THE GREATEST GIFT A MOTHER CAN GIVE IS TIME WELL SPENT

KETCHUP AND MUSTARD SATURDAY

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Catch Up and Must Do!

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There was so much to say on this topic this week, yet only so much time! Will you meet me at WAWA and we can visit for a few minutes over a "built to order Hoagie"? I stopped by a WAWA yesterday and had them put honey mustard on mine...yummmmm!

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BTW, for those of you who do not live in the Delaware Valley area, Wawa is a small market / deli that sometimes has a gas station. "Wawa" is a Native American word for the Canada Goose that was found in the Delaware Valley, that's why they use the goose on Wawa's corporate logo. Most stores are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.

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Okay friend, you eat while I talk! I have a confession. This has been an extremely stressful month for me. I have not handled everything so well. You can think whatever you want, but I know why...I agreed to be the speaker at the Collingswood, NJ Ladies Retreat in March with the theme TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED. When I shared that with Steve in January, he said, "Oh, no! You didn't!" He knows! You see everytime he or I teach a class or a series of lessons on a certain subject, it seems like God takes us to boot camp on that particular topic. Welcome to February! Whew! This is the last day! What will March bring?

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Okay...confession... Yesterday, I was close to Atlantic City doing student teacher evaluations. I had just finished observing my student teacher in a 3rd and 4th self contained learning disabilities classroom. I love doing this! I feel that God has given me so many experiences in and out of classrooms with children with special needs that I have alot to offer in encouraging my student teachers. So, I had just enough time to grab a hoagie at WAWA before getting on the Garden State Expressway to head to my next teaching observation.

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At WAWA, I used their little touch screen computer to place my order, got my receipt and waited. My ticket said that I was number 9. I waited. I heard numbers called 10, 11, 12, 13, 14... Still no number 9! I looked around and I was the only one standing there. The clock was ticking and I needed to get on the road. What was taking them so long? I paced back and forth for a few minutes. I overheard workers talking behind the high deli counter. Still no hoagie! What on earth? My patience was wearing thin. I did NOT want to be late for my next appointment! I might just have to complain about the service and leave or just leave. Then, I saw her...a short little woman very slowly constructing a hoagie with every step as if in slow motion. It was then that I realized that this was a woman with physical and possibily mental challenges who was doing the best that she could making MY hoagie. She was treating it as if it was a labor of love.

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God had my attention! You see, just that morning I had made a little acrostic for myself. I said to myself, "Patti, everytime you get out of the car you need to do the COG!" FYI, COG reminds me to do three things: take my Cell phone with me, record the Odometer reading, and be sure that I am aware of God's presence when I go inside. I didn't do so good in WAWA...I left my Cell phone in the car, I forgot about the odometer, and even though I took God in with me...I wasn't paying attention!!!

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Yesterday, my WAWA experience was a lesson learned and time well spent! God has given me the gift of teaching, shepherding, and administration...not the gift of mercy. Yet, there are multiple things that I am not gifted in that God expects me to do anyway. He works with me everyday on being more MERCIFUL. Go figure! I had just been in a classroom of students with special needs modeling how to be merciful. I think it's something important to talk about. In fact, next week, that will be our theme on this blog, "Blessed are the merciful...".

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You may have seen this before, but as we conclude our discussions for the week, I want to share it as a reminder of some of the greatest gifts a mother can give.

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WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING
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• When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.
• When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.
• When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.
• When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.
• When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.
• When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.
• When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.
• When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.
• When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.
• When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.
• When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.
• When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, 'Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.
• 'Little eyes see a lot.Each of us--parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher or friend--influence the life of a child.
• How will you touch the life of someone today?--author unknown
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THE GREATEST GIFT A MOTHER CAN GIVE IS A MODEL

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How does a mother model the right way to live? How does a mother model christianity? How does a mother model Christ? The secret is actually in Christ's Sermon on the Mount! Here are the first four Be-Attitudes that we have looked at so far this year (with my commentary):

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Matthew 5:3-6
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Be humble! Put God as number one! Understand that it's not all about me and it's not all about you!)

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Be sorry for your sins! Be sorry for the sins of others and the condition of our world!)

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (Understand that God is in control...so let him take the reins of your life - without kicking and screaming about it!)

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. (Understand that righteousness comes only from God! Consume His ways! Have a daily diet of God via Bible study, meditating on His word, talking to Him, and being led by Him!)

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As we each follow the model of Christ, our children will model Christ through us!
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Today, as I think of the concept of modeling, I share with you some pictures.
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Ten month old Lexi has modeled her mama, Brenda, praying:

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Three year old Lauren, as she awaits a heart transplant, has learned how to walk a treadmill and ride a tricycle. Her mama Cristi says that Lauren has gotten up to 5 minutes on the treadmill and is spending the mornings riding around her hospital room on her tricycle. How did she learn? She first saw others model it for her!

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Maria finds it easy to smile! It's being modeled all around her! Her family and friends are full of smiles! It's been a week since the doctors removed a tumor from behind Maria's lungs. Amazingly, her family had her at Wednesday night Bible study. She was surrounded by a wonderful church who were so happy to see Maria and hear the news that the doctors said the tumor was benign! Praise God!

.It will be a week ago tomorrow that the Deal family buried their beloved son and brother, Connor. The remarkable 40,000+ "hits" on their Caring Bridge website in a little over a week is an amazing testimony to a mom and dad who have modeled "hungering and thirsting for righteousness". I happened to be on Nan's Facebook just minutes after she posted that Ron had set up a new website with videos and some text from the funeral. By the time I went there and posted my own comments, several others had done the same. One woman's comments I have copied and pasted below. I believe it exemplifies the concept of modeling. After reading this letter, consider who you are modeling. Consider who is modeling you...

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"Ron and Nan - I cannot stop thinking about the AMAZING LETTER that Connor wrote you (Nan)! What a tribute to your love and to what a wonderful mother you are! I was IGNITED INSIDE to be a mom like you! I want to ENJOY every single moment with Angelia and listen to every story, give great feedback, and to(prayerfully) have the loving connection with her that you obviously had with Connor and I know you will always have with Braden and Brennan! I will NEVER rush through homework again or work on my laptop when Angelia needs my attention. Never again will I say "Honey, I'll be there in just a minute..." I will be intentional and (Lord willing) never miss a moment - - your example has shown me that the gift of our listening ears, our loving hearts, our affirming smiles and our tender arms are THE GIFTS that kids needs most - they are truly PRICELESS! Connor knew you ADORED HIM to his very core and that he could always count on you to listen, to give feedback and to protect his dreams and ambitions! THANK YOU, Nan, for showing me what it looks like to be an EXTRAORDINARY MOM!! Thank you for sharing the letter Connor wrote. His words will be MY INSPIRATION for the rest of my life! With much love and CONSTANT PRAYER from Nashville..."Angelia's Mom".

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Just a heads up to come back and join us next week as we look at Be-Attitude 5...Blessed are the merciful...

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THE GREATEST GIFT A MOTHER CAN GIVE IS THE WISDOM OF HIS WAYS

TRANSFORMING THURSDAY

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I stood on the sand of Amelia Beach last weekend and felt it beneath my toes. It was exhilerating to have the waves come up over my feet and ankles and then head back east again. After a few minutes of standing there, things began to change. The sand became unsteady. I began to sink. I wondered if there was a chasm below that was about ready to suck me into the center of the earth. I moved away quickly!

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As a mother, I pray that my children will always know where to stand. Where to stand in the things that matter. They have been taught to pray for wisdom. They know that there are a lot of things in life that really don't matter. They have been taught that Jesus is THE ROCK. In Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, near the beginning He says to "hunger and thirst for righteousness" and then toward the very end of the sermon He says these words:

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Matthew 7:24-29
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law."

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Years previously, God had already given Solomon these words to write. I put it below with bullets so you can see the points that he emphasizes.

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Proverbs 4:4-13

• "Lay hold of my words with all your heart;


• keep my commands and you will live.


• Get wisdom, get understanding;


• do not forget my words or swerve from them.


• Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;


• love her, and she will watch over you.


• Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.


• Though it cost all you have, get understanding.


• Esteem her, and she will exalt you;


• embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on
  your head and present you with a crown of splendor."


• Listen, my son, accept what I say,and the years of your life will be many. I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.


• When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;


• when you run, you will not stumble.


• Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;


• guard it well, for it is your life. "
  

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How do you and I get wisdom? The wisdom of His ways? God told us through James many years after Solomon and a few years after Jesus spoke the words above:

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James 1:5-6 "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind."

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Get wisdom! Teach your children how to get wisdom! It's transforming!
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THE GREATEST GIFT A MOTHER CAN GIVE IS THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE LORD

WOMEN IN THE WORD WEDNESDAY

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There is something about standing at the ocean and looking out at the expanse that puts the enormity of God back in the correct perspective in my mind. Such was the case this past weekend as I spent several days looking out over the Atlantic.

I love each Wednesday when we focus on God's word and try to let it soak in. As we contiue to ponder what it means to "hunger and thirst for righteousness", please join me in looking at the enormity of what it means to give "the knowledge of the LORD".

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Psalm 139:4-10

"Before a word is on my tongue

You know it completely, O LORD.
You hem me in — behind and before;

You have laid Your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from Your Spirit?

Where can I flee from Your presence?

If I go up to the heaven, You are there;

if I make my bed in the depths, You are there.

If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

if I settle on the far side of the sea,

even there Your hand will guide me,

Your right hand will hold me fast. "

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THE GREATEST GIFT A MOTHER CAN GIVE...IS THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING...

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I'm so grateful for christian parents who make the committment to live lives for Jesus.
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I'm so thankful for christian parents who give their children the knowledge of the LORD.
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When parents pass Jesus on to their children, they give the gift that keeps on giving and giving and giving...
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I was blessed to be a part of a wedding this past weekend of two young adults from two different races who both have given their lives to Jesus. Their daddies and mommies prayed for them to marry christian mates. God answered their prayers.
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Here are Antwan and Chelsea the night before the wedding as Antwan sings for us "I'm a Hard Fightin' Soldier on the Battlefield". It was a wonderful evening of sharing from the heart...

As you look through the following wonderful pictures of Saturday's wedding of Antwan and Chelsea on Amelia Island, Florida...please know that you are looking at pictures of two families who dearly love the LORD and want to please Him and only Him...they are passing it on to children and to children's children...
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Beforehand, looking out over the Atlantic Ocean from the balcony above where the wedding would take place on the veranda.
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Steve and Antwan about five minutes before the ceremony begins.

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Chelsea being escorted by her dad.

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Chelsea's dad gives Antwan his blessing.

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Steve officiates a beautiful, God centered ceremony.

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Antwan's parents look on with the confidence that Chelsea is the answer to their prayers for a spiritual mate for their son.

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Chelsea's parents sit with grandkids on their laps as they watch their youngest daughter vow to love, honor, and cherish the man who they have been praying for for so many years.

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Then, there's the gift that just keeps on giving...Jesus living inside family and friends...

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Here are some of Chelsea's friends. The three in first picture are of Chelsea's York College friends who came to the wedding: Alanna from Colorado, Ashley from Texas, and Bryanna from Oregon. All three young women, who also come from three sets of parents who love the LORD, joined Chelsea while in college by putting tattooes on their feet that say: Romans 10:15 ("And how shall they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings of good things!")

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The gift keeps giving and giving and giving... pass it on...

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On Saturday, I posted about how Steve and I got to know Antwan and Chelsea in the first place. You may scroll down to that post below.

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Thanks for stopping by today and remember to come back by as I continue to post for the first half of this year about Christ's Sermon on the Mount. We're on Be-Attitude 4 this week: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled."

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THE GREATEST GIFT A MOTHER CAN GIVE IS A LIFE LIVED FOR JESUS

MEDITATION MONDAY

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What does "a life lived for Jesus" look like? Especially what does it look like in terms of our study of the 4th Be-Attitude:

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"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled."

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Please join me today in meditating on these scriptures:

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• John 16:7-11 "But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. When He comes, He will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in Me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see Me no longer..."
• I Peter 2:23-25 "When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."
• 1 John 2:1-7
  "My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have ONE who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. We know that we have come to know Him if we obey His commands. The man who says, "I know Him," but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in Him. But if anyone obeys His word, God's love is truly made complete in Him. This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did. "
• Romans 12:1-2 "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
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THE GREATEST GIFT A MOTHER CAN GIVE...

SUNDAY IN THE SON

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In 1989, I was introduced to Steve and Annie Chapman's music. I have been a lover of it ever since. If you believe the words of their song which is our theme song this week..."The greatest gift a mother can give is a life lived for Jesus..." then you might want to become acquainted with the rest of the Chapman's music about christian marriage and family. I am confident that you will be encouraged by their ministry here: http://www.steveandanniechapman.com/

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(NOTE: This is NOT Steven Curtis Chapman).

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"Blessed are the poor in spirit...

Blessed are those who mourn...

Blessed are the meek...

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness..."

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WHAT IF HIS PEOPLE PRAYED FOR THEIR FUTURES

KETCHUP AND MUSTARD SATURDAY

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Catch Up and Must Do Saturday

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I grew up often hearing the phrase, "We don't know what the future holds, but we know WHO holds the future." This week, this blog has been heavy duty. This blog about mommies transforming has been filled with stories of mommies who have no control over the fate of their children suffering terrible health and wellness challenges. Or do they have control? What if His people prayed?

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Little did Nan Deal know that the nine months she carried Connor would lead to only 12 years of having him here on this earth. Yet, Nan had prayed for a son who she could teach about his Creator...a son who would give his life to glorify the Son of that same Creator...

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Today, as Ron, Nan, and family lay Connor's physical body in that earthly grave, they know that the real Connor, the spiritual Connor, has already gone on to his heavenly home...that's what they have prayed for from even before he was concieved. God has answered their prayers with "YES!".

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What if His people prayed for their futures?

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This morning, on the beach of Amelia Island, Steve will officiate the marriage of Antwan and Chelsea. These are two Godly young adults who were both raised by parents who diligently prayed to God and modeled His way to their children. Last night, as family and friends gathered around pizza, we heard amazing testimonies of love, laughter, and grace. Their family and friends have sacrificed to travel to Florida for this special event from California, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona, Texas, Iowa, Tennessee, Illinois, Indiana, New York, and New Jersey to honor this lovely couple. Today is a result of people who prayed for their future...

• Chelsea's parents had prayed for Chelsea's future Godly mate
• Antwan's parents had prayed for Antwan's future Godly mate
• Chelsea had held out and prayed for her spiritual mate
• Antwan had held out and prayed for his spiritual mate

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A girl who grew up in Wyoming and attended York College in Nebraska met a young man while visiting Seattle, Washington who went to graduate school at Indiana University...God orchestrated it across the miles...

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Chelsea was a student at York College when Steve and I taught there. Antwan was a student at the I.U. School of Optometry when Steve preached in Bloomington. We did not know that they knew each other for a long time. God had been at work, through the years, answering their prayers! All they had to do was trust!

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What if His people prayed for their futures in Him?

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"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled...."

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WHAT IF HIS PEOPLE PRAYED RIGHT NOW

In many schools across the USA, there is a reading time of the day called DEAR. DEAR stands for Drop Everything And Read. I am proposing that in christian hearts across this world that we make sure that each day we go DEAP: Drop Everything And Pray!
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• A prayer of Adoration for your awesome heavenly Father!
• A prayer of Confession for the sins you've committed knowingly and unknowingly.
• A prayer of Thanksgiving for everything!
• A prayer of Supplication for your needs and the needs of others.
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  Please continue to pray for Connor's family and Lauren and Maria.
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  Right now prayers are certainly in order for Maria's situation. Here is a current update on Maria from her Aunt Annette:
  
  

Maria's surgery actually began at about 8:30. Lorraine called again at 9:55 to say that the surgeon just came out and told her the surgery was completed, the tumor came out in one big ball, he got everything he saw, and he's confident that was everything. Maria will be in recovery for about an hour and Lorraine is hoping to see her within that time.

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God hears the prayers of the righteous:
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness..."
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WHAT IF HIS PEOPLE PRAYED NON-STOP

TRANSFORMING THURSDAY

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We are going through a sermon series on the book of Nehemiah each Sunday. If there is one thing that sticks out about Nehemiah, it is that he is a man who hungers and thirsts for righteousness through his prayer life. Steve has talked about Nehemiah's "breath prayers" (short prayers that can be said in one breath). Recently, many of us have found ourselves praying more...praying for those who are hurting deeply. We have stormed the gates of heaven on behalf of Connor Deal. God answered with a "Yes!". Yes, God has chosen to heal Connor, yet on God's terms. Keep praying! God listens! The more I hunger and thirst for righteousness, part of what that looks like is an increased prayer life that might look like this...
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• Wake up praying
• Pray on the toilet
• Pray in the shower
• Pray while dressing
• Pray while preparing a meal
• Pray before, during, and after meals
• Pray while driving
• Pray while working
• Pray while shopping
• Pray while cleaning
• Pray while listening
• Pray before, during, and after talking
• Pray before, during, and after anything

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Matthew 5:6

Blessed are those who

hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled.

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What if His people prayed?

It's TRANSFORMING!

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WHAT IF HIS PEOPLE PRAYED THROUGH THE WORD?

WOMEN IN THE WORD WEDNESDAY

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As we continue on the theme of the Be-Attitudes, yet continue to grieve the death of Connor Deal, please join me in this prayer:
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Our dear God,

You are mighty to save!

• Isaiah 63:1"It is I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save."

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Your mercies are new every morning!

• Lamentations 3:22-24
  22 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness. 24 "The LORD is my portion," says my soul,"therefore I will hope in Him."

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Please forgive us of our sins...forgive us when we doubt Your decisions...

• Luke 11:4 And forgive us our sins, For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.

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We want to hunger and thirst for righteousness so that we might be filled with You.

• Matthew 5:66 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

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Thank you for letting us see the heart of this young child Connor who was so in love with You.

• Isaiah 11:6
  6 The wolf will live with the lamb,the leopard will lie down with the goat,the calf and the lion and the yearling together;and a little child will lead them.

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Father, we ask for comfort for Ron, Nan, Braden, Brennan, and all of us who are grieving this loss.

• 2 Corinthians 1:3-6
  3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; 4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.

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Thank You that through Jesus we can pray this prayer and be Your family...Amen.

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WHAT IF HIS PEOPLE PRAYED...WE DID...HE ANSWERED...

NO MATTER WHAT...
GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME...
AND ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD...

GOD CHOSE TO TAKE CONNOR DEAL HOME TONIGHT...

HERE ARE A FEW WORDS TO CONNOR THIS EVENING FROM SOME OF HIS FAMILY...
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Connor is again singing.
In the video you saw Connor holding and singing to baby Jesus--now he is being held by the Savior and joining in the songs of heaven. Our sweet Connor, we miss you so much already. Thank you for sharing your incredible wit, out-of-this-world creativity, and compassionate spirit with us for 12 marvelous years. What will life be like without you?
Go in peace...we will see you again.
Dad, Mom, Braden, Brennan, Indy, & Maddie
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I love you, Connor. I love looking at your beautiful face. Sing for Jesus. Your brother Braden.
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We witnessed your birth into Jesus Christ; we loved you. We watched you sing to Baby Jesus; we loved you. We surveyed your Legos; we loved you. When you became ill, we fasted and prayed; we loved you. We trusted in Jesus and the Father about your illness; now we trust Jesus and the Father that it is best for you, if not for our family, that you are away from us for a while. We'll never stop loving you. Grandpa Deal

Lloyd Deal lloyddeal@juno.com
Edmond, OK
United States

WHAT IF HIS PEOPLE PRAYED WITH GRATITUDE

God, our Father,

You are amazing, merciful, long suffering, and oh, so, loving! Thank You for WHO You are! Thank You for the way You listen and serve us! Forgive me for the many times that I have not prayed fervently. Forgive me for not taking EVERYTHING to You in prayer with gratitude.

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We are so aware of the four souls who we have been praying for. Thank You for bringing them this far. This weekend both John and Connor were on the brink of death, God, and You chose to hear our prayers and keep them here. We are amazed at the outpouring for Connor this weekend, please re-work his lungs, Father.

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We are amazed at and thankful for this tool of blogs, Facebook, email, caring-bridge pages, and just the internet in general for being such a means of connection that can be used for good. To know that around 7,000 people have just connected about Connor in 3 days is incredible. Yet, You can connect so many more because You know us all... You know our thoughts and the intentions of our hearts. We are amazed at Your sovereignty.

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Please give the mommies and daddies of Lauren, Maria, and Connor the strength that they need to see this through. We ask all of this with hearts overflowing with gratitude for what You have done and what You are about to do.

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Because of Jesus, we are family, and pray this prayer, Amen.

WHAT IF HIS PEOPLE PRAYED FERVENTLY

MEDITATION MONDAY

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What a lot there is to meditate on!!! Yesterday, I easily took the three themes of three lessons I heard and connected them with a fourth that I saw:
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1. Bible Class: "Do NOT be afraid...only believe!"
2. Sermon: "Our God will fight for us!"
3. Life Group: "Let Jesus wash your feet!"
4. An army of christians praying for 4 people whose lives are hanging in the balance...3 of those people you can keep updated on via the links on the right...the fourth is John Baldwin, a deacon at the Tabernacle, NJ church of Christ who is in critical condition with diabetes complications and sepsis. Saturday, the hospital became packed as friends and family came to stand vigil he was then moved by ambulance to a hospital in Camden.

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I hear it was the same on Saturday in Amarillo, TX as friends and family stood vigil for Connor and then the determination was made to fly him to Children's Medical Center in Dallas.

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Lauren and Marie wait for their surgeries as family and friends continue to minister to them and their daddies and mommies.

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Saturday afternoon a website was posted for Connor. Within 24 hours over 2,000 had accessed it. Here are some of the prayers for Connor that I have read online, in the last 24 hours. These happen to have been prayed in another part of the world:

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• Dear God Please help Conner to feel better. In Jesus name A-men (Silas) age 5
• Dear God Please be with Conner todayHelp the fever to drop and help him to feel better and in Jesus name Please help him to healIn Jesus name A-men (Kinley) age 10
• Dear GodPlease help conner to get better. help conner to be able to do things again like play outside and do all the things that he likes to do.In Jesus nameAmen (Alex) age 9
• This one was said very slowly: Dear Godplease help Connor to feel much much much better and to be safe and for him to have a good lifein Jesus name a-men (Isaac) age 6
• Dear heavenly father,I want to bring before your throne a young man who is feeling sick. His name is Connor Deal. Lord, You created him and knit him together in his mother's womb. You know every hair on his head. He is in the hospital with bi-lateral mrsa pneumonia and ards. Lord you know more than all the doctors in the world. We ask for your healing to be upon Connor. If it is your will, would you please heal this boy?Lord we trust you and know that you are the God of mercy and love. May you surround this young man with your love and care. For those who are caring for him may you give them compassion, tenderness and wisdom beyond their years of study.Please heal his body of the pneumonia and free his lungs to breath clearly. May Connor recover from this sickness and be even stronger than before.Lord, I want to pray for his parents right now as it is tough thing to see your child sick or suffering from illness. Please fill them with faith, courage and trust in you. Please wrap your arms around them and comfort them during this time.May this trial bring them closer to you. May you strengthen their marriage and fill them with hope and peace that only comes from you.Father, would you also encourage the members of Amarillo South to know how to shower this family with love, comfort and support in just the right ways.? Help them to know from your spirit what they should do even without being asked.Lord help them to know that they are not alone and that there are friends and family around the world that are standing with them.Lord you are so wonderful and I praise your name right now. Lord you can see the tears that are in my eyes right now as my family has been touched by Connor and by your goodness.As we bring this young man before your thrown we ask for your healing touch to be upon him.In the name of your wonderful Son Jesus A-men (Jeff Cash...missionary, Uganda)

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Here is our message for these four families:

1. Do not be afraid...only believe!
2. Our God will fight for you!
3. Let Jesus serve you through His family!

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WHAT IF HIS PEOPLE PRAYED

SUNDAY IN THE SON

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"Blessed are those

who hunger and thirst for righteousness...

for they shall be filled!"

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This Week's Theme Song is By Casting Crowns. The words are written below, to follow along with the playlist. Below the words are 2 video clips. The first is the testimony of Mark Hall, the lead singer and song writer for Casting Crowns who has ADHD and Dyslexia. He is an inspiration to many! The second video clip is a slide show of pictures to the song. Be challenged and come back and join us this week as we discuss hungering and thirsting for righteousness.

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WHAT IF HIS PEOPLE PRAYED?

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What if the armies of the armies of the Lord
Picked up and dusted off their swords,
Vowed to set the captives free,
And not let Satan have one more?
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What if the church for heaven's sake
Finally stepped up to the plate,
Took and stand upon God's promise,
And stormed hell's rusty gates?
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What if His people prayed
And those who bear His name
Would humbly seek His face
And turn from their own way?
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And what would happen if we prayed
For those raised up to lead the way?
Then, maybe kids in school could pray
And unborn children see light of day.
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What if the life that we pursue
Came from a hunger for the truth?
What if the family turned to Jesus-
Stopped asking Oprah what to do?
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What if His people prayed
And those who bear His name
Would humbly seek His face
And turn from their own way?
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He said that they would hear!
His promise has been made!
He’s answered loud and clear!
Yeah! If only we would pray!
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If My people called by My name...
If they'll humble themselves and pray.
If My people called by My name...
If they'll humble themselves and pray.
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What if His people prayed
And those who bear His name
Would humbly seek His face,
And turn from their own way?
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He said that they would hear!
His promise has been made!
He’s answered loud and clear!
Yeah! If only we would pray!
What if His people prayed?
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GOD IS IN CONTROL: BE OF GOOD COURAGE!

KETCHUP AND MUSTARD SATURDAY

Catch Up and Must Do

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Sorry, I used all the mustard!

Our family has usually lived nearby either a Sonic or a DQ.

We live by neither here in South Jersey.

So, yesterday, Steve made a special stop

at Sonic in another town

and brought me my Sonic burger with mustard!

Ahhhhh!

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If you are new to this blog,

I use Saturdays to "catch up".

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Since the beginning of the New Year,

I have made the emphasis on this blog to be the

Be-Attitudes of Jesus from His Sermon on the Mount.

We try to have a weekly theme song

to encourage in focusing on our topic.

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"Blessed are the poor in spirit..."

(humble, selfless, "it's not about me!", putting God on the throne).

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"Blessed are those who mourn..."

(crying out to God, sorry for my sins, asking for forgiveness...)

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"Blessed are the meek..."

(giving God the reins, letting God be in control, gently following His lead...)

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OKAY! We're ready for the fourth one...

We'll begin tomorrow spending a few weeks on

"Blessed are those who

hunger and thirst for righteousness..."

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MUST DO:

Please join me in continuing to pray fervently for these three precious children and their families. I posted yesterday about Connor...he is not doing well...I will try to keep an update over by his picture on the right. Maria may have her surgery on Wednesday of this next week. Lauren developed a cough yesterday, which is not good for someone awaiting a heart transplant. Their parents ride a roller coaster of emotion while needing to be so strong for these children and their siblings.

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Please pray specifically for:

• Lauren and her dad and mom - Tim and Cristi...
• Maria and her dad and mom - Vince and Lorraine...
• Connor and his dad and mom - Ron and Nan...

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"The prayers of the righteous availeth much!"

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GOD

IS

IN

CONTROL!

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1.
This is no time for fear!
This is a time for faith and determination.
Don't lose the vision here-
Carried away by emotion.
Hold on to all that you hide in your heart!
There is one thing that has always been true-
It holds the world together.

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CHORUS:
God is in control!
We believe that His children will not be forsaken.
God is in control!
We will choose to remember and never be shaken.
There is no power above or beside Him,
we know...oh...oh...oh...
God is in control!
oh...oh...oh
God is in control!
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2.
History marches on
There is a bottom line drawn across the ages
Culture can make its plan
Oh, but the line never changes
No matter how the deception may fly
There is one thing that has always been true
It will be true forever
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CHORUS:

God is in control!

We believe that His children will not be forsaken.

God is in control!

We will choose to remember and never be shaken.

There is no power above or beside Him,

we know...oh...oh...oh...

God is in control!

oh...oh...oh...

God is in control!
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3.
He has never let you down
Why start to worry now?
Why start to worry now?
He is still the LORD of all we see
And He is still the loving Father
Watching over you and me
watching over you...
watching over me..
watching over everything..
watching over you..
watching over me..
every little sparrow..
every little thing...
every little thing...
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CHORUS:God is in control!

We believe that His children will not be forsaken.

God is in control!

We will choose to remember and never be shaken.

There is no power above or beside Him,

we know...oh...oh...oh...

God is in control!

oh...oh...oh...

God is in control!

we know...oh...oh...oh...
God is in control!
oh...oh...oh...
God is in control!
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GOD IS IN CONTROL: MODEL IT! INTENTIONALLY TEACH IT!

GOD IS IN CONTROL, He is omnipresent and knows all things. Over the last few decades, the information age has inundated us with more and more... yes... information. It's not even an iota of what God knows. For me, it has made me even more aware of the enormity of our God and what He does know!
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Now having email, web pages, blogs, and Facebook, I find staying connected so much easier. Steve and I have also reconnected with those who our lives have touched for brief moments in time and we didn't know that we'd ever see each other again. It's an especially beautiful way to connect in christian fellowship.
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On Tuesdays, a group of us go out to lunch after our "Patriarchs" Bible Study. It's all about connection! We enjoy each other! This week we talked about God being in control: of the situation our nation is in, our communities, our families... We talked about how God's timing and ours are not always the same. We must learn to rest in Him. Mandy shared with us that she has become more intentional in teaching Maggie that God is in control:
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"God is the biggest! God is the nicest! God is the strongest! God is the best! God is bigger than who I'm scared of at night! God is bigger than the White House! God is bigger than __________, _______, ______, ________...!!!"
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Mandy continued, "We want her to learn to thank God for meeting her needs...all the rest is icing!"
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Over the years, I have begged God to meet my children's needs, yet He has allowed some pretty tough stuff to come their way physically, intellectually, relationally, emotionally, and even spiritually. I can tell you how hard that is as a mom who just physically speaking has children with extreme health challenges. I have continually had to concede: "God, You are in control! Father knows best!"
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Recently, I reconnected on Facebook with Ron and Nan Deal. We so love and respect the whole extended Deal family! Steve and I were with Ron in 2007 but have not seen Nan for a long time. Let's just say we have connections "way back". This week has been a really rough week for Ron and Nan. Just a few minutes ago, Nan updated on FB:
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"Nan is letting you all know our report was not good this am. X ray showed more on rt side. We were told late yesterday it is mrsa staff bi- lateral pnemonia.... "

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Join me in praying for their son Connor today as we also continue to pray for Maria and Lauren. Below are recent pictures of Connor and his family. Over on the right side, you see Connor this week as he labors for every breath.

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How great a fellowship is among the family of believers who raise their voices as one! Many of you know that over the years and the tough stuff that our family has gone through, we continually have wanted to focus on the fact that inspite of it all "God is good all the time and all the time God is good." Steve says it in every sermon. We often sign off with: GIGATTAATTGIG!

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Over my computer hangs this calligraphy that is my practical thinking reframe of the above:

GOD IS IN CONTROL - DON'T GET CARRIED AWAY BY EMOTION!

TRANSFORMING THURSDAY

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Almost everytime I pray about something the situation gets worse before it gets better. Almost everytime I really desire transformation in a certain area the very thing that I desire to transform sticks it's ugly head up. Almost everytime I feel confident in a certain area, I am shown that I should not be so confident. Almost everytime I post something on this blog, I am put to the test....UGH!!!
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Right now on my Facebook page I have the following status update: Patti is recovering from several days on New Jersey roads...Atlantic City Expressway...Garden State Parkway...10 miles backed up traffic...Jackson Rd.-wrong county...
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My patience and endurance have been tested! I was very confident that GOOGLE and I could find our way around South Jersey as I travel to different schools to observe my student teachers. Not a chance! The ugly head of my basic personality ("lion") has shown itself! I'm sure it's not just because there's been a full moon.
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What pushes your buttons? What makes you get carried away with emotion? With me, it's definitely about being "in control". When I'm on overload, there is no way to take care of all my responsibilities and I find myself getting way too sidetracked. That, in turn, really frustrates me and I begin feeling more "out of control". Oh, I'm so much better than I used to be. Yet, the past few days have shown me that I still have a long way to go in "letting it go".
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As I think about the first verse of our theme song this week, I wonder what gets you "carried away with emotion"?!?

• Is it the fear of what is happening to our country?
• Is it watching your children not do what you had hoped that they would?
• Is it being put in situations that you're not that comfortable with?
• Is it someone not doing something exactly the way you had asked?
• Is it worry? Anxiety?

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As I sat on the Garden State Parkway yesterday, about 10 miles behind where there was a terrible accident, I thought about the last part of verse one..."Hold on to all that you hide in your heart! There is one thing that has always been true-it holds the world together...GOD IS IN CONTROL." I pondered what I had hidden in my heart just this week...new prayer requests...Sunday's class and sermon...yesterday's verses...and the song...and then I sang that children's song that I love so dearly...the one on our playlist...HE'S STILL WORKING ON ME...

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Then, I came home and barked at Steve for the second, third, or fourth time in the last few days...

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Oh, God of second chances, here I am again...don't give up on me...

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1.
This is no time for fear!
This is a time for faith and determination.
Don't lose the vision here-
Carried away by emotion.
Hold on to all that you hide in your heart!
There is one thing that has always been true-
It holds the world together...

GOD IS IN CONTROL...

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GOD IS IN CONTROL: HE IS VERY INTENTIONAL

WOMEN IN THE WORD WEDNESDAY

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Yesterday morning, my day started out experiencing our Beth Moore class and fellowship afterwards with my Pitman sisters. My day ended with a group of us surrounding Dwayne as he gave his life to Jesus and we watched him be baptized into Christ.

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In our Beth Moore class we watched our PATRIARCHS Session 5 Video. There were not too many dry eyes before it was over. I couldn't write fast enough to get the notes from the video down or the comments of all my sisters. The lesson connected the Old Testament story of "Jacob's Ladder" to the "Cross of Christ"...another connection between the Old Testament and the New. Once again, I am reminded that God is in control. He is intentional in all that He does. The Bible alone shows that over and over again. I so want to "see" what He sees and understand what He understands.

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I thought of the scripture from Ezra in Sunday's sermon and how it connected with a scripture at the end of Beth's video...another O.T. and N.T. connection. Those O.T. and N.T. connections help me to see more into the heart of God. As Beth said, "I want to have a SMART HEART!" One of the best ways to have a SMART HEART is to memorize His word. Please join me today in memorizing these two "heart" scriptures:

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Ezra 7:10 "For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD, and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel."

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Philippians 2:12-13
"...work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure."

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Ezra 7:10 "For Ezra had set ____ _______ to study the law of the LORD, and to practice it, and to teach _____ statutes and ordinances ____ _________.".
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Philippians 2:12-13"...work out _______ ___________ with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for ______ _______ _____________."

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Ezra 7:10 "For Ezra had set his heart ___ ________ the law of the LORD, and ___ ___________ it, and ___ ________ His statutes and ordinances in Israel.".
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Philippians 2:12-13"..._________ ________ your salvation with ______ and ___________; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure."

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Ezra 7:10 "For Ezra had set his heart to study the ______ ___ _____ ________, and to practice it, and to teach His __________ and _____________ in Israel.".
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Philippians 2:12-13"...work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God ____ __ __ _____ ___ _____, both to will and to work for His good pleasure."

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GOD IS IN CONTROL: HE'LL LIVE IN YOU SO BE SURE TO WEAR HIS ARMOR!

I am so thankful that as christians God lives inside of us and even allows us to wear HIS armor! Today's post is special to me for 3 reasons beyond the two I just listed:

1. I love the Ephesians 6 scripture so much and I'm sure it's because I can relate to it in a very real way because I grew up in a military family.



2. The picture and comments that Stephanie gave Steve on Sunday that I have posted below.



3. The close connection some of us have to the events that transpired after the US Airways flight came down in the Hudson River last month.

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1. Ephesians 6, starting in verse 10, tells us how to be strong in the LORD...really how to let God take control. We put on God's on battle clothes (His armor). Why? So that we can "stand firm against the schemes of the devil" and "resist in the evil day, and having done everything to stand firm." It's an amazing chapter! One of those that you could study in your quiet time everyday for a month and still have more to study! Thank you, God for the richness of your spiritual blessings IN CHRIST!

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2. This Sunday, one of our "transformed moms" daughter, Stephanie ( who has just recently become a christian) drew a humorous cartoon of my husband Steve. It made me think of how some of you have commented to me about your husband's striving to continue growing in God: Charles, John, Matthew, Greg, Dan, Tim, Brad, Brian, Sherwin...oh, how we all need His armor! Thank you, men! Thank you, Stephanie...especially for including me as Steve's "side kick"!

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3. Then, there's the spiritual giant who is also a tugboat captain...I did my post on him last Saturday and I am sure that you will want to learn about how Andrea's husband helped on the Hudson River! Thank you, Chuck! Thank you, Andrea! Link here to see the tugboat connection:

http://momstransformed.blogspot.com/search/label/G.%20%20Ketchup%20and%20Mustard%20Saturday

GOD IS IN CONTROL: SO, LEAD BY EXAMPLE!

MEDITATION MONDAY

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We need leaders who know that God is in control!

We need mommies and daddies who know that God is in control!

We need adults who know that God is in control!

We need teens who know that God is in control!

We need children who know that God is in control!

Each of us can lead by example in this area!

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On Sundays,

we've been hearing sermons on Nehemiah.

Wow!

So many lessons.

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Yesterday, Steve talked about NEHEMIAH: LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE:

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1. Example by PERSONAL TESTIMONY
2. Example by PERSONAL COMMITTMENT
3. Example by PERSONAL INTEGRITY AND WORK ETHIC

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Nehemiah was a tremendous spiritual leader! Here are a few things from yesterday that I am choosing to meditate on today...

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BE AN EXAMPLE BY PERSONAL TESTIMONY (5 of 12 points)

1. Prayer is the food and drink of a Godly leader. The book of Nehemiah records 12 of Nehemiah's prayers. It's really not about what Nehemiah did as much as who Nehemiah was!
2. A Must! Humility! Humility! Humility! Nehemiah was poor in spirit.
3. A Spirit Leader is Spirit Led. Nehemiah 2:12
4. A spiritual leader readlizes he/she is in a spiritual battle and there will be opposition (peace is NOT the absence of conflict).
5. A spiritual leader connects with the people (2:17) in their suffering but gives hope because God has given him/her a story to tell (2:18).

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BE AN EXAMPLE OF PERSONAL COMMITTMENT:

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1. In Nehemiah chapter 4, they committed to work on the wall until it was finished...from "dawn until the stars appeared." They did not even take time to change their clothes.

2. In Nehemiah chapter 8, Ezra read scripture to the people from early morning til midday. They were convicted! They mourned and wept. The next day, they came back so that they might "get insight into the words of the law."

3. Ezra 7:10 tells us about Ezra's personal committment: "For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD, and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel."

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BE AN EXAMPLE OF PERSONAL INTEGRITY AND WORK ETHIC:

In Nehemiah 5, we see that Nehemiah's integrity was two fold: he feared the Lord AND had compassion for others. Those two helped him to DO THE RIGHT THING!

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Each of us has a PERSONAL TESTIMONY that shows how God is in Control! Have you told your story lately? Have you shared with your family the amazing ways God has been in control in your life?

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Each of us makes a PERSONAL COMMITTMENT to give God the reins of our life and let God be in Control! Have you truly given the reins of your life over to Him? Blessed are the meek... for they let God be in control!

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Each of us can make a choice today to DO THE RIGHT THING in our personal integrity and work ethic showing how we believe that GOD IS IN CONTROL! Can your family and friends tell stories of how God is in control of your life by how they see you live out His work ethic and integrity?

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