, and there it has sat <em>allllllll</em> year, sadly empty. <br />
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My girls have a <strike>booming</strike> little business of their own on Instagram, all in the hopes that they can help sponsor a child through <a href="http://www.compassion.com/" target="_blank">Compassion International</a>. They are soooo close to having the funds for the first month. I decided I would put some of their earrings in the shop to see what would happen. Then, in January, I will launch a new Spring/Summer line of my own. Wish us success!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpqGfsnFQZOSBgRQf2-0PQ5jKKM3udtZ9T5v26aR3kfxa_QN6yb_SnaNvP8JIoZnSrZjVMwnfrGl0hh2G26TS_wp_8ZM_92z7VrBeZ5wsM7WpGIi0etGv71WzoHrR0yj330GKPzDylOo/s1600/IMG_1014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpqGfsnFQZOSBgRQf2-0PQ5jKKM3udtZ9T5v26aR3kfxa_QN6yb_SnaNvP8JIoZnSrZjVMwnfrGl0hh2G26TS_wp_8ZM_92z7VrBeZ5wsM7WpGIi0etGv71WzoHrR0yj330GKPzDylOo/s200/IMG_1014.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2qw83aA0xyL8dv5UKGSxG3eX8lj0hBCoVHzux_ff9IhOKOs28f0tZaq4gZ2UBvni4c1H41SA7DucdK0PHEMDbw473xbqD7Klx_YQZweiVKSLMsPHdPUyTyG0GMVhu1xmhgCDuTHXnp4/s640/blogger-image-1788025494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2qw83aA0xyL8dv5UKGSxG3eX8lj0hBCoVHzux_ff9IhOKOs28f0tZaq4gZ2UBvni4c1H41SA7DucdK0PHEMDbw473xbqD7Klx_YQZweiVKSLMsPHdPUyTyG0GMVhu1xmhgCDuTHXnp4/s200/blogger-image-1788025494.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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Look under the section:</div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Whirly Girls</em></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Transforme" target="_blank">in my shop!</a></div>
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Below you will find all sorts of lovely sellers and their shops. Most of them are "friends" I've made on Instagram. Happy Shopping!<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Etsy Artisans</u>:</span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: black;">{baby/kids}</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Blissbabydesigns" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Bliss Baby Designs</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong></strong><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{jewelry}</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8lsXORKiQu4WeGCDbojnEFeRQgtI2lVs8ikiLRZ-vRDV3-BrlFymv2Z_eF3ibXzkK5UNvQ3esCXS4ArEoD_paSQvWG7WUHaK51ug1xOtVXEbuiLKmama-SoRoDNj-GzLDk1sCvvuYnY/s1600/il_570xN_364508148_3ig9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8lsXORKiQu4WeGCDbojnEFeRQgtI2lVs8ikiLRZ-vRDV3-BrlFymv2Z_eF3ibXzkK5UNvQ3esCXS4ArEoD_paSQvWG7WUHaK51ug1xOtVXEbuiLKmama-SoRoDNj-GzLDk1sCvvuYnY/s200/il_570xN_364508148_3ig9.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/cakeforbreakfasttess" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Cake For Breakfast</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Christmas Gift .. Personalized Hand stamped rustic hammered sterling silver Grandma Necklace. Antiqued distressed hand stamped jewelry." height="200" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/000/0/5247847/il_570xN.289860286.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CremeDeLaGems" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Creme De La Gems</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Audrey Necklace" height="150" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/001/0/6937310/il_570xN.385907833_l2ox.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/EllandEmm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Ell and Emm</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Mint and Soft Pink Sorbet, A Shabby Chic Rosette Bridesmaid Necklace, sale, Black Friday" height="131" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/5417105/il_570xN.346650404.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/erinkeys" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Femme Petal</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="leather cuff says "twirl"" height="146" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/000/0/5692635/il_570xN.249396227.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/farmgirlpaints"><span style="color: #999999;">Farm Girl Paints</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="necklace benefiting HOPE 4 SUDAN - clear mint 26.5"" height="137" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/001/0/6917927/il_570xN.395857632_fxuj.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/wifeysinger" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Happy Days</span></a><span style="color: #999999;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999;"></span><br />
<img alt="Black & White Chevron Necklace" height="150" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/007/0/6928477/il_570xN.370835404_gnav.jpg" width="200" /><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/hhappys" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Heather's Happys</span></a><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><img alt="THELMA - Aqua Chandelier Style Dangle Earrings- Family Pictures, Stocking Stuffer or Bridesmaid Gifts" height="200" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/5970350/il_570xN.251559073.jpg" width="150" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HooplaHoopla" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Hoopla Hoopla</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Brass Tribal Arrowhead Earrings" height="200" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/007/0/7242646/il_570xN.380409984_83q4.jpg" width="133" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/laWarrior" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">laWARRIOR</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Peridot Quartz & Gold Leather Wrap Bracelet" height="200" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/003/0/6027305/il_570xN.372592340_ccnq.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/oiajules" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Oia</span></a><span style="color: #999999;"> Jules</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><img alt="Eloise Multi-Rosette Necklace CUSTOM COLORS AVAILABLE" height="200" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/000/0/6500217/il_570xN.308566867.jpg" width="164" /></span><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/NaturallyEstes" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Peas and Carrots</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><img alt="Button Ring (grey chevron)" height="200" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/003/0/5954875/il_570xN.357976735_odn5.jpg" width="149" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MinefortheMaking" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Mine for the Making</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Scissor Happy Necklace Scissors with a Green Rose Option to add a Bow" height="149" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/003/0/6456449/il_570xN.399229972_5ax6.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SassyLemonade" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Sassy Lemonade</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Chandelier Earrings with Turquoise and Rhinestone- Tribal Earrings- Southwest Earrings" height="150" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/007/3/5575078/il_570xN.387007569_tg1o.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/theFolk" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">The Folk</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="On SALE- Vintage Beauty Bauble Ring" height="132" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/004/0/6528237/il_570xN.361106397_jeou.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/honeyholden"><span style="color: #999999;">The Honey Pot Shop</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Large clear crystals bracelet" height="200" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/004/0/6809687/il_570xN.391335171_huvq.jpg" width="150" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheWayWeAre" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">The Way We Are</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Chandelier drop earring" height="200" src="https://ny-image3.etsy.com/002/0/6681433/il_570xN.402845823_8hy6.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Transforme" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Transforme</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{art/decor/prints/scripture}</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Christian Art - I Am With You and Will Keep You - 8x10 Giclee Print - Scripture Art, Mint , Hand Typography, Encouragement" height="200" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/008/0/5999365/il_570xN.373288895_8jyw.jpg" width="159" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/graceforgrace"><span style="color: #999999;">Grace for Grace</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Rivers of Joy 8x10 Print" height="200" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/003/0/6246109/il_570xN.371641188_5f70.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/katygirldesigns" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Katygirl Designs</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Gold and Neon Celebrate Design Platter" height="149" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/005/0/6033559/il_570xN.402121303_j8xy.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ohgoodiedesigns.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Oh Goodie Designs</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Two are Better than One - in Brown with Orange and Green Birds 20x20 GALLERY WRAP CANVAS" height="149" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/000/0/5353138/il_570xN.89429087.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/redletterwords" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Red Letter Words</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Oh Deer Wooden Sign" height="123" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/006/0/6851847/il_570xN.381358384_bxb7.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/saltybison"><span style="color: #999999;">Salty Bison</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="She Turned Her Can'ts Into Cans and Her Dreams Into Plans, Kobi Yamada Graduation Gift, Illustration, Inspiring Quote, 8 x 10 Art Print" height="200" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/007/0/5557878/il_570xN.363569916_bq4z.jpg" width="180" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/penandpaint"><span style="color: #999999;">Pen and Paint</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="As the Deer - Psalm 42:1 - Printed on Kraft Paper - Illustrated Print by Mandipidy" height="200" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/007/1/6242106/il_570xN.398624745_8tzm.jpg" width="150" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Mandipidy" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Mandipidy</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{paper goods/crafty items}</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Jesus Loves You 8x10 Puffy Heart Print- 3 color choices" height="200" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/006/0/6726568/il_570xN.382326373_d8an.jpg" width="156" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LifeMadeLovely" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Life Made Lovely</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="11x17 Deer Silhouette Taxidermy print" height="200" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/5527833/il_570xN.315074848.jpg" width="159" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LivyLoveDesigns" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Livy Love Designs</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="handmade fabric tape in greens made from vintage linens - for craft wrap packaging wedding supply" height="178" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/001/0/6820018/il_570xN.365495969_5hc6.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/raisinguprubies" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Raising Up Rubies</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="A6 Blue Ombre Notecards (12 count)" height="200" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/005/0/6471630/il_570xN.383711465_grfe.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ThePaperClouds" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">The Paper Clouds</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{vintage}</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="8x10 "I love vintage" Fine Art Print vintage coffee mug and mosaic tile" height="133" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/007/0/6400367/il_570xN.368441581_92pz.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BearRose" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Bear Rose</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="SALE vintage BOY SINGING WITH BIRD framed print SALE" height="149" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/5813495/il_570xN.161711224.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/recycledcharm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Recycled Charm</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">{sewn/knit/crochet/embroidered goodies}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Clutch" height="139" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/007/1/6326354/il_570xN.399639645_d4j4.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/buttonbirddesigns" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Button Bird Designs</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="CROCHET PATTERN Fingerless Gloves/Mitts with PomPoms" height="165" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/001/0/5371498/il_570xN.399341364_rdkb.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HookableDesigns"><span style="color: #999999;">Hookable Designs</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Personalized Bubblegum Pink and Blue Zipper Pouch" height="132" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/000/0/5166806/il_570xN.352125615.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/jonahbonah?ref=em" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Jonah Bonah</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="playtime - iPad sleeve" height="200" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/000/0/5171054/il_570xN.339742923.jpg" width="132" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/littlebitfunky" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Little Bit Funky</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Beautiful lot of 5 clips/headbands" height="200" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/005/0/6428411/il_570xN.397930974_5g9q.jpg" width="150" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/NogginNovelties" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Noggin Novelties</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Market Tote - Veggies" height="187" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/004/0/6413878/il_570xN.381462415_h8ix.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thelittlewillowtree" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">The Little Willow Tree</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Vintage Hanky Pillow Covers- RESERVED for Amy" height="132" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/000/0/6537935/il_570xN.312871278.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thevanillatulip" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">The Vanilla Tulip</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;">~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><strong><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Accessories:</span></strong></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><u><span style="color: #674ea7;"></span></u></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><u><span style="color: #674ea7;"><img alt="Bow Gold" class="gwt-Image" height="200" src="http://images-cdn.ecwid.com/images/1262045/50769525.jpg" title="Bow Gold" width="200" /></span></u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bloomieshandmade.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Bloomies</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><u><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Jewelry Designers:</span></u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><u><span style="color: #6aa84f;"></span></u></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><u><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><img alt="Norah Earrings {Mint}" height="176" src="http://d3u67r7pp2lrq5.cloudfront.net/product_photos/670105/053_copy_large.jpg" width="200" /></span></u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://aprettyshoppe.storenvy.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">A Pretty Shoppe</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Image of chevron rose thumbprint earrings" height="200" id="product-img" src="http://cache0.bigcartel.com/product_images/67278941/300.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cremedelagems.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Creme De La Gems</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Image of Swarovski Large Circle Necklace" height="149" src="http://cache1.bigcartel.com/product_images/61870271/necklacepresale04.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://flawedperfectionjewelry.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Flawed Perfection Jewelry</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="gold chevron necklace" border="0" height="200" id="ProductImage" src="http://www.lisaleonardonline.com/Assets/ProductImages/gold_chevron_necklace_01.jpg" width="142" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.lisaleonardonline.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Lisa Leonard</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Aqua Lace" border="0" class="prodimage" height="157" id="prodimage0" src="http://lulubelles.com/prodimages/IMG_5800.JPG" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lulubelles.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Lulubelles</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="The Chunkster Bracelet" height="149" src="http://d111vui60acwyt.cloudfront.net/product_photos/892887/chunk2_large.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://neonandnude.storenvy.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Neon and Nude</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="fancybox-image" height="200" src="http://www.sacredsoulsister.com/uploads/1/3/0/4/13043486/6025849_orig.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.sacredsoulsister.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Sacred Soul Sister</span></a></div>
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<img alt="Image of Antique Bronze Arrow " height="133" id="product-img" src="http://cache1.bigcartel.com/product_images/77288808/300.JPG" width="200" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.splendorshop.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">The Splendor Shop</span></a></div>
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<u><strong><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Home Decor/Art/Signs:</span></strong></u></div>
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<strong><u><span style="color: #e06666;"></span></u></strong> </div>
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<strong><u><span style="color: #e06666;"><img height="138" src="http://products.retailrapp.com/4b75a45475e44b2a71fd0f8c8624d9db_600x600.jpg" width="200" /></span></u></strong></div>
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<u><a href="http://www.aedrieloriginals.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Aedrial Originals</span></a></u></div>
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<u></u> </div>
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<u><img alt="Petite European Red Striped Grain Sack Christmas Stockings" border="0" height="200" src="http://www.dreamywhitesonline.com/images/large/IMG_8810copy.jpg" width="133" /></u></div>
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<a href="http://www.dreamywhitesonline.com/pages/shop_landing.htm"><span style="color: #999999;">Dreamy Whites</span></a></div>
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<img height="200" id="ImageFilePic" name="ImageFilePic" src="http://www.redletterwords.com/site_images/product_images//Just%20For%20Girls/rubiesteenblktxt001wm_lg.jpg" width="200" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.redletterwords.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Red Letter Words</span></a></div>
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<a class="piece" href="http://instacanv.as/richinblessings/piece/338670530354887818_20298214" title="@richinblessings"><span class="overlay"></span><img border="0" height="200" src="http://distilleryimage6.s3.amazonaws.com/f7879dac3dc411e2842d22000a1f9ada_6.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://instacanv.as/s?q=rich+in+blessings" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Rich In Blessings</span></a></div>
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<img alt="Winter Cheer" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0099/5742/products/winter_cheer.shop_medium.jpg?116" /></div>
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<a href="http://shop.sarahjanestudios.com/pages/shop" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Sarah Jane Studios</span></a></div>
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<img alt="Choose Joy" height="141" src="http://d111vui60acwyt.cloudfront.net/product_photos/1030851/choosejoy_large.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://takethecannoli.storenvy.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Take the Cannoli</span></a></div>
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<img height="200" src="http://distilleryimage2.s3.amazonaws.com/c898b288089f11e28c6b22000a1f8afe_7.jpg" width="200" /></div>
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<a href="http://instacanv.as/s?q=themommymoment" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">The Mommy Moment</span></a></div>
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<strong><u><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">Paper Goods/Christmas Cards/Planners, etc:</span></u></strong></div>
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<strong><u><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"></span></u></strong> </div>
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<strong><u><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0157/9972/products/ELP_stationery_16_1024x1024.jpg?601" id="product_featured_image_lighbox" rel="lightbox"><img alt="image of Calligraphy Ombre Note Cards - Blues" height="160" id="product_featured_image" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0157/9972/products/ELP_stationery_16_grande.jpg?601" width="200" /></a></span></u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.emilyley.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Emily Ley</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://maay-redo.blogspot.com/p/day-planners.html"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZLPL_h8sBG0znRk11c2X4605mn6bJ4kTdbK0OHztqgs7kZ1CCQoO4B4mP4e2ilgdLneGNRPORGEFzC2b-NorfsVTT3W4-m0xj3aKWtQRo3NXhHIAbrOlPuGD-5sHGx0AmpF0JLKYAyI/s200/Day-Planner-Samples.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.muchadoaboutyou.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Much Ado About You</span></a><span style="color: #999999;"> </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://smallmoments.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Small Moments</span></a></div>
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<em><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Thank You</span></em> <br />
for supporting the Mom Shops!</div>
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</div>
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Do all that you do and give all that you give</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in love.</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~ <em><span style="color: #f1c232;">christa jean</span></em> ~</div>
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christa jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904856056253964078noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994356345128243704.post-53588646597871251022012-11-16T07:13:00.000-08:002012-11-16T07:25:14.060-08:00You Lack No Good Thing.The girl sounded small and frail. Her voice seemed sad.<br />
"But, this list is full of good things, things I think God wants me to be." Her speech faltered.<br />
The woman sitting next to her, patted her knee.<br />
"I know, " she said, "but, it's time to stop measuring yourself against it."<br />
<br />
That girl was me, one week ago.<br />
That woman was a warrior of prayer, lovingly listening. Lovingly prompting.<br />
<br />
I wondered, had she been reading my blog?<br />
No, I didn't think so...<br />
<br />
<strong>The List</strong>.<br />
<br />
The List was full of things I thought a good mother should <strong><u>be</u></strong> and <strong><u>have</u></strong>; neat little lines written with ink, and a little box to check.<br />
<br />
<u>A Good Mother Should</u> (in no particular order):<br />
1. Have a clean and orderly home.<br />
2. Have well-groomed children.<br />
3. Have obedient children.<br />
4. Be a business owner.<br />
5. Be joyful.<br />
6. Be gentle and kind.<br />
7. Be compassionate.<br />
8. Have a home filled with love.<br />
9. Have a home filled with His Presence.<br />
... and so forth and so on ...<br />
<br />
She said I ought to tear it up.<br />
I hesitated, "But..."<br />
She saw right through The List, masquerading itself as "Good."<br />
She saw that when I looked at it, all I saw was <strong>L A C K</strong>.<br />
<br />
I wondered, had she been reading my mind?<br />
How did she know that I would lie awake at night and The List would haunt me and The List would taunt me. I <strong>never</strong> measured up to it.<br />
<br />
No, she hadn't been reading my mind.<br />
But, there is One who knows every thought before it is even thunk, and she was tuned in to His thoughts toward me.<br />
<br />
I repented.<br />
I repented for putting The List before His thoughts toward me.<br />
I repented for using The List as a measuring rod and then beating myself with it.<br />
Then I ripped The List into tiny pieces.<br />
<br />
Ever since she said the word, "Lack" I have seen it.<br />
In fact, I have seen it in every facet of my life.<br />
My relationship with God lacks ______ (fill in the blank).<br />
My marriage lacks ______.<br />
My children lack ______.<br />
My mothering lacks ______.<br />
My house lacks _______.<br />
My closet lacks ______ (surely not shoes, heh heh).<br />
<br />
And so forth and so on.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4D0qGa-Vd_tAMrb3KfFHSMonDSDaMNvmGLBxYyXruJK_uZPXpDo3bcZJJ3SWw0tsj3xxYrYBzlBzxlUAy7QXS2n3ThxqCs_vhSPGvAeuFv63znMqiSKeKVG7oKJL7UaswqxQF6V-pcJ4/s640/blogger-image--2140594636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4D0qGa-Vd_tAMrb3KfFHSMonDSDaMNvmGLBxYyXruJK_uZPXpDo3bcZJJ3SWw0tsj3xxYrYBzlBzxlUAy7QXS2n3ThxqCs_vhSPGvAeuFv63znMqiSKeKVG7oKJL7UaswqxQF6V-pcJ4/s320/blogger-image--2140594636.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I think it all comes back to <em>the eyes</em>. <br />
<em>I was there with Eve, took a bite of the fruit and it was riddled with worms, worms that gnaw and gnash and feast on flesh.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
My spirit-eyes have been dis-eased. The way I see things has been tainted.<br />
My flesh-eyes are diseased also, I have poor vision, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astigmatism_(eye)" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;">astigmatism</span></a>, and <a href="http://www.canovision.com/info/papilary.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis</span>.</a><br />
The irony of this interests me.<br />
<br />
Did you know <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/worm-eats-mans-retina-terrible-parasites/story?id=11700175" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;">the eyes can have parasites</span></a> (warning: nasty parasite pictures)? <br />
Parasites have got to be demon spawn. They feast on your vital organs and suck the life from you.<br />
I'm pretty certain I don't have eye parasites in real life.<br />
<br />
BUT, my spirit-eyes...<br />
My parasite could be named LACK, and it's cohorts, POVERTY and SELF-PITY.<br />
I have seen that I lack good things in my life.<br />
I have seen that I am poor in love, not rich in Him.<br />
I have felt sorry for myself and wallowed in the muck.<br />
<br />
Time for a cleanse.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;">“Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. </span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;">If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough” </span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;">{Oprah Winfrey}</span></em></div>
<em><span style="color: #45818e;"></span></em><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: black;">I am not an Oprah follower, but</span> </span><span style="color: black;">she nailed it.</span><br />
David said it even better:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;">"I will bless the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> at. all. times.<br /><span class="text Ps-34-1">His praise shall <strong>continually</strong> be in my mouth."</span></span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;"><span class="text Ps-34-1">{Psalm 34:1}</span></span></em></div>
<div align="left" style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;"><span class="text Ps-34-1"></span></span></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text Ps-34-1"><span style="color: black;">Praise and giving thanks are a cure for all sorts of ailments and dis-eases.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text Ps-34-1">My prescription?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text Ps-34-1">Morning: Praise Him. Give Thanks to Him.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text Ps-34-1">Noon: Praise Him. Give Thanks to Him.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text Ps-34-1">Evening: Praise Him. Give Thanks to Him.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text Ps-34-1"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text Ps-34-1">He inhabits the praises of His people. That means, He is right there, dwelling in the midst of that moment when I whisper thanks or lift up my voice to sing.</span></div>
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</div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlE9_fO01eEHzb7oB-eeorGr3_qN0kPJpie14NQVQUeIXrlZv_HwpLhmPWBcUauhqI9gbWlRwO3sV280YLGyQ_APjQiZX6zKAguq1M514uWfyrOJIM85wKvtkCUtiGBH7O0lQaFE0A6_A/s640/blogger-image-328925619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlE9_fO01eEHzb7oB-eeorGr3_qN0kPJpie14NQVQUeIXrlZv_HwpLhmPWBcUauhqI9gbWlRwO3sV280YLGyQ_APjQiZX6zKAguq1M514uWfyrOJIM85wKvtkCUtiGBH7O0lQaFE0A6_A/s400/blogger-image-328925619.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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{The Word: sharper than any two-edged sword}</div>
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<em><span style="color: #45818e;">"Oh, taste and see that the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is good;<br /><span class="text Ps-34-8">Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!</span><br /><span class="text Ps-34-9" id="en-NKJV-14398">Oh, fear the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, you His saints!</span><br /><span class="text Ps-34-9">There is no want to those who fear Him.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-34-10" id="en-NKJV-14399">The young lions lack and suffer hunger;</span><br /><span class="text Ps-34-10">But those who seek the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> <strong>shall not lack any good thing</strong>."</span></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #45818e;"><span class="text Ps-34-10">{Psalm 34:8-10}</span></span></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySITuSgdzK9PLgaqBkdbDtdsUIMKZl15CEQ91UkNvlc4H7_EbyEo9x8wH6raNSZ3Sbdza8GVVq2sfFw05Mg7Prq7HM5YyXPlpDPu_GEOZ34m5bEa0MKjEAu0AiaBKmm6zwOw7ag9x0u4/s640/blogger-image-1565879911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySITuSgdzK9PLgaqBkdbDtdsUIMKZl15CEQ91UkNvlc4H7_EbyEo9x8wH6raNSZ3Sbdza8GVVq2sfFw05Mg7Prq7HM5YyXPlpDPu_GEOZ34m5bEa0MKjEAu0AiaBKmm6zwOw7ag9x0u4/s640/blogger-image-1565879911.jpg" /></a></div>
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{free printable <a href="http://lilkidthings.com/you-lack-no-good-thing-printables/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;">here</span></a>!}</div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><em><a href="http://kj2000.scripturetext.com/ephesians/1.htm" target="_blank">"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened... "</a></em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><em><a href="http://kj2000.scripturetext.com/ephesians/1.htm" target="_blank">{Ephesians 1:18}</a></em></span></div>
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~ <em><span style="color: #e06666;">christa jean </span></em>~</div>
christa jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904856056253964078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994356345128243704.post-76232480643768730772012-10-31T21:41:00.000-07:002012-11-02T21:43:33.360-07:0031 Days: Learning to Just BE. Period. {Day 31}At the beginning of this 31 Day journey, I told myself that I was fleeing from "DO" and running hard after "BE." Looking back over my posts, there is still a lot of "DO" that sneaks in and gets in the way of "BE." That's okay, I am such a process.<br />
<br />
The funny thing is, in an attempt to organize my thoughts into post titles, I came up with a list of things I would write about. <br />
Out of 31 line items, I only wrote about 8 of them. <br />
That's not a very good percentage, hahaha!<br />
<br />
The list consisted of descriptions found in the scriptures that actually describe who He has made us to be. Anywhere a sentence begins with His voice speaking, "You are... " I want to be there.<br />
<br />
Here is just a handful of the ones I wanted to touch on, in no particular order:<br />
"You are... "<br />
<ul>
<li><em><span style="color: #45818e;">Called</span></em></li>
<li><em><span style="color: #45818e;">Chosen</span></em></li>
<li><em><span style="color: #45818e;">Royal</span></em></li>
<li><em><span style="color: #45818e;">Holy</span></em></li>
<li><em><span style="color: #45818e;">A New Creation</span></em></li>
</ul>
I am considering continuing on with my theme, but, don't want to commit. You see, as my 31 Day journey progressed, I kinda just followed along with the feeling of the day (darn feelings).<br />
<br />
I'd love to have blogging be a weekly (please, not daily) habit and I think, after this month of blogging non-stop, I have a fairly good pattern to follow.<br />
<br />
I hope you haven't minded my bare places. I suppose, if you didn't want to stay and read, you would have left long ago.<br />
<br />
I'm not where I want to be, but I'm not where I used to be... lost in hopelessness.<br />
And, this, my friends, is a BEautiful thing.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRr1fvmGgmyQuuSZIlcz6cJ9RbfFRAjSRAdbadjEcD3wNAPXtrO4TrliKeHuKsdzv15xh6JWo7PoG6-JzahFREqeR_MWARPithxqUBeh1E5-gSejeQT0YZVa6P2omrNAshYiK7nreETvI/s640/blogger-image--1252975403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRr1fvmGgmyQuuSZIlcz6cJ9RbfFRAjSRAdbadjEcD3wNAPXtrO4TrliKeHuKsdzv15xh6JWo7PoG6-JzahFREqeR_MWARPithxqUBeh1E5-gSejeQT0YZVa6P2omrNAshYiK7nreETvI/s640/blogger-image--1252975403.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{Put a bird on it!}</div>
<br />
Thank you for letting me be me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-121-2">~ <span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><em>christa
jean</em></span></span></span> ~<br />~~~</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: #45818e;">
</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;"><em>Wanna read from the beginning
of my 31 Days? Go </em><a href="http://transforme-cc.blogspot.com/p/31-days.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2198a6;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><em>here</em></span></span></a><em> to see the whole
list.</em></span></div>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;"><em>Wanna see the 1200 other
bloggers doing 31 Days? Check </em><a href="http://www.thenester.com/2012/09/31-dayers-2012.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2198a6;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><em>this
out</em></span></span></a><em>!</em></span></div>
christa jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904856056253964078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994356345128243704.post-85640265784996386732012-10-30T21:29:00.000-07:002012-11-02T15:52:16.586-07:0031 Days: Learning to Just BE... Persistent {Day 30}Feeling a little lumpy over here.<br />
I like even.<br />
<br />
Feeling a little jagged over here.<br />
I like smooth.<br />
<br />
Feeling a little rough over here.<br />
I like refined.<br />
<br />
Feeling a lot broken.<br />
I like whole.<br />
<br />
Didn't I say I wasn't going to be trusting my feelings anymore? Trusting Him and who I am in Him would be so much more reliable!<br />
<br />
I see that the Holy Spirit is ever drawing me out of perfectionism. Some days, I feel strangled by it and I'm running around like a headless chicken. And I'm rushing my children around to fit into my mold of "clean."<br />
<br />
Time out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhMDzZPqt6RHdp7XXpGwk5MDTIQkVvP0zlJcVUyD9A2JOc_A4YLaqzR0ycU1QYa-_7_FJQZXOgxYw1YK6jkuxp_Bser6gKU3YChChdwTz2NKplwJMor9A8KxyQUpnwWc5rfIWml2V_wo/s1600/ELP_Print_GNP_white_grande.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhMDzZPqt6RHdp7XXpGwk5MDTIQkVvP0zlJcVUyD9A2JOc_A4YLaqzR0ycU1QYa-_7_FJQZXOgxYw1YK6jkuxp_Bser6gKU3YChChdwTz2NKplwJMor9A8KxyQUpnwWc5rfIWml2V_wo/s400/ELP_Print_GNP_white_grande.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.emilyley.com/collections/prints/products/grace-not-perfection-foil-art-print" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">{I NEED THIS!}</span></a></div>
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He is ever drawing me...</div>
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"Come on, come on, lift your eyes up,</div>
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Lift your eyes up to the hills."</div>
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Lest I forget.</div>
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<em><span style="color: #45818e;">"I lift up my eyes to the mountains— <span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-121-1">where does my help come from?</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-121-2" id="en-NIV-16084">My help comes from the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-121-2">the Maker of heaven<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16084A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> and earth."</span></span></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #45818e;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-121-2">{Psalm 121:1-2</span></span></span></em></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Whispers, coming steady, invading my dark thoughts.</span></div>
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Reminding me to stay in the game. To cast off the shroud of discouragement.</div>
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</div>
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I read in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+11&version=NKJV" target="_blank"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Luke 11</span></a> about the <em><strong>persistent</strong></em> friend, who sought bread... I need the Bread of Life.</div>
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I read on and see that all it takes is asking, seeking, knocking. </div>
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A little further now, and these words resonate... </div>
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</div>
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<span class="woj"><em><span style="color: #45818e;">"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how <strong>much more</strong> will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” </span></em></span></div>
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<span class="woj"><em><span style="color: #45818e;">{Luke 11:13}</span></em></span></div>
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<span class="woj"><em><span style="color: #45818e;"></span></em></span> </div>
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<span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">He is a Good Father. What have I been asking for?</span></span></div>
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<span class="woj">I've been longing for freedom. But do I ask for it? Seek for it? Knock a little harder? Persist to get the Bread that will sustain?</span></div>
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<span class="woj"></span> </div>
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<span class="woj">The bread I've been accustomed to of late, is worm-ridden and rotten; poison to my soul. </span></div>
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<span class="woj">Baked in the furnace of hell.</span></div>
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<span class="woj"></span> </div>
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<span class="woj">Keep reading on. Words of Life. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.</span></div>
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<span class="woj"></span> </div>
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<span class="woj"><em><span style="color: #45818e;"><span class="woj">"But if I cast out demons with the finger of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.</span> <span class="text Luke-11-21" id="en-NKJV-25427"><span class="woj">When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace.</span> </span></span></em></span></div>
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<span class="woj"><em><span style="color: #45818e;"><span class="text Luke-11-21"></span><span class="text Luke-11-22" id="en-NKJV-25428"><span class="woj">But when a <strong>stronger than he</strong> comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoils"</span></span></span></em></span></div>
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<span class="woj"><em><span style="color: #45818e;"><span class="text Luke-11-22"><span class="woj">{Luke 11:20-22}</span></span></span></em></span></div>
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I happen to know this "Stronger Than He."</div>
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I fall on my face before Him in all my lumpy, jagged, rough, brokeness.</div>
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And, He. He pulls me to my feet and we dance.</div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-121-2">~ <span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><em>christa
jean</em></span></span></span> ~<br />~~~</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-121-2"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #45818e;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;"><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;"><em>Wanna read from the beginning of my
31 Days? Go </em><a href="http://transforme-cc.blogspot.com/p/31-days.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2198a6;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><em>here</em></span></span></a><em> to see the whole
list.</em></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;"><em>Wanna see the 1200 other bloggers
doing 31 Days? Check </em><a href="http://www.thenester.com/2012/09/31-dayers-2012.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2198a6;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><em>this
out</em></span></span></a><em>!</em></span></div>
</span><br />christa jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904856056253964078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994356345128243704.post-73549394557369181652012-10-29T21:45:00.000-07:002012-10-30T21:49:58.965-07:0031 Days: Learning to Just BE... Selfless {Day 29}I was so close to choosing the wrong way. <br />
<br />
The little voice asked me, "Can you help me take my toe nail polish off?" And, my first response was, "No, you can do it." Then she held up freshly painted finger nails... I still wanted to say, "No, figure it out yourself, I have other things to do." I was so close to just walking away, but I didn't.<br />
<br />
Something, or Someone, arrested me. I actually held me tongue! I got down on my knees in front of her and began to scrub the chunky, glittery, nail polish off.<br />
<br />
I'd love to tell you that I did it without complaint... I wish I had. <br />
On my knees, grumbling in front of her, I struggled with my <strong>s e l f.</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zCoWAXSEMVKaaXSKhAJKwe_aZPwsB1Anf53cxVZdyCGGragTJj9VYfke7_l0DkuXlxdiyRlzeChyphenhypheniLA30O36Dkc2eRrY3jfadMzRU-33bh_tc7GsyPsjseDLvW3g8BElBAu1AH5CATw/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zCoWAXSEMVKaaXSKhAJKwe_aZPwsB1Anf53cxVZdyCGGragTJj9VYfke7_l0DkuXlxdiyRlzeChyphenhypheniLA30O36Dkc2eRrY3jfadMzRU-33bh_tc7GsyPsjseDLvW3g8BElBAu1AH5CATw/s320/11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Jesus changes everything, though.</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
My heart attitude turned around, and I was literally doing what Jesus would have done (kind of ;-)) in that moment. <br />
I was confronted with my selfishness, and I mastered it.<br />
<br />
Progress, people!<br />
Baby steps.<br />
<strong></strong><br />
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~<span style="color: #45818e;">
</span><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">christa
jean</span></span></em></span></span> ~<br />
~~~</div>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;">Wanna read from the beginning of my
31 Days? Go <a href="http://transforme-cc.blogspot.com/p/31-days.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2198a6;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">here</span></span></a> to see the whole
list.</span></em></div>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;">Wanna see the 1200 other bloggers
doing 31 Days? Check <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2012/09/31-dayers-2012.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2198a6;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">this
out</span></span></a>!</span></em></div>
<strong></strong><br />christa jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904856056253964078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994356345128243704.post-2928983145369462582012-10-28T22:00:00.000-07:002012-10-29T22:05:05.128-07:0031 Days: Learning to Just BE... A Mess {Day 28}"Didn't you brush your hair today?" come the sneering words.<br />
"Your hair is all stringy and hanging in your face, it doesn't look good." I am hissing in her face.<br />
I am not proud of this moment.<br />
<br />
I see something in myself.<br />
<br />
I could use the excuse that my children need to learn better hygiene, or I could just own up to the truth. The truth that I think their appearances/ behaviour reflects back to me. The truth that I am embarrassed.<br />
<br />
If you heard these words every day...<br />
Don't be so messy.<br />
Don't be such a troublemaker.<br />
Don't be so noisy.<br />
Don't be so selfish.<br />
Don't be so ungrateful.<br />
Don't be such a whiner.<br />
What would you think about yourself?<br />
<br />
Ask me to tell you good things about my children and I will name a few.<br />
Ask me to tell you my children's weaknesses, and they flow freely from my tongue.<br />
<br />
I am not proud of this.<br />
<br />
I hear these words in my own head, constant reminders of my own weaknesses.<br />
I need a brain washing. A renewing of my mind.<br />
A mind renewed is powerful.<br />
<br />
I see darkness. I am blind to the light in my children. <br />
I need healing of these blind eyes.<br />
Eyes that see fully are clear. Cleared.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e;"><em>"The light of the body is the eye: if therefore your eye be single [<strong>whole, healthy</strong>]. your whole body shall be full of light. But if your eye be evil [<strong>diseased</strong>], your whole body shall be full of darkness. </em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><em>If therefore the light that is in you be darkness, how great is that darkness!" </em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><em>{Matthew 6:22-23}</em></span></div>
<br />
I am so thankfull for the Holy Spirit. <br />
He comes to me in a gentle way and says, "Hey, you know when you spoke those harmful words to your daughter? Well, those words bruised her heart ... go make it right/"<br />
<br />
What if I just started marking down the good? Wouldn't that change what I see?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;">"There be many [darn accusers] that say, 'Who will show us any good?' </span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;">Lord, lift up the <span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: large;"><strong>light</strong></span> of your countenance upon us. You have put gladness in my heart, </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #45818e;">more than in the time when their grain and wine increased." </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #45818e;">{Psalm 4:6-7}</span></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IpA6uqkZ5QnoZwNM6dPKji-YNEJa08_aEXyAPmh-3vmTsFFDzMfl5G96iTt_NzmLAqbrZGfPwFB7cpm2pgqN0MQfcTVGA4kOsrrSx5a0ANPd5zp5YQ5uFSm4EvPy0H71I3NIyCLK3fE/s640/blogger-image--1625326042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IpA6uqkZ5QnoZwNM6dPKji-YNEJa08_aEXyAPmh-3vmTsFFDzMfl5G96iTt_NzmLAqbrZGfPwFB7cpm2pgqN0MQfcTVGA4kOsrrSx5a0ANPd5zp5YQ5uFSm4EvPy0H71I3NIyCLK3fE/s640/blogger-image--1625326042.jpg" /></a></div>
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A harvest of thankfullness is what I want to bring forth.</div>
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No matter if my hair is a mess.</div>
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~<span style="color: #45818e;">
</span><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">christa
jean</span></span></em></span></span> ~<br />~~~</div>
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</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;">Wanna read from the beginning of my
31 Days? Go <a href="http://transforme-cc.blogspot.com/p/31-days.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2198a6;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">here</span></span></a> to see the whole
list.</span></em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;">Wanna see the 1200 other bloggers
doing 31 Days? Check <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2012/09/31-dayers-2012.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2198a6;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">this
out</span></span></a>!</span></em></div>
christa jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904856056253964078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994356345128243704.post-48638693267682413942012-10-27T22:55:00.000-07:002012-10-28T23:16:51.595-07:0031 Days: Learning to Just BE... Seen {Day 27}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Someone once said that... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYk6YHBuoz1AEJHDU72C_v4c4tlEBzaIPbFvaWqS-8RVKWwUvrQG04pmgA3_s664BWHFnRjtljLLWz8GDArJwdEIm92OxcCWNDpXrfL7qRf-sSN7ZseN9GMSyYtAc281AXajIuWt9tw3s/s640/blogger-image--2137567365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYk6YHBuoz1AEJHDU72C_v4c4tlEBzaIPbFvaWqS-8RVKWwUvrQG04pmgA3_s664BWHFnRjtljLLWz8GDArJwdEIm92OxcCWNDpXrfL7qRf-sSN7ZseN9GMSyYtAc281AXajIuWt9tw3s/s400/blogger-image--2137567365.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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{An English Proverb}<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYk6YHBuoz1AEJHDU72C_v4c4tlEBzaIPbFvaWqS-8RVKWwUvrQG04pmgA3_s664BWHFnRjtljLLWz8GDArJwdEIm92OxcCWNDpXrfL7qRf-sSN7ZseN9GMSyYtAc281AXajIuWt9tw3s/s640/blogger-image--2137567365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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Out chatting with a friend the other night, I noticed that whenever I would begin to speak, I would avert my eyes, looking all about. I had to consciously tell myself to look at her.</div>
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Is there something I'm trying to hide?</div>
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I don't think so... especially when any random person can read my blog and see that I have, uh, issues.</div>
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What is it then?</div>
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My thought is this: </div>
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Somewhere, in the course of my life, I decided (or more like, believed) that what I have to say isn't that important. Or, that people don't really want to listen to me.</div>
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No wonder I mumble and stumble over my words sometimes. "For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he."</div>
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I suppose there is a "seeing" when you look into another's eyes. </div>
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You can see pain in the eyes. You can see joy. Angry eyes are the worst.</div>
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And, when you allow yourself to be looked into, you make yourself vulnerable.</div>
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Now that I have seen what I have wrongly believed, I do not have to believe it any longer. </div>
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Nor need I fear what others may see.</div>
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Next time I see you, I will look you in the eyes.</div>
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{There you have it! A window into the soul.}</div>
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~<span style="color: #45818e;">
</span><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">christa
jean</span></span></em></span></span> ~<br />
~~~</div>
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<em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;">Wanna read from the beginning of my
31 Days? Go <a href="http://transforme-cc.blogspot.com/p/31-days.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2198a6;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">here</span></span></a> to see the whole
list.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;">Wanna see the 1200 other bloggers
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out</span></span></a>!</span></em></div>
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christa jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904856056253964078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994356345128243704.post-54061995473709988342012-10-26T22:30:00.000-07:002012-10-27T18:14:43.408-07:0031 Days: Learning to Just BE... Connected {Day 26}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Weekends are for family.</div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><strong>Reconnecting.</strong></span></div>
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Loving.</div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: large;"><strong>Happy Weekending!</strong></span></div>
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</div>
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~<span style="color: #45818e;">
</span><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">christa
jean</span></span></em></span></span> ~<br />~~~</div>
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</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;">Wanna read from the beginning of my
31 Days? Go <a href="http://transforme-cc.blogspot.com/p/31-days.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2198a6;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">here</span></span></a> to see the whole
list.</span></em></div>
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</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;">Wanna see the 1200 other bloggers
doing 31 Days? Check <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2012/09/31-dayers-2012.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2198a6;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">this
out</span></span></a>!</span></em></div>
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christa jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904856056253964078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994356345128243704.post-7594638818149905452012-10-25T16:30:00.000-07:002012-11-18T16:44:51.131-08:0031 Days: Learning to Just BE... Organized {Day 25}"I feel the Hater spitting vapors on my dreams, but I still believe." {Toby Mac}<br />
<br />
The voice of my Accuser often sounds like my own thoughts.<br />
I can tell it's him when there is condemnation, accusation, guilt and shame.<br />
<br />
They sound like this:<br />
<br />
"If only I were able to follow through... "<br />
<br />
"I don't know how to teach my children... "<br />
<br />
"If only I were more organized and could plan my days better... "<br />
<br />
"I keep making the same mistakes."<br />
<br />
"I shouldn't try to stick to a plan because I'll probably just mess it up."<br />
<br />
Now, if someone were actually standing in front of me and saying these statements to me (YOU don't know how to teach your children.), I would probably have to disagree. So, why is it that I listen to the accusations in my head when they come to me in first person?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;">"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the
weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the
pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down
imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of
God, </span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;">and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ... " </span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;">{2 Corinthians 10:3-5}</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;"></span></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: black;">Time to capture some rogue thoughts.</span></strong></div>
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEqCLw4IMluTUUt2EftCxH_b1FMhwOGYSXuN20q8KV0aXtqYUSyCjPgrerIoY-paNVFQarcJcuL8SxaXBtyKddasKRsAtDFvLA4tB2H_Ee2wh10feluC0stbA_qbQen1YlkeZ8eCrjRvQ/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEqCLw4IMluTUUt2EftCxH_b1FMhwOGYSXuN20q8KV0aXtqYUSyCjPgrerIoY-paNVFQarcJcuL8SxaXBtyKddasKRsAtDFvLA4tB2H_Ee2wh10feluC0stbA_qbQen1YlkeZ8eCrjRvQ/s400/photo.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
I began charting out this daily schedule about four years ago. It comes from the book, "<a href="http://www.titus2.com/managers-of-their-homes.html" target="_blank">Managers of Their Homes."</a> After much angst and self doubt, I have finally brought it back out. Four years ago, I was pregnant with baby number four. Now there are five kiddos! Needless to say, I have had to re-arrange and re-write it to fit our lives now (and I still don't have the baby on there).<br />
<br />
Fear of failure and perfectionism have held me back from planning out my day. <br />
The fearing thoughts have said, "What if I am always hasty and nasty and pushing my kiddos to the tune of 'tick tock'?! And the perfectionism thoughts have said, "What if I don't get it right the first time, and have to keep changing it all. the. time.?"<br />
<br />
I have dragged my feet for long enough. This week I decided to try doing just one morning following it as closely as we could.<br />
<br />
I am happy to report that... it needs to be changed. Hahaha, just some little tweaks though!<br />
I am also happy to report that... it was a FABULOUS day!!! I wasn't worried about one room being messy, because I knew we would get to the "Quick Pick-Up" time on the schedule. And the most important thing we did? Worshipped together. I made that a priority for us after breakfast.<br />
Good move, Momma! It made it so that the tune of the rest of the day was not to the clock, but to His heartbeat.<br />
<br />
I guess I can tell those condemning thoughts where to go.<br />
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
~<span style="color: #45818e;">
</span><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">christa
jean</span></span></em></span></span> ~<br />
~~~</div>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;">Wanna read from the beginning of my
31 Days? Go <a href="http://transforme-cc.blogspot.com/p/31-days.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2198a6;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">here</span></span></a> to see the whole
list.</span></em></div>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;">Wanna see the 1200 other bloggers
doing 31 Days? Check <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2012/09/31-dayers-2012.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2198a6;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">this
out</span></span></a>!</span></em></div>
christa jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904856056253964078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994356345128243704.post-88090092480857898122012-10-24T16:30:00.000-07:002012-10-25T17:12:16.626-07:0031 Days: Learning to Just BE... Endued {Day 24}"Momma SAID!" comes the urgent tone from one daughter to another.<br />
<br />
Have you heard this before?<br />
The name "Momma" or, "Daddy" for that matter, carries some weight.<br />
<br />
If Momma said, well, you'd better do it!<br />
<br />
Or what about this one? "If you don't stop, I'm gonna tell Momma."<br />
<br />
There is power in the name Momma.<br />
<br />
This reminds me of another name that is powerful.<br />
I have full access to this Name above ALL names.<br />
<br />
I can say at any time to my enemy, "If you don't stop, I'm gonna tell Jesus!"<br />
And, that hater? He listens and obeys. That's more than I can say for my children sometimes, hahaha.<br />
<br />
Now, there are times when the enemy does not listen; maybe he has a "right" to stand his ground, but that would be for another post...<br />
<br />
He promised us that we would be endued with power from on high (Luke 24:49). This power from on high was specifically the Holy Spirit.<br />
<br />
<u>Endued</u>: to give qualities or abilities to, to endow, to gift, to invest, to empower, to cover, to clothe.<br />
<br />
If you think of all the power available to us, through His Spirit, in His name, by His blood, we should have no use of fear.<br />
<br />
I am so thankful that I am under <strong>His</strong> authority... <em>"and His kingdom shall know no end..."</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;">"For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him </span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;">the <strong>name which
is above every name</strong>, so
that at the name of Jesus <span class="smallcaps">EVERY KNEE WILL BOW,</span> </span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;">of
those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth... " </span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;">{Philippians 2:9-10}</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;"></span></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Perfectionism, <strong>you will bow.</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Fear, <strong>you will</strong> <strong>bow.</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Anger, <strong>you will bow.</strong></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;">"Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us as prey to their teeth. </span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;">Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the fowlers: the snare is broken and we are escaped. </span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;">Our help is in the <strong>name of the Lord</strong>, who made heaven and earth." </span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;">{Psalm 124:6-8}</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;"></span></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;">"The <strong>name of the L<span class="smallcaps">ord</span></strong> is a strong fortress;
the godly run to Him and are safe."</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;"></span></em> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7MgRDmq3BlMCm1c-awxvLhCEGjKFMXWTFeB7Bj3jnvK1zzO_jClJ6yL_-EtfZEuUNlnw1iZBLdxQaOb5HaWQpo_IvoJTTi3XRTucIwHbuN_2tEzuMRoa617Z4BSH5Z3HmQA9gNz8Pc0/s1600/strong_tower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7MgRDmq3BlMCm1c-awxvLhCEGjKFMXWTFeB7Bj3jnvK1zzO_jClJ6yL_-EtfZEuUNlnw1iZBLdxQaOb5HaWQpo_IvoJTTi3XRTucIwHbuN_2tEzuMRoa617Z4BSH5Z3HmQA9gNz8Pc0/s400/strong_tower.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="red"><em><span style="color: #45818e;"></span></em></span> </div>
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Oh, and just so ya know...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQBRswgSOI46kEE_5gSY2pXMt7Ob9mPaja4S1DKyLBnl9CyOcS-x4O4GgjcSDmBmOdVkoRNV1ets3TBpjYpmtcrOPJfU6p6lF9QZcIxjCQ9I2g1OzyX1NRG6gq3iK4YfXLgNZf5R77kY/s1600/Jesus+Breastfed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQBRswgSOI46kEE_5gSY2pXMt7Ob9mPaja4S1DKyLBnl9CyOcS-x4O4GgjcSDmBmOdVkoRNV1ets3TBpjYpmtcrOPJfU6p6lF9QZcIxjCQ9I2g1OzyX1NRG6gq3iK4YfXLgNZf5R77kY/s320/Jesus+Breastfed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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{Hahaha! Just had to share. <a href="http://madebymomma.spreadshirt.com/breastfeeding-C46979" target="_blank">Made by Momma</a>}</div>
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Jesus, He's cool like that.</div>
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~<span style="color: #45818e;">
</span><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">christa
jean</span></span></em></span></span> ~<br />~~~</div>
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</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;">Wanna read from the beginning of my
31 Days? Go <a href="http://transforme-cc.blogspot.com/p/31-days.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2198a6;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">here</span></span></a> to see the whole
list.</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;">Wanna see the 1200 other bloggers
doing 31 Days? Check <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2012/09/31-dayers-2012.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2198a6;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">this
out</span></span></a>!</span></em></div>
christa jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904856056253964078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994356345128243704.post-11183213720332485772012-10-23T22:17:00.000-07:002012-10-23T22:17:38.720-07:0031 Days: Learning to Just BE... Strong {Day 23}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last week, I heard about an awful, horrible, terrible thing. I did not even look up the full account because I didn't want to know any more details than I already did. This is a court case here in our town. Makes me feel ill.</div>
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A ten year old boy was locked away in a room and barely fed. His parents kept him so hidden, he had two little sisters who didn't even know about him. At age 18, the parents kicked the boy out and told him to find his own way in life. Now that he has come forth from the darkness, his story has come to light.</div>
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Due to malnutrition, at age 18, he still has his baby teeth.</div>
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As horrid as this story is, the person telling it shared an interesting insight. We are like that boy, spiritually. Think about it. Hasn't someone been keeping us in the dark, under lock and key? How can we be really soul-satisfied if we ourselves are malnutritioned? </div>
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Haven't I tried to slake my thirst with dead water? He is the Living Water.</div>
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Haven't I tried to fill my hunger with maggot-riddled bread? He is the Bread of Life.</div>
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Haven't I been satisfied with day-old "manna?" His Word is Living..</div>
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Haven't I slouched after crumbs on the floor? He has a table laden with Goodness.</div>
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He beckons me, Come.</div>
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About this time last year, I wrote these words in my journal...</div>
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"Thank you, Holy Spirit, for guiding me into all truth. I see that as a "baby" in Christ, one cries out in a crisis moment, asking for immediate help; but cannot be full/satisfied for long, just as a baby. With maturity comes the ability to devour the 'meat' of the Word, gaining revelation and insight into the mysteries of God, while becoming accustomed to the ability to discern between good and evil, especially in the thought-life."</div>
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He was drawing me nearer then, calling to me to join Him in the feast of His presence. </div>
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He is still drawing me.</div>
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How can I eat the "meat" if I still have my baby teeth? </div>
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Thank God, He holds the keys to unlock the prison!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWn5mGj5sDIdQXUHFsJds_qKjoPbf8KFxQY5BaGZhVoBHUKT9WjgUYrSJUu5OQVhBdFsOANRboJSbqdN1R8vD_s9PFt_2zXdqqkjBpao1kYXzP-ouJ4giaVBV2ofJkw7yv5qWqTuDJUU/s1600/baby_bottle_saftey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWn5mGj5sDIdQXUHFsJds_qKjoPbf8KFxQY5BaGZhVoBHUKT9WjgUYrSJUu5OQVhBdFsOANRboJSbqdN1R8vD_s9PFt_2zXdqqkjBpao1kYXzP-ouJ4giaVBV2ofJkw7yv5qWqTuDJUU/s1600/baby_bottle_saftey.jpg" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="color: #45818e;">"... Concerning Him, we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #45818e;">since you
have become <strong>dull of hearing</strong>. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #45818e;"></span></em> </div>
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<em><span style="color: #45818e;">For
though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to
teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #45818e;">and you have come to
need milk and not solid food.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #45818e;"></span></em> </div>
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<em><span style="color: #45818e;"> For
everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of
righteousness, </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #45818e;">for he is an infant. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #45818e;">But
solid food is for the mature, who <strong>because of practice</strong> have their senses trained
to discern good and evil." </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #45818e;"></span></em> </div>
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<em><span style="color: #45818e;">{Hebrews 5:11-14}</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #45818e;"></span></em> </div>
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~<span style="color: #45818e;">
</span><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">christa
jean</span></span></em></span></span> ~<br />~~~</div>
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</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;">Wanna read from the beginning of my
31 Days? Go <a href="http://transforme-cc.blogspot.com/p/31-days.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2198a6;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">here</span></span></a> to see the whole
list.</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;">Wanna see the 1200 other bloggers
doing 31 Days? Check <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2012/09/31-dayers-2012.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2198a6;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">this
out</span></span></a>!</span></em></div>
christa jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904856056253964078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994356345128243704.post-27220017487689575352012-10-22T21:38:00.002-07:002012-10-22T22:50:35.714-07:0031 Days: Learning to Just BE... Wanted, Part 2 {Day 22}<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There has not been one child of mine unwanted.</div>
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Our newest little peanut was a bit of a surprise (we were living with in-laws at the time, looking for our own house), but brought the joy of new life again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVY7C5mPVDl1_aa8GKg6IrLZTyyFcnuNcINk630DBjUOEm89szgyjgz-ndjooGW-DKQmYRIniHsgUbzgz_F-xEcxN8IbUCGbjMW5qR3nO08sm3krNQyqDUrIj2GjRbgmhK1j8DewbneTg/s640/blogger-image-224343329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVY7C5mPVDl1_aa8GKg6IrLZTyyFcnuNcINk630DBjUOEm89szgyjgz-ndjooGW-DKQmYRIniHsgUbzgz_F-xEcxN8IbUCGbjMW5qR3nO08sm3krNQyqDUrIj2GjRbgmhK1j8DewbneTg/s640/blogger-image-224343329.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">{The beauty of home schoolin'... the pre-schooler can show up barefoot.}</span></div>
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I always wanted to be a mommy when I was younger. I got to practice on my little sis.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirrEAik5iJWp2zJkH_rDtE2Dw54AShkQMLk60crepUjVCKC7nExSyP133_a5B6BB6-ux_p4JyVRvEW6K9xVEP-M_XnRZYtC588AOhzsMg8nBS5N6CZ-kDnyUmeR1o8bNcfjDv1OVfWhQ/s640/blogger-image--116910867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirrEAik5iJWp2zJkH_rDtE2Dw54AShkQMLk60crepUjVCKC7nExSyP133_a5B6BB6-ux_p4JyVRvEW6K9xVEP-M_XnRZYtC588AOhzsMg8nBS5N6CZ-kDnyUmeR1o8bNcfjDv1OVfWhQ/s640/blogger-image--116910867.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">{I was 10 or 11 here, with my "baby"}</span></div>
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Then I became a mother. For the first couple of years I thought I was doing a darn good job. And then the bouts of anger began. I tried so hard to hide it behind the title of "Good Mother."</div>
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Though I still wanted each child as they came along, I stopped wanting ME as their mother. I was afraid of the monster that would rear it's ugly head.</div>
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I would see other mothers who were so loving to their children and hate who I was not. </div>
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I began to wonder why God allowed me to even be a mother at all. Isn't there someone else who would treat these children the way they needed to be treated? As precious treasures? There were some very <strong>dark</strong> days, when I considered what it would be like if I were not alive anymore.</div>
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I have been slowly but surely accepting that God not only wanted <em><strong>me</strong></em> as the mother of these littles, He ordained it to be so.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPWBFlQJa70Qhkn-reHHW9S4wQ_C6gVY54QjWXqZLZ_fwToV59i7_cLg_hiUav9Nyx50Hi19M7ZFD_OiLK14KEuFuwLBhHBeV72HNnIve_WOEpU6FmAZjfTX7bjOfF23D7UopNvjGiQE/s640/blogger-image--2065826627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPWBFlQJa70Qhkn-reHHW9S4wQ_C6gVY54QjWXqZLZ_fwToV59i7_cLg_hiUav9Nyx50Hi19M7ZFD_OiLK14KEuFuwLBhHBeV72HNnIve_WOEpU6FmAZjfTX7bjOfF23D7UopNvjGiQE/s400/blogger-image--2065826627.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And He will turn ALL things to good.</div>
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~<span style="color: #45818e;">
</span><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">christa
jean</span></span></em></span></span> ~<br />
~~~</div>
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</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;">Wanna read from the beginning of my
31 Days? Go <a href="http://transforme-cc.blogspot.com/p/31-days.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2198a6;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">here</span></span></a> to see the whole
list.</span></em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;">Wanna see the 1200 other bloggers
doing 31 Days? Check <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2012/09/31-dayers-2012.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2198a6;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">this
out</span></span></a>!</span></em></div>
christa jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904856056253964078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994356345128243704.post-38954159202613910682012-10-21T20:48:00.000-07:002012-10-21T20:48:20.516-07:0031 Days: Learning to Just BE... Wanted {Day 21}My husband and I watched "October Baby" over the weekend. I cried.<br />
Whenever I cry during a movie, hubby looks at me, and pats my hand or something. Usually, he is crying as well and I always wanna say, "Stop looking at me!" <br />
Why does crying embarass me? Who knows.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblD50BqT8YhIafGfF00KXLMf0LcpCMsSqsCQT190l9sVXGb3E1ve_GceXkU5p6ZYeCgjwPg3P7kxcXKIh6NOBOP0lgG0EGBc3KDF8rDs7Wff3sTqdlF7a2RCMLb-_W9vu2Hfic4cHT6w/s1600/OctoberBaby6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblD50BqT8YhIafGfF00KXLMf0LcpCMsSqsCQT190l9sVXGb3E1ve_GceXkU5p6ZYeCgjwPg3P7kxcXKIh6NOBOP0lgG0EGBc3KDF8rDs7Wff3sTqdlF7a2RCMLb-_W9vu2Hfic4cHT6w/s320/OctoberBaby6.JPG" width="255" /></a></div>
<br />
The real star behind "October Baby" is <a href="http://urbanchristiannews.com/ucn/2012/03/gianna-jessen-the-story-behind-october-baby.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Gianna Jessen</span></a> (pictured below). She is such an inspiration. She is taking the broken pieces of her life and, like the breaking of bread, feeding others. If Gianna can forgive her birth mother (the one who tried to abort her), who, six years ago, told her she was an embarrassment, then I think <strong>we</strong> can forgive anyone, eh?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSr3mX6MmmwVirRsbNe7Ep4giPK6SPF76KT9XwUk_MzjwycFh5jAxlSOyQqDF4pAOUy3T5XcsWw2hA7JbLvpIJDzdlTUYx7_-LclWxKccRARnbX6h45nHMO2XKoLggpk39TRbwxGGxmGE/s1600/gianna-jessen-ABORTION-october-baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSr3mX6MmmwVirRsbNe7Ep4giPK6SPF76KT9XwUk_MzjwycFh5jAxlSOyQqDF4pAOUy3T5XcsWw2hA7JbLvpIJDzdlTUYx7_-LclWxKccRARnbX6h45nHMO2XKoLggpk39TRbwxGGxmGE/s320/gianna-jessen-ABORTION-october-baby.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{Gianna Jessen}</div>
<br />
"Your biggest fear is that you'll be forgotten," said Gianna... "God's been telling me, 'I'm going to define you,' and 'you are not forgotten' and 'you are loved.' "<br />
Very appropriate words, after<span style="color: #45818e;"> </span><a href="http://transforme-cc.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-learning-to-just-be-known-day-19.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">this post</span></a>.<br />
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One of the most poignant moments of the movie, is not even in the movie. It comes at the very end, as credits scroll. The actress who played the birth mom in the movie shares how the movie is key in helping to heal her from the past.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/rl1zNt2R5U0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<br />
Gianna's life IS beautiful. <br />
I do not feel anger angainst her mother. I feel sadness. Her mother is missing out on relationship with one of the Beloved. Just as Stephen prayed while the stones were hurling toward him, "Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do."<br />
<br />
I am thankful that I am adopted in to His family. I am accepted in the Beloved.<br />
He wanted me.<br />
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~<span style="color: #45818e;">
</span><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">christa
jean</span></span></em></span></span> ~<br />~~~</div>
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<em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;">Wanna read from the beginning of my
31 Days? Go <a href="http://transforme-cc.blogspot.com/p/31-days.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2198a6;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">here</span></span></a> to see the whole
list.</span></em></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;">Wanna see the 1200 other bloggers
doing 31 Days? Check <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2012/09/31-dayers-2012.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2198a6;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">this
out</span></span></a>!</span></em>christa jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904856056253964078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994356345128243704.post-38874125862821877692012-10-20T23:55:00.000-07:002012-10-21T00:15:34.140-07:0031 Days: Learning to Just BE... Broken {Day 20}This I know...<br />
<br />
He takes the broken, and heals.<br />
He takes the shame, and frees.<br />
He takes the empty, and fills.<br />
He did all this for me..<br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/3Cp6F2orRYo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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{this song ROCKS MY SOCKS OFF!}</div>
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</div>
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"You make beautiful things, You make beautiful things out of the dust.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You make beautiful things, You make beautiful things out of us."</div>
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</div>
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~<span style="color: #45818e;">
</span><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">christa
jean</span></span></em></span></span> ~<br />~~~<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;">Wanna read from the beginning of my
31 Days? Go <a href="http://transforme-cc.blogspot.com/p/31-days.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2198a6;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">here</span></span></a> to see the whole
list.</span></em></div>
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</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
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<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;">Wanna see the 1200 other bloggers
doing 31 Days? Check <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2012/09/31-dayers-2012.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2198a6;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">this
out</span></span></a>!</span></em></div>
christa jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904856056253964078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994356345128243704.post-74852304568652968902012-10-19T23:50:00.000-07:002012-10-20T23:54:52.502-07:0031 Days: Learning to Just BE... Known {Day 19}I can't believe I've actually made it this far! I didn't think I would give up half way through, but I kinda wanted to. I've made it over the hump, into the second half of my 31 Day blog journey. Yes, I've "cheated" a couple times, turning back the clock on a post to make it fit into the daily schedule. Oh well. <br />
Thank you for reading my scattered scratchings.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFelH6LbO4OrmBuEQoRB_o6qXKOvjWX2fi_4e_jnZx8kcH9wNYQ4uePrmCaQ4Lm6ocnru89sRQsQ60KyELgoiNSqVFeOGuq3YMip6pz3xO0I2TnHLCsGUeWD4QXlGMenaQpj0TaMmSEbg/s1600/19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFelH6LbO4OrmBuEQoRB_o6qXKOvjWX2fi_4e_jnZx8kcH9wNYQ4uePrmCaQ4Lm6ocnru89sRQsQ60KyELgoiNSqVFeOGuq3YMip6pz3xO0I2TnHLCsGUeWD4QXlGMenaQpj0TaMmSEbg/s320/19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
What I have to say now has to be written down. I want to remember it.<br />
<br />
There comes that moment in a life, maybe you've experienced it, when everything seems to stand still and you see the finiteness of your life staring you in the eye . It happened all of a sudden for me. One moment, I'm just living. The next moment, I'm wondering what am I even doing here? Does any of this even matter? My thoughts turn to becoming a grandma and then a great-grandma and then passing away and becoming forgotten. My thoughts flash to my great-grandparents and how I have only vague and fuzzy memories of them. What about those before them? Who were they? What did they live for? <br />
The weight of nothingness pressed upon me.<br />
<br />
But...<br />
But God.<br />
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love with which He loved us." {Ephesians 2:4}<br />
<br />
He, in one instant, reminded me of<strong> eternity</strong>.<br />
I am not living for this place. What I do here really does matter later.<br />
I am not home yet.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;">The L<span class="smallcaps">ord</span> is like a father to his children,
</span></em></div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;">tender and compassionate to those who fear him.</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;">
</span></em><em><span style="color: #45818e;">For he knows how
weak we are; </span></em><em><span style="color: #45818e;">he remembers we are only dust.</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;">
</span></em><em><span style="color: #45818e;">Our days on earth
are like grass; </span></em><em><span style="color: #45818e;">like wildflowers, we bloom and die.</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;">
</span></em><em><span style="color: #45818e;">The wind blows, and
we are gone— </span></em><em><span style="color: #45818e;">as though we had never been here.</span></em></div>
<div class="poet1-vnn" style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;">But the love of the
L<span class="smallcaps">ord</span> remains forever </span></em><em><span style="color: #45818e;">with those who fear him.</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;">
</span></em><em><span style="color: #45818e;">His salvation extends to the children’s children</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;">
</span></em><em><span style="color: #45818e;">of those who are
faithful to his covenant,</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;">
</span></em><em><span style="color: #45818e;">of those who obey his commandments!"</span></em></div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;">{Psalm 103:13-18}</span></em></div>
<br />
He knows.<br />
He knows me.<br />
I am known by the I AM.<br />
<br />
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~<span style="color: #45818e;">
</span><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">christa
jean</span></span></em></span></span> ~<br />~~~<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;">Wanna read from the beginning of my
31 Days? Go <a href="http://transforme-cc.blogspot.com/p/31-days.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2198a6;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">here</span></span></a> to see the whole
list.</span></em></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;">Wanna see the 1200 other bloggers
doing 31 Days? Check <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2012/09/31-dayers-2012.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2198a6;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">this
out</span></span></a>!</span></em></div>
</div>
christa jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904856056253964078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994356345128243704.post-44683593457503016142012-10-18T22:06:00.000-07:002012-10-18T22:06:38.289-07:0031 Days: Learning to Just BE... Hungry {Day 18}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Come to Me. </div>
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{<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/graceforgrace" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">This gal's art</span></a> is so lovely. She's got skills!}</div>
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Some times you find a thread in His Word, and when you follow it throughout, it brings you to a beautifully created masterpiece. And the mystery is too great to fully comprehend.</div>
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The following verses are just that, woven so masterfully together, for our sustenance.</div>
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<em><span style="color: #cc0000;">"And He humbled you, and allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna, which you knew not, neither did your fathers know; that He might make you know that man does not live by bread only, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord does man live."</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #cc0000;">{Deuteronomy 8:3}</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #45818e;"></span></em> </div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #e69138;">"As the deer pants after the water brooks, so my soul after You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; when shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually say to me, 'Where is your God?'"</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #e69138;">{Psalm 42:1-3}</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #674ea7;"></span></em> </div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #f1c232;">"O God, You are my God; early will I seek You: my soul thirsts for You, my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is... "</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #f1c232;">{Psalm 63;1}</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #674ea7;"></span></em> </div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><em>"Ho! Every one that thirsts, come you to the waters, and he that has no money; come you, buy, and eat; yes, come, buy wine</em> [joy]<em> and milk </em>[nourishment]<em> without money and without price. Wherefore do you spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfies not? hearken diligently to Me, and eat that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come Me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David."</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="color: #6aa84f;">{Isaiah 55:1-3}</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #674ea7;"></span></em> </div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;">"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled."</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #45818e;">{Matthew 5:6}</span></em></div>
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</div>
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<em><span style="color: #3d85c6;">"... But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #3d85c6;">{John 4:14}</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #674ea7;"></span></em> </div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #674ea7;">"Labor not for the food which perishes, but for that food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give to you; for Him has God the Father sealed... I AM the bread of life: he that comes to Me shall never hunger: and he that believes on Me shall never thirst."</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #674ea7;">{John 6:27, 35}</span></em></div>
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</div>
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<em><span style="color: #a64d79;">"If any man thirst, let him come to Me, and drink. He that believes on Me, as the scripture has said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #a64d79;">{John 7:37-38}</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #674ea7;"></span></em> </div>
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<em><span style="color: #999999;">"It is done. I AM Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to him that is thirsty of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcomes shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son."</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #999999;">{Revelation 21:6-7}</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #674ea7;"></span></em> </div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: black;">"And the Spirit and the bride say 'Come!' And let him that hears say, Come. And let him that is thirsty come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: black;">{Revelation 22:17}</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #674ea7;"></span></em> </div>
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<span style="color: black;">I do not take credit for searching these out, my pastor did that. I am only choosing to share them for meditation purposes. I can see that I will be chewing on these for quite a while, letting them go down deep and make me full. Make me <em><strong>whole</strong></em>.</span></div>
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</div>
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The coolest thing? After reading all these scriptures today, even our family devotions coincided...</div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">"I lead you to places in My Word that feed your hungry soul. I give you the Living Water of My Presence. " {Jesus Calling, Oct 18th}</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: black;">Taste and See that He really is GOOD!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: black;">I leave you with this song. I sing this all. the. time.</span></div>
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</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/sY0Vz8fvIhE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Come to Me.</div>
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~<span style="color: #45818e;">
</span><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">christa
jean</span></span></em></span></span> ~<br />~~~<br /><br />
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;">Wanna read from the beginning of my
31 Days? Go <a href="http://transforme-cc.blogspot.com/p/31-days.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2198a6;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">here</span></span></a> to see the whole
list.</span></em></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;">Wanna see the 1200 other bloggers
doing 31 Days? Check <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2012/09/31-dayers-2012.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2198a6;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">this
out</span></span></a>!</span></em></div>
christa jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904856056253964078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994356345128243704.post-11157951747580715392012-10-17T22:53:00.002-07:002012-10-18T22:11:12.394-07:0031 Days: Learning to Just BE... A Warrior {Day 17}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong>To Arms!</strong></div>
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<strong></strong> </div>
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<strong>"If you don’t fight for joy, it’s your children who lose.</strong></div>
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<br /></div>
<strong><em>What do I want my children to remember — my joy in clean floors,
made beds and ironed shirts — or my joy of the Lord?</em></strong><br />
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<br /></div>
<strong>You will be most remembered — by what brought you most joy."</strong><br />
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</div>
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These are some of the excruciating words I read today. Every time I read the lovely author, Ann Voskamp, I cry. Seriously. I cry every time. It is as if she was writing about my life. Only her words ebb and flow and carry you along the current, deep calling to deep. Such beautiful words, sent to me for such a time as this. She reminds me, no implores me to fight on!</div>
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For quite a while now, I have had this urging thought in my mind that I need to begin the day, totally surrendered to Him. I am in a war for my soul and the souls of my children. </div>
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I will fight this war, on my face. He has already won. I'm just agreeing with it and walking forth victorious.</div>
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Now, get thyself over to read the rest of <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2012/10/why-the-battle-for-joy-is-worth-it-crazy-joy-17/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">"Why the Battle for Joy is Really Worth it {Crazy Joy 17}"</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZo9EvAJot4zBeJBhE1iU9uyjxdIaPNAnyY8CArzd5OFaCMmn3FKTcbPophsACcTZc66ebEgQ2rtgIcRmm5ZAYiVupfmeY01r1vhXQwq9OQN7AS9U_PiViWgAyvVIBFIif459lwtMqj0U/s640/blogger-image--634544146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZo9EvAJot4zBeJBhE1iU9uyjxdIaPNAnyY8CArzd5OFaCMmn3FKTcbPophsACcTZc66ebEgQ2rtgIcRmm5ZAYiVupfmeY01r1vhXQwq9OQN7AS9U_PiViWgAyvVIBFIif459lwtMqj0U/s400/blogger-image--634544146.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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~<span style="color: #45818e;">
</span><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">christa
jean</span></span></em></span></span> ~<br />
~~~<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;">Wanna read from the beginning of my
31 Days? Go <a href="http://transforme-cc.blogspot.com/p/31-days.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2198a6;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">here</span></span></a> to see the whole
list.</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
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<em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;">Wanna see the 1200 other bloggers
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christa jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904856056253964078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994356345128243704.post-74669080949454745442012-10-16T23:54:00.000-07:002012-10-17T00:29:49.541-07:0031 Days: Learning to Just BE... JoyFILLED {Day 16}<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoeD6Ly3ILIXbqyAwV7zx3GyUIvcaPW66QC5FEAx2MxIrvM6Wwq_vfV-2sNIOqH_XKjk0jI-FXTmW2N_cKE_rN9ddjH0ATuPDyxZZ1Nwv8MZzADzQ69Hz4v0sS7hEsmybJgACi-5AFC9o/s1600/taproot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoeD6Ly3ILIXbqyAwV7zx3GyUIvcaPW66QC5FEAx2MxIrvM6Wwq_vfV-2sNIOqH_XKjk0jI-FXTmW2N_cKE_rN9ddjH0ATuPDyxZZ1Nwv8MZzADzQ69Hz4v0sS7hEsmybJgACi-5AFC9o/s1600/taproot.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I awoke to these words...<br />
<br />
"Tap in to the taproot."<br />
<br />
Which begged the question, "What is a taproot?"<br />
<br />
Here are some findings:<br />
<br />
~ an enlarged, somewhat straight to tapering plant root that grows downward. It forms a center from which other roots sprout laterally.<br />
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~ many taproots are modified into storage organs, which is the part of the plant specifically modified for storage of energy (carbohydrates) or water. <br />
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~ Storage organs often grow underground, where they are better protected from herbivores.<br />
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~ Storage organs often, but not always, act as perennating organs which enable plants to survive adverse conditions (such as cold, excessive heat, lack of light or drought).<br />
<br />
~ some taproots (e.g. carrots) grow long to find the deeper water.<br />
<br />
Reminds me to the verse at the forefront of Psalms...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e;"><em>"<span class="black">Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the
ungodly, </span></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e;"><em><span class="black">nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the
scornful.</span>
</em></span></div>
<div class="regular" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="black"><span style="color: #45818e;"><em>But
his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law does he meditate day and
night.</em></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e;"><em>
<span class="black">And
he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its
fruit in its season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does
shall prosper."</span></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="black"><span style="color: #45818e;"><em>{Psalm 1:1-3}</em></span></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHgr67zukeNsXTcbB54H7Jt0q5GB6KRBqpcqnD4iXki_vVMN-WJBxPPrv1e-kSSr1W1EK09GTd6FHBJ8LD32uMes2BImp693bNR-WmAbKs_QuX_H09sBnqumFWZcCCabdqLvSFJRbpYU/s1600/2950018_f520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHgr67zukeNsXTcbB54H7Jt0q5GB6KRBqpcqnD4iXki_vVMN-WJBxPPrv1e-kSSr1W1EK09GTd6FHBJ8LD32uMes2BImp693bNR-WmAbKs_QuX_H09sBnqumFWZcCCabdqLvSFJRbpYU/s320/2950018_f520.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
No wonder I've been so dry! No wonder I've had no energy (need more carbs? haha). No wonder I've been "eaten." Have I been tapping into Him?<br />
<br />
Joy is not just an emotion. It is a fruit of the Spirit.<br />
<br />
How do I get more Joy? Stay in the Spirit. <br />
Where do I find my strength? It comes from Him.<br />
Where do I hide myself? Under the Shadow of His wings.<br />
<br />
I am so very thankful that His mercies are new every morning and that each day brings a "Do Over!"<br />
<br />
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~<span style="color: #45818e;">
</span><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">christa
jean</span></span></em></span></span> ~<br />
~~~<br />
<br />
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<em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;">Wanna read from the beginning of my
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christa jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904856056253964078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994356345128243704.post-45963748889190005522012-10-15T22:46:00.000-07:002012-10-17T00:32:24.484-07:0031 Days: Learning to Just BE... JoyFULL {Day 15}It was a rotten day.<br />
Let me re-phrase that. <br />
<strong><u>I</u></strong> was rotten all day.<br />
<br />
I made my children cry a lot. I made them clean a lot. I was not nice.<br />
I see this tendency toward clean-aholicism and I do not want it. I have given my children the impression that the most important thing to me is having a clean house.<br />
I really do like having a clean house, and I would like to help my kiddos into good habits when they are young, but so far, I have gone to the wrong extreme. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEjDVkYPPtsDiL-_SDLJD9v4WR8zoXiW5WjHiIS8CuL4RwJoUp0c9YNbIgyXeAJNziCZ0I3xkSkISK1VIm6UZ73krycxALo-JU1joPhAdBsushuRWe9cEyuX0YzoVRm7TKlTRAWWf7fk/s1600/House-Cleaning-Riverside-CA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEjDVkYPPtsDiL-_SDLJD9v4WR8zoXiW5WjHiIS8CuL4RwJoUp0c9YNbIgyXeAJNziCZ0I3xkSkISK1VIm6UZ73krycxALo-JU1joPhAdBsushuRWe9cEyuX0YzoVRm7TKlTRAWWf7fk/s320/House-Cleaning-Riverside-CA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">{got some simple cleaning tips from<a href="http://theupwardcallblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/how-do-you-keep-your-house-so-clean.html?showComment=1350454470784#c1467055329136671330" target="_blank"> <span style="color: #45818e;">this mom</span></a>}</span></div>
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However, I can say that, I didn't stay rotten all day. By evening, I had confessed to <span style="font-size: large;"><strong>6</strong></span> different people my sins and mistakes from the day. Three, being my daughters.<br />
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I see how God turns all things to work toward His good in us.<br />
One of my daughters asked my forgiveness for a rude tone of voice (unprompted, I might add!) and I was thankful for repentance and restoration. <br />
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I may not have been an example of love and joy, but, I darn well was an example of repentance and brokenness.<br />
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What really matters is His presence being FULL in this house. That is what I want for my children, for them to be FILLED with Him.<br />
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On days like this, I cling to a promise given to me by a prophet three years ago...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e;"><em>"And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; </em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e;"><em>and great shall
be the peace of thy children." </em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><em>{Isaiah 54:13}</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #45818e;"></span></em> </div>
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<strong><span style="color: black;">Yes, and amen.</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
~<span style="color: #45818e;">
</span><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">christa
jean</span></span></em></span></span> ~<br />
~~~<br />
<br />
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<em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia;">Wanna read from the beginning of my
31 Days? Go <a href="http://transforme-cc.blogspot.com/p/31-days.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2198a6;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">here</span></span></a> to see the whole
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christa jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08904856056253964078noreply@blogger.com1