WHATEVER YOU'RE DOING INSIDE OF ME: ACCTS

MEDITATION MONDAY

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My husband, Steve, shares the preaching responsibilities at our church with the other minister/preacher, Dan. Yesterday, Steve preached on something that was so intune with what we've been talking about this month that all I can say is "once again, I see the Holy Spirit at work." Dan and Steve are preaching a series of lessons out of Nehemiah. Steve loves to talk about the way Nehemiah prayed...he did yesterday.

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Many years ago, we were taught a little acrostic to help us be more well rounded and Biblical in our prayer life. (Let me say here before I go on that I strongly believe that prayer is about communicating with our heavenly Father Who adores us AND not about "saying prayers" or "being an act of service".) I talk to God! He listens! He answers with "Yes!", "No!", "Later!", or even "We'll see!". I'm sure He smiles when my prayers are more than requests!

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So, the acrostic encourages to pray like this:

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A = Adoration...God, I adore You, admire You, praise You for Who You are:

• Creator


• LORD of lords


• Shepherd


• Healer


• Righteous


• The Strong One Who sees


• Everlasting


• Omnipresent


• Omnipotent


• many, many, more things that describe WHO God is!

C = Confession...God, I messed up...sinned...broke the rules...Your laws! Please forgive me!

• I'm putting myself before You again!


• I'm sinful: Galatians 5:19-21 "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." NOTE: Who will enter the Kingdom of God? THE POOR IN SPIRIT!

T = Thanksgiving...God, I am so thankful for all my blessings...I'd like to tell you of 100 blessings this week that I am actually aware of and I know that there must be millions more...

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S = Supplication...God, there are things I need from You for myself, my family, and for others...I bring those things before You...I also need You to just Remember me God...Remember that I am Yours! Remember that I am trying! Remember that I need you!

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Yesterday, for the first time, I really connected with Nehemiah's "Remember me..." requests of God. In fact, the book of Nehemiah ends that way:

Nehemiah 13:14

Remember me for this, O my God,

and do not blot out what I have so faithfully done

for the house of my God and its services."

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Nehemiah 13:22

"Remember me for this also, O my God

and show mercy to me according to Your great love."

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Nehemiah 13:31

"Remember me with favor, O my God!"

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Did you notice the title of this post? It says, "WHATEVER YOU'RE DOING INSIDE OF ME: ACCTS?

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What is the other "C" in ACTS that I talked about above? Steve, introduced the idea yesterday:

"Crying Out to the LORD!" It is what we've been talking about in the Be-Attitudes - "Blessed are those who MOURN!" I can only imagine those people who were crying out last week on the US Airways flight that went down in the Hudson River.

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Last week, our song I SURRENDER ALL talked about us giving up all of our kingdoms. The thing is...it's a life long process! Even after becoming a christian, how many times must we come back to the LORD? Cry out? Humble ourselves? Mourn? It is part of the Godly life...the BLESSED LIFE. Cry out to theLORD today...tell Him you can't do it on your own. Tell Him that you're willing for Him to take control! Start today and pray...talk to...confide in...Adore...Confess to...Cry out to...Thank... Supply our needs, oh LORD! ...

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WHATEVER YOUR DOING INSIDE OF ME

SUNDAY IN THE SON

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"Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the earth."

Matthew 5:3-5

Each Sunday, on this blog, I try to post the words and/or video of a song that articulates our subject of the week. This week's theme song is a contemporary christian song that my friend Laura over at Heavenly Homemakers shared a few weeks ago. I had never heard it before but I truly love the words and have shared them with several for ministry over the past few weeks. As we finish up our discussion about the first two Be-Attitudes and move on to the third may the words of this song give our study deeper meaning and connection.

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Whatever You’re Doing by Sanctus Real

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It’s time for healing, time to move on,

It’s time to fix what’s been broken too long

Time to make right what has been wrong;

It’s time to find my way to where I belong

There’s a wave that’s crashing over me,

and all I can do is surrender.

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Whatever You’re doing inside of me

It feels like chaos,but somehow there’s peace

And it’s hard surrender to what I can’t see,

But I’m giving in to something heavenly.

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Time for a milestone, time to begin again,

re-evaluate who I really am

Am I doing everything to follow Your will

or just climbing aimlessly over these hills?.
So show me what it is You want from me

I give everything - I surrender

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Time to face up, clean this old house

Time to breathe in and let everything out

that I’ve wanted to say for so many years

Time to release all my held back tears.

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Whatever You’re doing inside of me

It feels like chaos, but I believe …

You’re up to something bigger than me

Larger than life, something heavenly
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Whatever You’re doing inside of me

It feels like chaos, but now I can see

This is something bigger than me

Larger than life

Something heavenly....

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I SURRENDER ALL: LET ALL MY KINGDOMS FALL

KETCHUP AND MUSTARD SATURDAY
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Catch Up and Must Do Saturday

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I am so convicted everytime I hear our theme song of this week - Clay Crosse's song, I Surrender All. Here is a young man who knows about giving his life to Jesus and then being drawn away from Christ by his own "kingdoms". Today, he has a strong ministry encouraging people to give up ALL THEIR KINGDOMS OF DARKNESS for Jesus. As we end this week of focus on this concept, I ask you:

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What are you holding on to

that you need to give up

for Jesus?

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control?lust?greed?gossip?lies?anger?unforgiveness?

slander?hopelessness?tradition?food?

pornography?nagging?laziness?...

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Please re-read the words to this powerful song while making it personal. After that there is a 2 minute video by Clay telling you about the kingdom that he has given up for his LORD.

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SONG: I SURRENDER ALL
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I have wrestled in the darkness of this lonely pilgrim land

Raising strong and mighty fortresses that I alone command

But these castles I've constructed by the strength of my own hand

Are just temporary kingdoms on foundations made of sand

In the middle of the battle I believe I've finally found

I'll never know the thrill of victory 'til I'm willing to lay down

All my weapons of defense and earthly strategies of war

So I'm laying down my arms and running helplessly to Yours .

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I surrender all my silent hopes and dreams

Though the price to follow costs me everything

I surrender all my human soul desires

If sacrifice requires that all my kingdoms fall I surrender all .

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If the source of my ambition is the treasure I obtain

If I measure my successes on a scale of earthly gain

If the focus of my vision is the status I attain

My accomplishments are worthless and my efforts are in vain

So I lay aside these trophies to pursue a higher crown

And should You choose somehow to use the life I willingly lay down

I surrender all the triumph for it's only by Your grace

I relinquish all the glory, I surrender all the praise .

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I surrender all my silent hopes and dreams

Though the price to follow costs me everything

I surrender all my human soul desires

If sacrifice requires that all my kingdoms fall I surrender all... .

Everything I am, all I've done, and all I've known now belongs to You,

the life I live is not my own

as Abraham laid Isaac on the sacrificial fire

If all I have is all that You desire I surrender all .

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I surrender all my human soul desires

If sacrifice requires that all my kingdoms fall

I surrender all!

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Several things have happened to me in the last month. One of them is that I have finally become a member of Facebook. I had kept from it because I did not want it to be just one more thing to do that would distract me from God's will for my life. In the short time that I have been on FB, I have been so convicted that it can be used for an amaizing tool of ministry. I have found myself quickly reconnecting with former students and former youth group kids. Two of the multiple notes written this week by people who I have reconnected with read as follows:

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NOTE A: " I can't begin to tell you how much your message means to me. I have had a very difficult couple of weeks. Even questioning whether God wants me to continue on as,,,,,,,,,,, It is amazing how God times things and this would be the week you would send these words to me."

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NOTE B: (was an amazing note written by someone who is not a mom or a follower of this blog, yet has "poor in spirit" and "mourning" written throughout several paragraphs) Here her note is in part:

"So I just read through a few of my notes that I wrote about a year ago and realized just how much I have learned since then. I am continually reminded of how I need to trust God with my WHOLE life-not just the "major" events, but EVERYTHING I do needs to be placed in His hands so that He can use me as He wills. As much as I think I have changed, I also realize how much I am still the same lol....I am reminded that if I am going to trust God I need to trust Him with my whole life and be patient until He shows me what I should do...,I have cried out to Him for strength and answers and He has taken my troubles away and given me peace...Despite the confusion, pain, and all the other emotions I have felt, God has had a plan for it all and I think I am finally realizing this... "Taste and see that the Lord is good..."(Ps. 34:8a) And now for what made me even think about writing a note, lol. I had this song pop into my head tonight..and thought I would share... :) Thanks for being my amazing friends, but if you don't mind...God is my bestest bff ;) love you!

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The Greatest Friend

Oh Lord I thought the day would never come

When I could lay my burdens down and walk with you,

But each morning as I greet the rising sun

The fondest of my dreams have all come true.

The greatest friend you'll ever find is on a lonely mountain.

The highest high you'll ever reach is when you kneel to pray.

The brightest light you'll ever see is when you close your eyes.

Oh Lord you are my first love,

At last I realize.(..... at LAST I realize :D)


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And if you're still hungering for more inspiring food for thought, link here....but be sure to come back tomorrow when we start a new week of the BE-ATTITUDES.

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http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/blog/women-with-a-mission-family-first

I SURRENDER ALL - CREATIVITY BEGATS CHAOS!

FRIDAY FAMILY FELLOWSHIP

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Recently, I've led us in a focus on becoming more poor in spirit...selfless, humble, God focused... As a mother, those characteristics are called for on a daily basis. How do you find the balance it takes to daily give up your own wants and needs and do what's best for God working in you and your family?

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I found that some of our best family memories and even learning experiences happened when I gave up control for the kids to have times of exploration and creativity. The result was new discoveries, fun, laughter, and a mess (usually chaos). I would think the words "let go and let God!" Amazingly, things would turn out really well.

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It reminds me of "pillowland". Caleb came up with the idea that if we made a "land of pillows" in the family room, it would be soooooo much fun. Every pillow in the house found it's way into this room-even cushions from couches and chairs in other rooms. Over the course of several years, we created pillowland often. Then, came the role playing of the inhabitants of Pillowland. Sometimes it was "Western Pillowland" or "Doctor / Nurse Pillowland" or "Star Wars Pillowland" or just "Pillowland" that reminded me more of Carebears living on their clouds.

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Wednesday, Steve and I went to Children's Hospital of Philielphia to see Lauren and her mommy, Cristi. Lauren is waiting for a heart transplant. Wednesday was her 3rd birthday. Steve and I took some fun things to help her celebrate: a big fun book about how to pray for Lauren, a prayer journal for Cristi, and one smiley box for each of them filled with post-it notes. Why post-it notes? From one mother who has been in and out of hospitals with her children, I am aware of the needs. Having things to entertain, hold attention, learn, and make a memory are all valuable reasons why post-its are great. Along the way there may be some post-it note chaos, but in the end, there will be smiles. Enjoy the ideas below and remember to keep praying for Lauren and checking her mommy and daddy's blogs for how she's doing:

Cristi's" http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/2009/01/very-merry-un-birthday.html#comments

Tim's http://simplefamilycomplexlife.blogspot.com/.

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FAMILY FELLOWSHIP FUN WITH POST-IT NOTES:

1) LABEL IT: Look at different things in the room and either write the first letter of the item on the post-it note AND/OR the name of the item. So, basically you are making post-it labels like: one with 'bed' and one with 'b'; one with 'window' and one with 'w'; one with 'door' and one with 'd'. Then, have child post them in the correct places. Keep them in their spots as labels to discuss in coming days.

Variation: Write labels for various objects and places and put them all in the WRONG places to see if child can unscramble them.
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2) ENCOURAGE IT: Catch your child doing something good and each time, make a smiley face on a post-it note and stick it to her saying, "It makes me happy when you ____________."
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3) STEP ON IT: Take 10 different post-its with shapes drawn on them and spread them out in a grid about a foot or two apart. Here are ideas of 10 pics to draw or draw your own on 10 different post-it notes: a ball, a star, the sun, the moon, a heart, a diamond, a triangle, a flower, a cloud, an apple. Tell your child where to step. "Step on the _________." You can make an additional rule by having child say, "Mother may I?" before stepping.
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4) LINE IT UP: Stick post-its end to end to make as long as the child is tall. Then, write numbers on each post-it from 1 to ___. Then, child can say "I'm 15 post-its tall." "I'm 20 post-its tall."
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5) LOVE IT UP: Help your child draw/color a heart on several post-its. Each time someone comes into the room, remind your child to give that person some love. The child can stick the heart on the other person.

6) GIVE IT UP: Give your child a pad of post-its and then you stand back and see what will happen. You may witness some amazing things. You may have to bite your tongue as you watch creativity begat chaos. Enjoy observing!

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7) Anyone have more ideas? It's your turn...leave comments/ideas for what Cristi can do with post-its in the hospital room with Lauren.

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I SURRENDER ALL - IT'S TRANSFORMING!

TRANSFORMING THURSDAY

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is,

there is freedom.

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory,

are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory,

which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

2 Corinthians 3:17-18

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Let me introduce you to Nic Vujicic.

Nic understands being lonely and broken.

Many times about this to his LORD he has spoken.

In anger, he has cried out...

Not understanding what his life was all about,

God heard his cries while Nic was down on his knees

God listened to this broken young man's pleas.

Nic finally decided to become available

And God's Spirit began to use him as a vessel!

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Matthew 5:3-4

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

"Blessed are those who mourn,

for they shall be comforted.

Jeremiah 29:11

'For I know the plans that I have for you,

' declares the LORD,'

plans for welfare and not for calamity

to give you a future and a hope."


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I SURRENDER ALL - TO BE GOD'S DOG!

WOMEN IN THE WORD WEDNESDAY

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Matthew 5:3-4

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are those who mourn,

for they shall be comforted."

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A dog is often known as "man's best friend". How is a good dog like the above scripture?

1. Her master is everything to her! She looks for any opportunity to be led, to serve, to protect, to please her master. When she gets distracted by a cat, a bird, or another dog it just takes her master's voice to get her back on track. Her master is first and foremost the love of her life! BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT!


2. She's sad when she is seperated from her master. She longs for her master's return. She often sits by the door or watches out the window. When corrected, she'll put her tail between her legs or her head under her paws. She'll whine... she'll whimper... she'll howl... she mourns that she has displeased her master. BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO MOURN!

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I'm brief today, so you can link up and read what Patrick Mead has to say about wanting to be "God's Dog".

http://patrickmead.net/?p=475

I SURRENDER ALL - TO BE YOUR WOMAN

What if you had a friend who was selfless? What if this friend talked and listened to God daily? I live a very blessed life because I have multiples of these kind of friends. The one who I am thinking of today, well, her name should be BLESSING. Most people who know her can list ways that she has blessed them. Her husband can tell you how she gave up much for him to leave a ministry with a church so he could go back to law school (with three kids). Her kids can tell you how she prays, listens, and guides. Her house church can tell you how she's their prayer warrior, mercy giver, selfless servant...their sister who has given up herself for the love of her LORD. Her name is Mary. Most people who know her call her Missy.

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Talk to those who have needed a friend when no one else seemed to care. Missy's there!

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Ask women who have struggled in their marriage relationships who was there for them. Missy was the friend!

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Listen to women tell you who is praying for their needs. Missy indeed!

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Hear the neighborhood kids talk about who's the mom who hosts the kids AND teaches them about Jesus? Missy Douglas!

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When Steve and I moved from Indiana to South Jersey in 2007, we left our two young adult daughters behind. As many of you know, one of them suffers from chronic migraines. Her sister chose to stay and share an apartment with her (that story is for another day) while she finished up her senior year in college. We were concerned but then again...Missy was there!

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Every day for a year or more Missy prayed for the girls and emailed them. Many days she prayed for Steve and I and emailed us. The heart of Jesus is evident in this selfless, persistent, enduring friend of mine. Here are some email starters from Missy to me over a one month period in 2007 and another one month period in 2008. Did I tell you that she was doing this for multiple others besides the 3 emails in our family, being mother/wife in a very active family, teaching school full time, hosting a house church? Did I tell you that I am so grateful for my sister is Christ, Missy Douglas?

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2007 - one month's time...different prayers on different days:

• Pray that God's will be done...
  
• I love you Patti...
  
• I love you my friend! Thank you for your encouraging words...
  
• But, be strong and courageous!
  
• I loved picking up Crystal. She is such a joy!
  
• Well, my friend, thank you for your prayer! I needed it today. I seem to spend a lot of time emailing prayers to people, and when I get one for myself, it makes me cry! Thank you for that gift today. I will keep it and reread when I need to be lifted up.
  
• I also have been praying for you and Steve. May God bless your ministry there...
  
• I was praying for your girls and wanted to tell you I am praying for you, too...
  
• I am praying for you today. May God prepare the way before you as you go ...
  
• Praise God for His goodness! I will continue to pray...


• I am praying for you, dear sister. May God uphold you as you have so many burdens. I pray that His peace washes over you and that you are surrounded and supported by His angels. May God be merciful to you and your family...


• I praise our Great and Powerful God for His great mercy! What is man that He is mindful of us? Yet, He sent His son to save us. I continue to pray that this same God will show mercy to you and your family. I pray that Jessica's healing is at hand..
  

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2008 - one month's time...different prayers on different days:

• I am praying for you today...May God bless your family, your church, and your marriage. Hold fast to the Lord, for He is good. I pray that His goodness pours down...
  
• Praise God! God listened! We praise this amazing God who cares so much about us all...


• Thought you would be interested in this miracle...


• Hello to both of you. I finished reading an amazing book called, The Shack by William P. Young. It is a fictional story of a man who has suffered great loss and pain. He is invited by God to meet him at the scene of tragedy...


• Amen! God is so good! I am being reminded of this constantly...


• I am praying for you today. May God help you carry your shield of faith when your strength is weak. I pray that the Holy Spirit brings your prayers to God when you cannot. I ask God's mercy to pour out on you and your entire family. Hold fast. Be strong and courageous. The Lord is your strength. Praise God!


• May God bless you with many encouragers today. I pray that you find your burden lifted and shared by those around you. May God interceed for you and your family...


• God is indeed faithful...

BLESSED are the poor in spirit

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

BLESSED are those who mourn

for they shall be comforted.

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