YOU ARE MY KING - LOVE SO AMAZING!

KETCHUP AND MUSTARD SATURDAY

"Catch Up and Must Do!"

Welcome, friend! Thanks for joining me over a burger! Hope you're enjoying your Saturday. I've loved our theme song this week. It really sums up what we've been talking about this month - Jesus' first three Be-attiudes in His Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5. His love for us is so amazing! Our response matters!

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BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT FOR THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN...

• Basically, the first step in becoming part of God's kingdom is by seeing ourselves in the right perspective. Life is not all about me! It's about God! Once that sobering reality begins to sink in and I realize my own sinfulness and what a mess I make of things on my own, then...

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BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO MOURN FOR THEY SHALL BE COMFORTED...

• Because I am poor in spirit I can cry out and say, "I'm sorry! I messed up! Will you forgive me?" Jesus stretches out His arms and says, "Of, course! That's why I died for you! You have confessed your sins...now you need to confess me as LORD. Then, you need to become part of My family so that your sins can be washed away. I want to lead you as shepherd and friend and live inside of you!"

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BLESSED ARE THE MEEK FOR THEY SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH...

• It's so important to have the willingness to be led! Meek does not mean weak! It means I've chosen to be wise and gentle ... not kicking and fighting all along the journey as God tries to lead me. If I will follow His lead, then His promise is true, "All things work together for those who love the LORD..."

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Using our theme song for this week, here are a few questions and answers, according to the Bible!

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QUESTION #1: The song says, "I'm forgiven because You were forsaken. I'm accepted. You were condemned." So how does that work?

ANSWER #1a: Jesus came to earth claiming to be the Son of God in the flesh. He was on a mission to reconnect people to God. It was hard! Yet, He lived a perfect (sinless) life. He knew that soon He would be tried, denied, and crucified. So, He told God as He prayed in the garden, "Not my will...but Yours!" Why did He have to be tried, denied, and crucified?
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ANSWER #1b: Jesus knew that He needed to die for us to show us His love for us and allow us to be forgiven. After all, His Father God created us! He put the plan in action based on love. Adam and Eve messed up! They broke God's rules, which is called sin. Everyone since then has sinned except for Jesus. God cannot stand sin! Sin seperates us from God! God's book, The Bible, says in...

• Hebrews 9:22, "...without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness."


• Acts 2:38-39 And Peter said to them, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. "

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QUESTION #2:

So, what happens when someone is "baptized" as a baby? Does that count?

ANSWER #2:

Had they sinned? Did they repent? By the verse above, it looks like a person must repent (change from their wicked ways) and then be baptized to receive God's forgiveness and Spirit. Examples of conversion to christianity in the Bible are of people who had sinned, became poor in spirit and mourned over their own sinfulness, knowing that they needed a Savior. God gives each an opportunity to know that there must be a Creator who has a plan for why we are here...

• John 3:1-19 "Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him." "Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?" Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. "Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' "The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit." ... ...14 "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; that whoever believes may in Him have eternal life. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. 17 "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.

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QUESTION #3: Some people say that all you have to do is believe and pray Jesus into your heart to be saved. If that's the case, then why baptism?

ANSWER #3: Becoming a christian is a "heart matter"! I agree! Yet, much more than that, it's trusting and obeying the One who wants to save us with His amazing love! Jesus became poor in spirit (Not My will but Thine!), mourned (Father forgive them!), meek (It makes no earthly sense but I'm ready! Spirit, I want You to lead Me!)... He asks us to do the same and also be buried in water the way He was buried in the ground and then rise as He was risen to be born again!

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• I Peter 3:18-22 "For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also-not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand-with angels, authorities and powers in submission to Him."

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Once I became a christian I was able to sing the rest of this song with confidence!

"I'm alive and well.Your Spirit is within me.
Because You died and rose again..
Amazing love! How can it be
That You, my King would die for me?
Amazing love! I know it's true.
It's my joy to honor You..
You are my King!
You are my King!
Jesus, You are my King!
Jesus, You are my King!
Amazing love!

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Last Sunday, I posted 2 videos with this week's theme song. Below is a video of another song that speaks to His LOVE SO AMAZING! Join me tomorrow as we continue learning to live the Be-Attitudes!

YOU ARE MY KING! YOU BLESS...BLESS MORE...BLESS THE MOST...

Maybe next Friday I'll share with you the parable of the hand. Those of you who have known Steve or I for very long at all have probably heard it more than once. Today, I'm just going to use the concepts to help us do something.
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PHYSICAL! Each person in your family is a PHYSICAL being with PHYSICAL blessings, needs, strengths, and weaknesses that are different than others.

• short, tall, or in between
• skinny, fat, or in between
• rich, poor, or in between
• junk food junkie, nutrition conscious, or in between
• physically fit, disabled, or in between
• run fast, walk slow, or in between
• white teeth, brown teeth, or in between
• BLESSINGS: good health, enough money to neither be too poor or too rich, food/water/shelter...

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INTELLECTUAL! Each person in your family is an INTELLECTUAL being with INTELLECTUAL blessings, needs, strengths, and weaknesses that are different than others.

• critical thinker, creative thinker, or in between
• comprehender, non-comprehender, or in between
• memorizer, forgetter, or in between
• analyzer, non-detailed, or in between
• organizer, disorganizer, or in between
• all book learning, all hands on learning, or in between
• BLESSINGS: abilities to think, reason, memorize, organize, comprehend...

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RELATIONAL! Each person in your family is a RELATIONAL being with RELATIONAL blessings, needs, strengths, and weaknesses that are different than others.

• many friends, few friends, or in between
• extrovert, introvert, or in between
• telephone talker, non-talker, or in between
• online chatter, no chatting, or in between
• BLESSINGS: friends, family, fellowship, neighbors, enemies...
  

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EMOTIONAL! Each person in your family is an EMOTIONAL being with EMOTIONAL blessings, needs, strengths, and weaknesses that are different than others.

• feel happy, feel sad, or in between
• feel frustrated, feel content, or in between
• feel ignored, feel accepted, or in between
• feel confident, feel insecure, or in between
• BLESSINGS: the opportunity to feel an array of emotions including EMPATHY!

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SPIRITUAL! Each person in your family is a SPIRITUAL being with SPIRITUAL blessings, needs, strengths, and weaknesses that are different than others.

• whatever is happening inside of you because JESUS CHRIST is in your life.

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What about a list? Well, last Friday, I put out the 100 SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS CHALLENGE. I encouraged YOU, my readers, to talk with your families about this and come up with your own list of Spiritual Blessings in Christ. Then, add them on to the comments of last Friday's post. Sisters, shame on us! We certainly can think of more that 18 spiritual blessings! Please join me this weekend in getting the list to 100.

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Ask for help! You husband, children, friends... and link up here to add them now or sometime in the next few days! May you be overly encouraged by the list!

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http://momstransformed.blogspot.com/2009/01/whatever-youre-doing-inside-of-me-im_23.html

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YOU ARE MY KING! GUIDANCE PLEASE!

TRANSFORMING THURSDAY

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Someone sent me this forward recently and I saved it to share with you on just the right day. Today is that day:

Dancing With God
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When I meditated on the word Guidance,
I kept seeing 'dance' at the end of the word.
I remember reading that doing God's will

is a lot like dancing.
When two people try to lead,

nothing feels right.
The movement doesn't flow with the music,
and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.
When one person realizes that,

and lets the other lead,
both bodies begin to flow with the music.
One gives gentle cues,

perhaps with a nudge to the back
or by pressing Lightly in one direction or another.
It's as if two become one body,

moving beautifully.
The dance takes surrender,

willingness,
and attentiveness from one person
and gentle guidance and skill from the other.
My eyes drew back to the word Guidance.
When I saw 'G': I thought of God,

followed by 'u' and 'i'.
'God, 'u' and 'i' dance.'
God, you, and I dance.
As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust
that I would get guidance about my life.
Once again, I became willing to let God lead.
My prayer for you today is that God's blessings
and mercies are upon you on this day and everyday.
May you abide in God, as God abides in you.
Dance together with God,

trusting God to lead
and to guide you through each season of your life.
And I Hope You Dance !

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"BLESSED ARE THE MEEK..."

YOU ARE MY KING!

WOMEN IN THE WORD WEDNESDAY

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My friend, when you become a christian, God becomes your God and He is with you...He will lead you...He will live inside of you...memorize this with me, please...

Acts 2:38

And Peter said to them,

"Repent,

and let each of you be baptized

in the name of Jesus Christ

for the forgiveness of your sins;

and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

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Now, try to fill in the blanks as you practice:

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Acts 2:38
And _______ ______ to them,
"Repent,
and let each of you be baptized
in the name of _________ __________
for the forgiveness of your sins;
and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:38
And Peter said to ______,
"Repent,
and let each of ______ be baptized
in the name of Jesus Christ
for the forgiveness of ______ sins;
and ______ shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:38
And Peter said to them,
"________,
and let each of you be _______
in the name of Jesus Christ
for the forgiveness of your sins;
and you shall _________ ____ _____ of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:38
And Peter said to them,
"Repent,
and ___ _____ ___ _____ be baptized
____ ____ _____ of Jesus Christ
____ ____ forgiveness of your sins;
and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:38
And Peter said to them,
"Repent,
and let each of you be baptized
in the name of Jesus Christ
for the ________________ ____ ___ ______;
and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:38
And Peter said to them,
"Repent,
and let each of you be baptized
in the name of Jesus Christ
for the forgiveness of your sins;
and you shall receive the _____ ___ ___ ______ _______.

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YOU ARE MY KING! YOU KNOW ME!

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I am so thankful that God is SPIRIT! He's omnipresent! He lives inside of christians! And, He's powerful enough to take control of each and every situation if we let Him. .

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I can be thinking something and find out later that a christian friend has been thinking on the same things. This happened this week. We've been talking about the Be-Attitudes and we're on #3:

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"Blessed are the meek..."
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A big part of being meek is being gentle enough to give up the reins of our lives to THE ONE who knows how to lead and guide us. Recently I did a post on being GOD'S DOG. Last year, one of my favorite posts that I've done, I entitled HOW ABOUT THEM HORSES? about letting God put that bridle and bit on so He can take the reins of our lives. And now, my Spirit led sister and friend, Annette, posted HE KNOWS ME! This week, God wrote through her in a mighty way! Amazing! Please link up to these three posts and be encouraged to thank God that He knows you and that He is in control!

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GOD'S DOG!

http://momstransformed.blogspot.com/2009/01/i-surrender-all-i-want-to-be-gods-dog.html

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HOW ABOUT THEM HORSES?!?!

http://momstransformed.blogspot.com/2008/07/how-about-them-horses.html

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MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL, DO YOU SEE JESUS IN ME AT ALL?

HE KNOWS ME!

http://ichoosejoytoday.blogspot.com/

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HAVE YOU TAKEN THE SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS CHALLENGE YET? GO HERE:

http://momstransformed.blogspot.com/2009/01/whatever-youre-doing-inside-of-me-im_23.html

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YOU ARE MY KING! I TRUST AND OBEY!

MEDITATION MONDAY
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I have thought of so many things to meditate on today that my head is swimming with it all so I just delayed posting. I'm going to try to be brief.
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Steve and I have talked about when we were kids that both of us had family friends who when they brought their kids over to our homes for a visit that by the time they left they could be called "home wreckers". These children had seemingly not been taught manners or respect for the property of others. They were not reflections of their parents but instead were wild, uncontrolled children who created chaos on many levels.
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We've gotten animals from shelters or friends who had been abandoned or seemingly neglected or not been trained. These animals created much chaos until they understood who was in charge and learned to trust and obey us. Ahhh! Life with the animal got so much easier after that!
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I've lived on both a farm and a ranch. Horses when left to themselves are really wild animals. It takes a special person to gain the trust of one of these beautiful animals to eventually train them to obey, to be ridden, to let the rider be in full control...
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In all of the above scenarios, we want the wild one to become gentle, to calm down enough to listen to instructions, and then trust and obey.
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Yesterday morning in church, Dan talked about Nehemiah again and then we sang the song "TRUST AND OBEY". Nehemiah was a man who humbled himself before God, cried out in confession of his sinful state, and then desired for GOD TO "TAKE THE REINS" of his life. He just wanted to TRUST AND OBEY!

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God wants the reins of your life! Have you given them to Him? He wants you to TRUST AND OBEY!

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"BLESSED ARE THE MEEK..."

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Have you taken the SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS CHALLENGE yet? Go here: http://momstransformed.blogspot.com/2009/01/whatever-youre-doing-inside-of-me-im_23.html

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YOU ARE MY KING! AMAZING LOVE!

SUNDAY IN THE SON

Today, I invite you to do 3 things:
1. Listen to the lyrics of our new theme song from the playlist as you follow along with the words below.
2. View one or both of the videos of this song that I have posted below.
3. Scroll down to Friday's post and participate in the challenge!
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Thanks for joining us this week as we focus on "Blessed are the meek...".

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SONG LYRICS: YOU ARE MY KING (AMAZING LOVE)
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I'm forgiven because You were forsaken.
I'm accepted. You were condemned.
I'm alive and well.
Your spirit is within me...
Because You died and rose again.
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I'm forgiven because You were forsaken.
I'm accepted. You were condemned.
I'm alive and well.
Your spirit is within me.
Because You died and rose again.
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Amazing love! How can it be
That You, my King. would die for me?
Amazing love! I know it's true.
It's my joy to honor You.
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Amazing love! How can it be
That You, my King, would die for me?
Amazing love! I know it's true.
It's my joy to honor You.
In all I do I honor You.
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I'm forgiven because You were forsaken.
I'm accepted. You were condemned
I'm alive and well. Your spirit is within me
Because You died and rose again.
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Amazing love! How can it be
That You, my King, would die for me?
Amazing love! I know its true.
It's my joy to honor You.
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Amazing love! How can it be
That You, my King, would die for me?
Amazing love! I know its true!
It's my joy to honor You.
In all I do I honor You.
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You are my King!
You are my King!
Jesus, You are my King!
Jesus, You are my King!
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Amazing love! How can it be
That You, my King, would die for me?
Amazing love! I know it's true.
It's my joy to honor You.
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Amazing love! How can it be
That You, my King, would die for me?
Amazing love! I know it's true.
It's my joy to honor You.
In all I do I honor You.
In all I do honor You.




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WHATEVER YOU'RE DOING INSIDE OF ME: IT'S SPIRITUAL!

KETCHUP AND MUSTARD SATURDAY

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CATCH UP AND MUST DO!

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CATCH UP:

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What do you do when you get squeezed? What comes out of you? Murmuring? Grumbling? Complaining? Crying? Yelling? Screaming? Hopefully, that is changing the more you learn to cry out to the LORD and let Him handle things. Our song for this week says, "It's time for healing! It's time to move one!" Be still and KNOW that God is in control!

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If you were a ketchup bottle full of ketchup, the president of the ketchup factory would expect that every customer would be very happy with his product because when they took you home and squeezed you...what would come out? Hopefully, the real deal - ketchup! When a mustard bottle is squeezed, everyone should expect the real deal to come out of it as well - mustard.

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When a christian is squeezed what should come out? Christ! Christlikeness! A product that is poor in spirit, has mourned over it's own sinful state, and has made a decision to be meek/gentle...letting God take control.

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It's time to surrender! It's time to ask for forgiveness! It's time for healing! It's time to move one! It's time to let God take control! We'll continue in the next week or so talking about what it means when Jesus says, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."

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MUST DO: On yesterday's post, I started a 100 SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS CHALLENGE. Maybe you have not had a chance to read it yet. Maybe you read it and said, "I don't have time!" Maybe you read it and said, "I have not idea!" Well, I am not giving up until we get to 100. So, friend/sister, help me out! Please go back to yesterday's post and add one or more spiritual blessings! Thank you and see you tomorrow!

WHATEVER YOU'RE DOING INSIDE OF ME: I'M COUNTING!

Today, please join me in an activity of great Family Fellowship...for your little family at home...or for your christian family. Here are the rules:

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1. Consider how important it is to "Be still and know that I am God!"

2. Read the verses below, noting the capitalized words.

3. Follow the directions on 3. below

4. Add your comment...anonymously is okay.

5. Start your own list of 100.

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Okay! You may begin!

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1. BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD!

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2.

God loves to BLESS! Jesus started out His Sermon on the Mount emphasizing how each of us could live a BLESSED life! You'll be BLESSED if you are poor in spirit...if you mourn over your sinful state...if you are meek.... A person desirous of growing in this BLESSED life needs to "Be still and know that He is God!" Watch how He works! Observe God in creation! Specifically, observe Him in those people who are led by His Spirit.

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Ephesians 1:3-4 talks about our spiritual BLESSINGS:
"BLESSED be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has BLESSED us with EVERY SPIRITUAL BLESSING in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him."

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Luke 1:46-49 speaks of a mother who knew that she would be COUNTED BLESSED: And Mary said:"My soul exalts the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. "For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time on all generations will COUNT me BLESSED. "For the Mighty One has done great things for me!"

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Philippians 3:8-9 is where the apostle Paul COUNTS a relationship with Jesus as his number one BLESSING: " More than that, I COUNT all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and COUNT them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him."

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James 5:11 is where James, the brother of Jesus, looks back at a hero of faith who endured and how God was faithful: "Behold, we COUNT those BLESSED who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful."

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Revelation 7:9-13 "After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no one could COUNT, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; 10 and they cry out with a loud voice, saying,
"Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." ...and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, "Amen, BLESSING and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen."

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3. I am offering a 100 SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS CHALLENGE! It's not going to be easy because we are not used to thinking this way. Have your kids help you! Have your husband / friends help you! I will start it on the comments section of the blog and list 3 SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS that God has given to all of us. Then, you can go from there and on your comment list 1-10 SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS...no more than 10 please. So, if I do 1, 2, 3, then you do 4, 5 or however many you plan. Do not restate one that has already been listed.

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4. Add SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS TO THE COMMENT SECTION!

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5. Post your own list of SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS on the refrigerator at home to remind you!

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WHATEVER YOU'RE DOING INSIDE OF ME: IT'S TRANSFORMING!

TRANSFORMING THURSDAY

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Each person thinks a little differently than the next. Some people prefer a detailed explanation. Some need information delivered to them by being shown or through pictures. There are others who hook the information to be learned to a little song or poem. Of course, there is about half the population who needs to talk through what they are learning with someone. The other half of the population is more reflective and meditative and needs time to think about it and ruminate on it. We must not forget those who are logical 1-2-3 thinkers who say "just give me the facts, Max!".

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Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, started off with 9 points that are so deep that each one could be talked about or reflected on for many many posts. That's what we've been doing with the first two this month:

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1. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Want to live in Jesus' world? Want to be a part of His family? His Kingdom? Then, we get our perspective right. This world is not about you...it's not about me. It's about God! All of a sudden that concept is pretty humbling! We can describe poor in spirit as gaining an understanding of who I am in relationship to God AND correctly responding to that understanding by becoming humble, selfless, poured out...

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2. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Once we come face to face with the reality of God and Who He is, it is sobering. We see the enormity of our weaknesses and our sinfulness. We see humanity in a different perspective. We're sorry! We are really really sorry! We confess! We cry out to God! We say will you forgive me? We want to know what we can do to make it better! We can describe mourning as being very sorry, confessing, crying out for forgiveness...

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1...2....3.... So, what is three? We will spend the next week or two on Be-Attitude 3...it's TRANSFORMING!

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3. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. For today, let's just say this:

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• meek does not mean weak...think more in terms of GENTLE...QUIET...STILL...
• in part, it requires you to obey this verse, Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God..."

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As the song says, "It's time for healing...it's time to move on..." Now, be still and listen to God...IT'S TRANSFORMING!

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1. POOR IN SPIRIT

2. MOURN

3. MEEK

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WHATEVER YOU'RE DOING INSIDE OF ME: IT'S HUMBLING!

WOMEN IN THE WORD WEDNESDAY

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I hope you can take time to memorize these blessed verses today. Think about it! They were written by Peter...of all people!

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1 Peter 5:6-7

"Humble yourselves,

therefore,

under the mighty hand of God,

that He may exalt you at the proper time,

casting all your anxiety upon Him,

because He cares for you."

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Here let's practice:

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"Humble yourselves,
therefore,
under the mighty ______ __ ____,
that He may exalt you at the proper time,
casting ____ your anxiety upon Him,

_________ He cares for you."

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"________ yourselves,
therefore,
under the mighty hand of God,
that He may _________ you at the proper time,
___________ all your anxiety upon Him,
because He ________ for you."

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"Humble __________,
therefore,
under the mighty hand of God,
that He may exalt _____ at the proper time,
casting all _____ _________ upon Him,
because He cares for _______."

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"Humble yourselves,
_________,
under the mighty hand of God,
that He may exalt you ____ ____ ________ ________,
casting all your anxiety ______ ______,
because He cares for you."

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"Blessed are the poor in spirit,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn,

For they shall be comforted."

WHATEVER YOU'RE DOING INSIDE OF ME: I'M GRATEFUL!

Remember the feeling? For those of you who became moms by growing your baby inside of you...I know you do! This is Jacqueline, one of our beautiful daughter-in-love's, who displayed for us this last week how "Mavis" (in utereo name for our future grandchild) is growing. There are evident changes going on inside her body as that little girl has transformed from a sperm and egg into a kicking, growing fetus. Jacqueline has had morning sickness, passed out, and felt the kicking and stretching that's going on. Something beautiful is happening on the inside yet sometimes it hurts! Soon there will be a little girl who will be the reflection of her mommy and daddy.

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As you and I transform into the image of Christ, something beautiful is happening on the inside and yet sometimes it hurts. Our song for this week describes it as sometimes feeling like "chaos". We're changing from being the self centered, "navel gazing", high maintainence females to humble, servant hearted women who have stretched and grown into something beautiful. We desire to be a reflection of Jesus Christ.

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When our children were born, we held them up to God and said, "God, here...we give this child back to you...use him/her for Your service." Little did we know what those prayers would bring our way. Yet, along the way we prayed other prayers. One prayer for our sons was that God would be preparing just the right help mate for them. We asked for a young woman who would be the best partner along the rest of their life journey toward their eternal home of heaven.

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God has answered those prayers. I am so grateful! Steve and I have two very Godly daughter-in-loves. Jordan married Jacqueline in May of 2003. Caleb took Krista as his bride on 7-7-07. As I sit here typing this I am smiling at the blessing of these two wonderful women. I can read Proverbs 31 and see two young women who are fleshing out that scripture about Godly women. I can read about the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5 and I see it enacted in the lives of two young women who desire to be led by the Master's hand.

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I am thankful that I can share them with you today:

Krista is…honest, straightforward, servant hearted, a giver, a seeker…

Krista / Caleb on their wedding day in a park overlooking Lake Huron.
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Jacqueline is...a comforter, an encourager, a seeker for the hurting, an exhorter, a teacher...

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Jordan/Jacqueline on their wedding day

as Steve (who is officiating) pulls out a camera and snaps a picture.

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Krista has…a gift of innovation, ways to organize her organization, a great listening ear for someone who is a fast thinker…

Caleb/Krista enjoying the outdoors

at our Sikes' family reunion in Estes Park, CO-2008.

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Jacqueline has...a gift with numbers, a memory like a bear trap, creativity/ originality...

Jacqueline/Jordan enjoying the outdoors

at our Sikes' family reunion in Estes Park, CO -2006.
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Krista offers…possibility thinking for the poor and downtrodden, time to pray with those who will, many gifts made with her own hands...

Krista/Caleb heading back to Missouri from the Philadelphia airport

after spending some of the holidays with us.

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Jacqueline offers...humor for the scowling, hugs for the hurting, and a reality check for the dramatizers....

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Jacqueline, Jordan, and Mavis spent the holidays in Chicago with her family.

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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."

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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