GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS... THROUGH YOUR CONSISTENCE IN THE WORD...

WOMEN IN THE WORD WEDNESDAY

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Philippians 2:12-16a

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12 "Therefore, my dear friends,

as you have ALWAYS OBEYED-

not only in my presence,

but now much more in my absence-

(Paul, inspired by God, is writing

to christians who are the real deal...

christians who obey God when they're being watched

and when they're not being watched!")

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continue to WORK OUT YOUR OWN SALVATION

(Ah! It is, in fact, this continued

obedience to God that is how one

will "work out your own salvation". )

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with fear and trembling,

(This is a reverant respect

of our all powerful,

holy, and loving Father).

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13 for it is GOD WHO WORKS IN YOU

(...since you have chosen this

christian life of obedience,

God is working in you...)

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to will and to act according to His good purpose.

(God's work in you is about

transforming you to fit into His big picture

of His design, therefore,

this work might be painful as He does His work!)

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14 Do everything

(No matter what the struggle or pain,

these two words mean what they say...

DO EVERYTHING....)

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without complaining or arguing,

(None... zero... zilch complaining / arguing!)

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15 so that you may

(It looks lke it's possible!)

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become blameless

(That means you'll live a life of obedience to God,

so you won't be to blame! Of course,

being blameless would never be able to happen

had you not become a born again christian in the first place.

Now, the blood of Christ continually cleanses you of any sins

as you strive walk this journey of obedience).

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and pure,

(And, now, covered by "the blood of the lamb"

you are seen as undefiled... holy... innocent... )

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children of God

(That means that you are part of

THE FAMILY - God is your Daddy!)

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without fault

(This would be the same as blameless...

see above...)

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in a crooked and depraved generation,

(You have criminal and sicko peers all around you!)

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in which you shine like stars in the universe

(Your non-complaining / non-argumentative nature is glowing!)

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16 as you hold out the word of LIFE...

(Even criminal and sicko people

take notice when someone doesn't complain or argue!

You will shine the BRIGHT LIGHT OF LIFE!)

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GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS... THANK YOU, DADDY!

Great is Thy faithfulness!

Great is Thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see.

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;

Great is Thy faithfulness,

Lord, unto me!

Many mornings, during the week, I head out to a school somewhere in South Jersey to supervise one of my clinical practice student teachers who are certifying in both general education and special education. I especially love my travels on the Atlantic City Expressway as I head toward the rising sun and away from Philly and the morning rush of traffic. It is such a wonderful opportunity to focus on His faithfulness, the new mercies I see, and all the needs He has provided for me! Doing this while listening to praise music is the "perfect storm" for a gratitude attitude!

When I take this route, I pass the exit that Deb and some of my other sisters in Christ take to go home from church. It gives me a nudge to pray for them and their spiritual journeys... to thank the LORD that He has put these amazing women in my LIFE!

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On Sunday morning I had many interruptions that kept me from arriving at Bible class on time. Oh, you know the kind! I got to thinking, "Is satan trying to keep me from going to this class because it is so powerful?" I knew it was Deb's turn to present about JESUS, MY LORD.

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As I walked into the room, I heard her say, "In 2008, I was down on my knees saying, LORD, I can't!" I would soon learn that she had been speaking about different things that she has made "Lord of her life" over the years. I heard her talk about battling depression and "sleep was all I could think of." Yet, through it all, God kept showing up and displaying His faithfulness to Deb and her family.

In the last year, several LIFE changing things have happened as Deb and her family have been on a journey of putting Jesus back in His rightful place as LORD of their lives.
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She shared about being in a store several months ago and literally walking right into her father who she had not seen in many years and had definitely not had a relationship with. He had not been faithful. Now, here he stood and he did not even recognize her! As she stood there with her near teen daughter and tried to connect with him, she said, "it felt like someone opened the door of her heart and threw in a rattlesnake."
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God gave her that "peace that passes understanding" as she was kind, yet firm. She walked away and out of the store knowing that, "It was okay! My Daddy is in heaven and He knows me!"
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Deb closed her lesson telling us that Jesus is now THE ONE WHO HAS FIRST PLACE IN MY LIFE! She has learned to claim the following verse because she knows HE IS FAITHFUL to keep His promises:

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Psalms 37:4

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"Delight yourself

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in the LORD

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and He will give you

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the desires of your heart."

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As I look at this scripture right now, I am excited about the verses that follow verse 4:
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• 5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him and He will do this:
• 6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
• 7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways,when they carry out their wicked schemes.
• 8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret — it leads only to evil.
• 9 For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

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GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS... TRUST AND OBEY!!!

MEDITATION MONDAY

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NOTE: I apologize for the late entry! Blogger was not working for me earlier today!

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There are thousands, maybe millions of young people walking away from the concept of church... walking away from the LORD. Many believe that if they sell all they have to feed the poor and get a one way ticket to Haiti or Africa, to help, that they have found the meaning of life. What is it that God sees that they do not see? Other than His goodness, I believe that they do not see HIS HOLINESS OR HIS FAITHFULNESS.

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They say, "It just doesn't make sense!!! How can there be earthquakes, disease, hurricanes, wars, calamity after calamity if God were truly good or holy or faithful?" They question whether He hears prayers. In fact, the belief is prevalant that sin does not separate man from God, anyway... Jesus does not matter! So, if sin and Jesus are not in the mix, then what is the meaning of life?

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I grew up reading the Old Testament and hearing story after story of a holy God and a "stiff necked people". I can say that it is the concepts of those stories that are deeply embedded within that remind me that,

• "Life is hard, but God is good!"


• "Good things come to those who wait."


• "Trust and obey for there is no other way!"


• "This world is not my home, I'm just a passin' through!"

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2 Corinthians 5:4-9 gives us a glimpse into this LIFE that we live as christians. It gives us a peek at our purpose and the meaning of LIFE! It's not for the faint of heart!!! I'm getting a little carried away with bolding words:

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"For while we are in this tent,

we groan and are burdened,

because we do not wish to be unclothed

but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling,

so that what is mortal

may be swallowed up by LIFE.

Now it is God who has made us

for this very purpose

and has given us the Spirit as a deposit,

guaranteeing what is to come.

6 Therefore we are always confident

and know that as long as we are at home in the body

we are away from the Lord.

We live by faith, not by sight.

We are confident, I say,

and would prefer to be away from the body

and at home with the Lord.

So we make it our goal to please HIM..."

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Yesterday, in Dan's lesson, he challenged us to TRUST AND OBEY. In our praise and worship service, Mike led us in focusing on "Palm Sunday" as Jesus entered into Jerusalem. Then, Dan spoke about a story from the Old Testament - the story of Gideon from the book of Judges. God's ways often make no "earthly sense". Both Jesus and Gideon had to TRUST AND OBEY GOD. As Dan talked about God telling Gideon to only use 300 men and pitchers/torches/trumpets, I kept thinking about Jesus entering Jerusalem on a colt amid the praise and applause. (There was more to it than met the eye! It wasn't what it seemed!) His weapons? His daddy's armor: the breastplate of righteousness, belt of truth, shield of faith... fueled by prayer...

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Here's how Dan laid it out in 3 points:

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1. OBEDIENCE MEANS ACCEPTING RISK

• Does God want us to take risks?


• There are times when God will ask us to do things that mights bring us hurt and pain.

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2. GOD'S VICTORY DOESN'T ALWAYS LOOK LIKE VICTORY

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3. GOD BRINGS ABOUT THE VICTORY THROUGH OUR TOTAL OBEDIENCE.

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When things make no "earthly sense", let's revisit the memory verses of the last 3 months and the scripture above. God designed it so that we LIVE with purpose... LIVE with meaning! It begins when we TRUST AND OBEY.

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5 Phrases.

10 Words.

2 Words + 2 Words + 2 Words + 2 Words + 2 Words =

PURPOSE.

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LOVE GOD.

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LOVE OTHERS.

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MAKE DISCIPLES

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BAPTIZE BELIEVERS

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TEACH OBEDIENCE

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Dear God,

We believe!

Help our unbelief!

We choose to TRUST AND OBEY.

Great is Your Faithfulness!

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EVERY TIME I BREATHE... I THANK THE ONE WHO CREATED ME...

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Spring is here and yet another season testifies to the glory of The CREATOR!!!
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For this quarter, in our Sunday morning ladies class, women are taking turns "looking in the rear view mirror of their life" and seeing one concept or characteristic of Jesus from the book of Colossians that has been shown through their lives. Yesterday morning, in Philly rush hour traffic, I looked in my rear veiw mirror...




As I did, I was reminded of how grateful I am to be in a church family who believes in everyone telling their "God stories". I am so thankful that...

• Two weeks ago "A" shared about "JESUS: The One who forgives my sins!" Her story centered around Colossians 1:14 "...in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."


• Last week, Kristy shared about "JESUS: The One who shows me God!" Her story centered around Colossians 1:15 "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
  
• This past Sunday, Carla shared about "JESUS: The One who created me!" Her story centered around Colossians 1:16 "For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him."

How fitting that Carla is a registered nurse who has specialized in:

• cardiac care
• palative care (end of life care)

She says that she is passionate about science and is currently working on her PhD in nursing in Philadelphia. She said, "I do have a scientific mind. I know that I am talented in this area... but more than that, I know what I know about science from what I know about my Creator!"

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Carla had many teachable moments in her short presentation. I believe that her prayer and preparation made this lesson "God-breathed" as God ministered to so many through her. It also connected wonderfully to our theme on this blog for the week.

1. First, we had all just heard about our sister Sue having a massive heart attack in the night. We prayed for Sue, as we knew she was laboring for breath. Later, we would learn that Sue's life on this earth was no more. Carla talked us through it and calmed our fears. She encouraged us to remember that we all were "created for God's purpose..."


2. Secondly, she reminded us that part of a nurse's job is to make practical applications after a doctor has given his/her diagnosis, treatment, and/or medicines. The nurse is often the one who puts a practical and social/friendly face on a sometimes scarey encounter with medicine and LIFE and death.
   
3. Third, she reminded us that The Creator's timing is different from ours. After trying to get pregnant unsuccessfully, she and her husband looked at fertility options. Two days before her appointment to have invitro fertilization she found out that she was pregnant. There was a new LIFE growing inside of her. God's timing!


4. Covered by prayer, her first born was delivered early at 1 lb. 4 oz.! The Creator's timing! Carla passed around pictures and little hats and diapers that were her daughter "M's". Look at them placed by my coffee cup!
   

Carla praised God as she told of "M" having no signs today as a result of being a preemie. In fact, her gifts are many! Carla posed for a picture with her two girls at the end of the lesson.

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I left class thankful for the reaffirmation that

• God is in control!


• He has created me for His purpose

I join Carla in highly recommending this book if you have never read it. It will open your eyes to many wonderful things about your Creator and you as His creation! Although you cannot look inside of it here, you can on Amazon. Click on the book for the link.

EVERY TIME I BREATHE... FOR GOD'S GOOD PURPOSE...

Ecclesiastes 3 says,

"There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot..."
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Psalm 150:66 says,

"Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.

Praise the LORD! "

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Our March memory verse includes these phrases:

• "...for it is GOD WHO WORKS IN YOU


• ... according to HIS GOOD PURPOSE...


• as you hold out the word of LIFE..."
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LIFE!

It's about God's purpose!

Acts 17:24-27 says,

"The God who made the world and all things in it,

since He is Lord of heaven and earth,

does not dwell in temples made with hands;

neither is He served by human hands,

as though He needed anything,

since He Himself gives to all

LIFE

and

BREATH

and

ALL THINGS;

and He made from one,

every nation of mankind

to live on all the face of the earth,

having determined their appointed times,

and the boundaries of their habitation,

that they should seek God..."

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Each Saturday morning, at 8 a.m., a group of men "seekers" gather at the Pitman church of Christ to pray. My husband, Steve, is part of that group. So is Jay! Steve says that on Saturday, as he prayed, he specifically talked to God about appreciating the brevity of life and the blessing of the time / gifts we've been given.

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As the men went about their Saturday, both attended various activities with their wives and our church family. The call came in the middle of the night... Jay's wife, Sue had had a massive heart attack. She had stopped breathing! 911 was called! The emergency techs helped her to begin breathing again. It had been too long! She passed away at the hospital yesterday. As they left the hospital, Jay said to Steve that he remembered Saturday morning's prayer about the brevity of life.
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I did not know the reason why I changed our theme song on Saturday night. I had planned for another song about HOLINESS or the song LIFESONG. Yet, a small still voice kept saying to me that there was another song on my playlist that would be better for this week's theme. It was obvious to me that I needed to investigate. So, I did. It was soon even more obvious that EVERY TIME I BREATHE was that song. Yet, it wouldn't be until what happened with Sue that I would begin to see the spiritual depths of the choice. Once again, I am in awe of how THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD leads, guides, works, and teaches.

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As I was thinking about what to write for this post, people began to post tributes on Facebook to our friend Sue. Here are a few that I will leave with you as you spend time today meditating on your own life:

• K: "...is so sad for Jay and Bethany - praying for peace for them with the loss of Sue. Another example of needing to be thankful for every SECOND God gives us BREATH."
• C: "This is our temporary home It's not where we belong Windows and rooms that we're passin' through This is just a stop, on the way to where we're going I'm not afraid because I know this is our Temporary Home."
• T: "Our family is so saddened for the sudden loss of a church family sister, so heartbroken for Bethany & Jay...we feel their loss - may God give them the comfort and peace that only He can. Again a reminder to live life to the fullest & remind those around you how much you love them & seek God daily!!"
• M: "Started off the day praying for a sister from Church who was always so nice to me, went to a party with Evan, came home to the shocking news that this devoted wife, mother, Christian, teacher has passed from a major heart attack.... So sad...
• D: "Sue had short spiky hair, she was funny, she was eccentric, she was a teacher who loved her kids and prayed for them, she was passionate about her husband Jay and her daughter Bethany, in fact, the three of them were best friends, she dearly loved God, she wasn't afraid to be herself, she had a massive heart attack, she was my friend...Pray..."
  

NOTE: I also invite you to reset the playlist to the first song. You can follow along with the words on yesterday's post.
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SANCTUARY... AS THE STORMS RAGE...

KETCHUP AND MUSTARD SATURDAY

Catch Up and Must Do

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"...for it is GOD WHO WORKS IN YOU to will

and to act according to His good purpose."

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I have tried, more than usual, this week to be aware that God is working in me and through me. Our memory verse has reminded me that He is my constant companion, whether I feel like He's there or not.

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Throughout my life, I have found that the more I am in tune to God and His working in and through me, that the storms seem to rage even more. As I have focused on this memory verse this week, the storms have been over the top in almost every area of my life. There have been many temptations for discouragement, doubt, anger, frustration, and just quitting. Then, a still small voice reminds me that "WORK IS MESSY... EVEN GOD'S WORK".

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Yesterday, God gave me several amazing encouragements in my work as a teacher. He confirmed for me once again that He is working in me and that my life is about His good purpose (in His timing). I will say this, I will basically not get a Spring Break this next week when the rest of the university does. There are some "have-to's" that will give me an opportunity to shine for Him.

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As the storm at the cross raged before Him, Jesus said, "Father, not my will but Thine!"

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As the storms physically rage outside our home today and in my daughter's body... as they rage in other ways through family and work, I choose to say, "I don't wanna' but I'm a gonna!"

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I choose this day to remain a SANCTUARY - PURE AND HOLY, TRIED AND TRUE... WITH THANKSGIVING...

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As I was finishing up writing this post, w received this link from Steve's Aunt Kathryn. "Let the little children lead..."

SANCTUARY... GOD'S FAMILY OF SAINTS...

This week we have talked briefly about each christian being a vessel, a holy residence, a sanctuary for the Living God. Yesterday, I referred to those of us who are christians... sanctuaries... as saints. There does not have to be a vote for you to achieve sainthood. You do not have to go through a series of hoops to be crowned a saint. In fact, according to scripture, all people who have become christians are saints. Paul uses this word often as he writes letters to various churches - groups of christians - the family of God. Here are a few of the 60 New Testament scriptures that refer to saints.

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Romans 1:7 says,

"To all in Rome who are loved by God

and called to be saints:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father

and from the Lord Jesus Christ."

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Romans 8:27

"And He who searches our hearts

knows the mind of the Spirit,

because the Spirit intercedes

for the saints

in accordance with God's will."

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1 Corinthians 6:1-2

"If any of you has a dispute with another,

dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment

instead of before the saints?

Do you not know that the saints

will judge the world? "
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Ephesians 1:18-19

"I pray also that the eyes of your heart

may be enlightened

in order that you may know

the hope to which He has called you,

the riches of His glorious inheritance

in the saints,

and His incomparably great power

for us who believe."

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Ephesians 3:14-19

"For this reason I kneel before the Father,

from whom His whole family

in heaven and on earth derives its name.

I pray that out of His glorious riches

He may strengthen you with power

through His Spirit in your inner being (sanctuary),

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

And I pray that you,

being rooted and established in love,

may have power,

together with all the saints, to grasp

how wide and long and high and deep

is the love of Christ,

and to know this love

that surpasses knowledge-

that you may be filled

to the measure of all the fullness of God."

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As you ponder your salvation, your place in the family of God, I hope you have time to listen to this inspirational version of our theme song this week. Be sure and pause the playlist above before playing this video.

GO LIGHT YOUR WORLD: BE TRANSFORMED!!!!

Our sister-in-Christ, a self proclaimed "transformed mom", who has been an inspiration to so many of us, went Home to be with Jesus this morning. Join me in praying for her husband and six children. Tanya truly believed throughout her suffering that "GIGATTAATTGIG" - God Is Good All The Time And All The Time God Is Good.
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Through her horrific battle with cancer, Tanya chose to be an encourager to others. It was only in December that she called Steve to encourage him to "get better" because "our church family needs you...I need you..." Tanya was a regular visitor to this blog. Here are some of her most recent comments that she posted. Her words give you a glimpse into who she is and WHOSE she is. I'm so thankful for this forever friend!
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"Dear Patti: Thank you for your most appropriate music that sings directly to me.........thank you for your words that speak directly to me...and thank you for your faith and perserverence that set examples directly to me." I love you, Tanya

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"Yes, Patti, God IS in control, and what a burden that takes off of OUR shoulders. If I had to be in control, I would have messed things up A LONG time ago. I have seen many who do not have God in their lives just fall and crumble to the ground. I am so thankful for our loving Father who watches over us all day and night. Have a great day." Love to you, Tanya

."This song is beautiful. Listen to the words.
Go take your candle, and go light your world.
This is God talking directly to us.
This is what He wants us to do.
Seek out the lonely, the tired, and worn,
go light your world. We are a family.
Seek out the helpless, deceived and poor.
Take your candle and go light your world.
He does not want us to be concerned about ourselves,
He will take care of us. It is others who need His help
and that can be given through us.
May we all carry that candle to someone special in our lives this week and beyond."
Love, Tanya .
Dear Patti:
I was hospitalized for almost a week and could not wait to fill myself with the Word as YOU know it, and to gain some of your strength through your blog, as I came home to heal. I have missed so much of your blog by only missing a week. It is unbelievable. Your life is so full, and stressed, and cluttered, and yet, you have only one goal that shines through, and that is to follow Jesus and send His love to as many other people as you can...." .
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Tanya,
God's light through you will continue to be a beacon to many of us for a very long time! We will miss you, sister!

GIGATTAATTGIG
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IN ME...BLESSINGS...HONOR... RESPECT...

TRANSFORMING THURSDAY

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You may have come to this post today for the last post of the year... for the last discussion on what the Holy Spirit does... for the last picture hook of the week... for hearing what I have to say about the 10 windows of the soul...Sorry! Flexibility! Change of plans!

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I'd like to stretch out our discussion of "the windows of the soul" through part of January. So can you hang on and wait? Patience? Sure you can! I've got something really special that I want to share.
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Yesterday, Steve and I celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary. Each year is a milestone for people as different as we are. The two of us were talking recently about our differences which have been accentuated the last several months. As you well know, differences often come to the forefront during times of stress. Oh, we have had more intense stress in our marriage, it's just that this time has been a little different. Three people in the house... two sick for an extended period of time... the one who is well (me) tries to spin too many plates... Maybe you get the picture...
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On the Smalley/Trent "animal personality" chart, I am a lion and Steve is a golden retriever. We have different animal names for ourselves. I am an elephant and he is a bear. How can two such animals live together and still be a blessing to each other? I am here to say... only by the Holy Spirit of God abiding in them and working through them. So, if you have time, you may read the animal descriptions of the two that I have compiled from internet research or just skip down to the end and read part of what the bear shared with the elephant yesterday.
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Patti, the elephant:

• HABITAT AND RANGE: can live on the plains and in the mountains up to 15, 000 feet... many live on parks and reserves
• DIET: eats lots of vegetables; drinks lots of water
• LIFE SPAN 65 to 70 years in the wild; 70 to 80 years when domesticated; their life span depends on their teeth - once their last set of teeth wear out, they can no longer eat and they die
• REPRODUCTION: most give birth during the rainy season
• COMMUNICATION: use several types of sounds to communicate: 1) rumbling - a deep growling sound, most of which is below the range of human hearing; 2) a variety of screams and trumpets used to frighten and intimidate predators as well as communicate alarm...also for greeting
• SENSES: keen senses of hearing and smell; weak eyesight
• SIZE: big and tall
• OTHER PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: use trunk to dig
• SOCIABILITY: families are made up of sisters and their offspring often living in groups of 9-11; a mature adult female dominates family groups; related family groups are part of larger herds that move and feed together
• THINKING: well developed brains and great memories
• ROLE: Often pave the way for others to follow; they can lead a procession of animals stomping down the brush with their feet or removing trees/branches that are in the way with their trunks

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Steve, the brown bear:

• HABITAT AND RANGE: prefer to live in cooler climates and will migrate away from the heat; can be found on the plains, in the forests, the tundra, and in sub-alpine mountain areas
• DIET: carnivores who eat berries and vegetation
• LIFE SPAN: 20-25 years
• REPRODUCTION: monogamous
• COMMUNICATION: is complicated, sometimes misunderstood, and primarily through body language: 1) sitting down indicates disinterest or lack of concern for onlookers; 2) standing on hind legs generally an indication of curiosity or interest in whatever it may have noticed, not an act of aggression; 3) when threatened or apprehensive, the typical response would be the popping its jaw, slapping the ground, or expelling air loudly; 4) when afraid, the bear chomps or clacks teeth which is often misunderstood by other animals as getting ready to be aggresive; 5) loud roars are usually a warning that they want to protect their territory, not that they want to be an aggressor; 6) bears often "purr" when comfortable or warm much like a cat
• SENSES: great eyesight and keen sense of smell; strong instinct for food -can be easily trapped when humans put out food; a common saying among forest rangers is, "a fed bear is a dead bear"
• SIZE: big and tall
• OTHER PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: long claws for great digging ability; strong teeth and jaws that are almost incapable of breaking large bones; long thick fur; although they usually move slow and leisurely, they are able to run fast and swim well
• SOCIABILITY: shy; mostly solitary; can be easily frightened; small families; may gather in large numbers at food sources; not a full hibernator, the brown bear likes to "den" in a protected spot such as a cave, crevice, or hollow log in the winter
• THINKING: curious and intelligent; "complex and fascinating animal deserving of great respect"
• ROLE: quiet protector; no other animal will be a predator on a brown bear other than a tiger or another bear

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Yesterday, on our 36th wedding anniversary, the bear wrote a full page typewritten letter to the elephant. A few excerpts from that Holy Spirit led letter are as follows:

• Besides giving my life to Jesus, marrying you is the best thing I’ve ever done.
• You’ve made me a better person. You’ve opened my eyes to what it looks like to give of oneself for the betterment of others.
• You are the kinkeeper of our family. Our children and their spiritual health are at the forefront of your mind and top of your prayer list.
• We’ve faced some pretty tough times together over the last three and ½ decades, but what we have discovered again and again is the solid truth of 1 John 4:4 – “Greater is He in us than he that is in the world.” God created His children to be “overcomers,” and by His grace, we have been – together!
• Our marriage has not been perfect – NO SURPRISE – there are no perfect marriages. However, our marriage has tested and challenged our individual growth to the point that we are better individuals because we are married, first to Christ, then one another.
• You deserve the best husband I can be. Please forgive me when I’m not and praise God when I succeed.
• Next to Jesus, I love you more than anyone and anything!
• Happy 36th anniversary! God is good all the time and all the time God is good.
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Father God, thank you for my husband, the Spirit-led, steel and velvet, brown bear. Thank you for blessing me with this man who I so honor and respect. I praise you for Steve Sikes! I honor the differences! Because of Jesus, we are husband and wife!

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IN ME... DARKNESS???

WOMEN IN THE WORD WEDNESDAY

(and a little more)


For God, who said,

"Let light shine out of darkness,"

made his light shine in our hearts

to give us the light

of the knowledge

of the glory of God

in the face of Christ."

2 Corinthians 4:6

1. On Sunday, I used the mirror - looking in it and seeing the glory of Jesus.
   
2. On Monday, I used Thomas Kinkaide, The Painter of Light, and his house paintings to remind us that God is THE PAINTER OF LIGHT and we are a house of God...
   
3. Yesterday, I used an earthen vessel... a piece of pottery...jars of clay... to remind us to pour ourselves out and let Jesus fill us up...
   
4. Today, I'd like to revisit the Thomas Kinkaide house and move in a little closer to look at the windows...

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I'm not sure when I first heard this story... whether it was when I first met Thomas Kinkaide about 10 years ago when I had a booth at the Christian Bookseller's Association market right next to his... or maybe it was through some reading I've done on Thomas and his works... or possibly just reading on one of his calendars... whenever it was, it was confirmed in part last week when I watched a TV movie about him..

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Thomas may have lived in a neighborhood much like mine where many of the homes had lights in the windows like this one.

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He said that as a teen, when he would head home after dusk, he would pass all these homes with the lights on and he could see mothers, fathers, and children inside. Yet, when he arrived at his home, there was no light on there. Living in a single parent home, his mother had to work long hours and he and his brother would arrive home before she did. His loss of not seeing his mom and light shining through the windows are part of his gift of a deeper appreciation for light that he has given to the world.

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Darkness? A dark house? A darkened window? Fear of not seeing? The unknown? Evil? All the forces of darkness?

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On Sunday, my very wonderful husband (who today I have been married to for 36 years full of love, faith, and hope...) looked at 10 windows of the soul. To look inside these windows there is darkness... unless light permeates the darkness...

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1. The window of SECLUSION
2. The window of SUFFERING
3. The window of SILENCE
4. The window of being STRETCHED
5. The window of being SLANDERED
6. The window of being SURPRISED
7. The window of being SECOND
8. The window of being SATURATED WITH BLESSINGS
9. The window of SIN
10. The window of SPIRITS

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Join me tomorrow as we look at how LIGHT and permeate the darkness in each of these areas.

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In the meantime, I'll be spending the day celebrating my 36th wedding anniversary!

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Blessings...

IN ME...POURED OUT AND FILLED UP...

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I am so thankful for God's Holy Spirit Who teaches and transforms as I learn to abide in Him. Over 2009, we have covered several themes on this blog. We began the year with discussions of the BeAttitudes and being "poured out". In the summer we looked a the Woman of Proverbs 31 and at Taming Our Tongues. This fall, I have shared scriptures and thoughts on things that the Holy Spirit of God does. These have not been exhaustive studies, but hopefully have planted enough seeds in your heart that will continue to grow and blossom.
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I am so thankful that Jesus taught in visuals. So, let's do what Jesus would do and this week as we end the year, let's finish with some powerful visuals:

1. On Sunday, we used the mirror - looking in it and seeing the glory of Jesus.
2. On Monday, we used Thomas Kinkaide, The Painter of Light, and his houses paintings to remind us that God is THE PAINTER OF LIGHT and we are a house of God...
3. Today, I'd like to use an earthen vessel... a piece of pottery...jars of clay...

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I am so thankful for friends who encourage me to keep teaching! If you follow this blog, you know about my "jars of clay" collection. On my birthday this month, my friend Alana stopped by with this clay pitcher and a note:

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Yes! I am a teacher and "being a poured out jar of clay" is something I teach a lot about. Yet, the Holy Spirit continues to teach me daily that I certainly have not "arrived" at learning this concept.

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On a shelf in our dining room sit two wedding goblets representing Steve and me. Three of my clay jars symbolize that I want the Holy Spirit to continue to fill me up with: HOPE...PRAYERS...COMPASSION...
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Tomorrow will be the 36th anniversary of the day Steve and I were married. Some of those anniversaries have been more memorable than others. Several of our anniversaries we spent at Youth in Action in Kansas City. This is the week for Youth in Action in multiple cities across this nation. Young people gather to be taught and encourged to love and serve our LORD.
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Eleven years ago this week, Steve and I were speakers at the Kansas City Youth in Action on our 25th anniversary. So, the next year we declined an invitation to return in order to celebrate in a different way. The coordinators would not take "no" for an answer. After we finally agreed, prepared, traveled, and arrived at Embassy Suites, we were shocked to find that they had reserved the Penthouse Suite for us and on the bed was a basket of goodies and the two goblets that are shown in the picture below. As these goblets sit on our dining room shelf, they remind me of a time when we chose to pour out our desires for the greater good and we were blessed many times over because of it.
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These jars of clay remind me that I must pour Patti out so that the Holy Spirit of God can fill me with compassion, peace, grace, and a Christ-like attitude.
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One of my favorite scriptures is 2 Corinthians 4:7-10

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"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels (jars of clay),

that the surpassing greatness of the power

may be of God and not from ourselves;

• we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed;
• perplexed, but not despairing;
• persecuted, but not forsaken;
• struck down, but not destroyed;

always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus,

that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body."

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I am so thankful for my husband, Steve, who once again has helped me think in spiritual instead of earthly terms. His actions and words led me to revisit this concept of being poured out at least twice in the last week:

1. On Christmas day, we decided to make it low key... relax, watch movies, I would keep working on my grades, and Steve and the girls would make Christmas dinner. Of course, that is no small feat for a man who had knee surgery in November and then his "back went out." So, hobbling around with a cane, my husband also made me my favorite homemade pecan pie (from scratch). What a surprise! It was not easy! He sacrificed pain and did it out of His love for me! It was soooo yummy!
2. On Sunday, in his sermon, Steve shared 10 "Windows of the Soul" that we can choose to board up and not let "light" out or we can allow God's light to shine through. I will share these 10 windows tomorrow and Thursday.

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On FB yesterday, several of my friends made comments about tough stuff that is happening in their lives. One friend came home from Christmas vacation to find her refrigerator had quit working and she had lost the food in it. Another, is experiencing broken pipes and water damage on 3 levels of their home. Yet, another, had her two elementary school boys involved in their second car wreck of this year - very traumatic. Then, there is my friend who has been caring for her chronically ill daughter and mother...and now today she's at the hospital with her grandfather who is having surgery on an aortic aneurysm. One of my friends articulated it well on her status... "on the front lines, fighting the minions of Satan..."

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QUESTION: How do any of us survive difficult circumstances day in and day out?

ANSWER: The power is from God! GOD IN ME! We have to pour ourselves out so He can fill us up with His transforming power ...

• His mercy
• His grace
• His patience
• His kindness
• His joy
• His gentleness
• His faith
• His goodness
• His peace
• His self control
• His love
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  And, as said so clearly on Sunday, "Each of us must look at our circumstances as Paul did, through 'gospel glasses', in order for the revelation of the God of the gospel to be made through each of us!"

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"Blessed are the Poor in Spirit

for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."

Matthew 5

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IN ME...LIGHT..

MEDITATION MONDAY

Yesterday, we listened to a powerful sermon by Steve as he spoke from Romans on "The Revelation of the God of the Gospel through you!" As I sit here with my notes in front of me, reflecting on this powerful lesson, I am also thinking about what is best to share with you. I have decided to share it , over the next few days, in small parts throughout the remainder of this year. Today, please do as much of these 3 things as you can:

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1. Read yesterday's short post.


2. As we prepare to leave 2009 and enter 2010, ponder with me the final scripture that Steve shared with us yesterday after he said, "Thomas Kinkaide is not the painter of light - GOD IS!!!! Romans 13:11-14
   "And this do, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is at hand. Let us therefore lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.


3. I want to encourage you to take some time this week to listen to Steve's sermon from yesterday by clicking on the sidebar on the Steve's sermons link.

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IN ME...CHRIST...

"It is a trustworthy statement,

deserving full acceptance,

that Christ Jesus came into the world

to save sinners,

among whom I am foremost of all.

And yet for this reason I found mercy,

in order that in me as the foremost,

Jesus Christ might demonstrate

His perfect patience,

as an example for those

who would believe in Him

for eternal life.

Now to the King

eternal,

immortal,

invisible,

the only God,

be honor and glory

forever and ever.

Amen. "

1 Timothy 1:15-17

IN ME...IT'S ABOUT THE CROSS...

TRANSFORMING THURSDAY

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Acts 4:8-12

"Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit,

said to them,

"Rulers and elders of the people...

if we are on trial today for

let it be known to all of you,

and to all the people of Israel,

that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene,

whom you crucified,

whom God raised from the dead — ...

... "He is the stone which was rejected by you,

the builders,

but which became the very corner stone.

"And there is salvation in no one else;

for there is no other name under heaven

that has been given among men,

by which we must be saved."

IN ME... ABIDING...

WOMEN IN THE WORD WEDNESDAY

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I have been struck over the last few days with the words that I shared on Monday of Charles Stanley, from his book, THE WONDERFUL SPIRIT FILLED LIFE. Steve and I have read some of Charles writings together and we've been focusing on the word ABIDE. As we look at the Word of God today, let;s see how the word ABIDE connects with the idea of God living within a christian:

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• John 14:16-18 "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; 17 that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you."
• John 15:4-6 "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing. "
• 1 John 3:8-10 "No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10 By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious..."
• 1 John 3:24 "And the one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And we know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us."
• 1 John 4:15-16 "Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 And we have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him."
• 2 John 2-3 "...for the sake of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever: 3 Grace, mercy and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love."
• 2 John 8-9 "Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son."

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IN ME...JOY

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Another thing that the Holy Spirit does is REJOICE! Christians who live by the Spirit know this JOY. It reminds me of the passage in Luke 10:21...

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"At that time Jesus,

full of joy through the Holy Spirit,

said, "I praise you, Father,

Lord of heaven and earth,

because you have hidden these things

from the wise and learned,

and revealed them to little children.

Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure."

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This time of the year is a time of great REJOICING, for many reasons. For today, I'll say that this "transformed mom" is full of JOY as she witnesses children who are growing in Him! I see Him in our youngest daughter, Crystal, who we picked up from the airport last night. I waited at Southwest baggage claim 3 at one part of the Philly airport while she was at Southwest baggage claim 3 at another part.

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I had scheduled her plane trip home for the wrong date and her response was, "That's okay, Mom, I"ll take one for the team!"

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There's a problem with her room right now, so she has to sleep on the couch for a couple nights, "No worries, Mom! It's fine!"

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Joy springs from a thankful heart as I give praise to Who it is due. Thank you Holy Spirit for abiding in our daughter Crystal. Those who know her see JOY when around her.

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Crystal in the basket with the kittens and her older 3 siblings:

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Crystal all grown up and surrounded by some of the many children who love her so much:

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Crystal hanging with a few of her cousins...

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Crystal as youth intern this past summer with a few of her teen girlfriends....

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Crystal with her favorite niece, Chloe....

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Crystal, I'm so thankful you are home for 3 weeks! I love your JOY! I see Jesus in you!