tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51342267824380361342024-03-05T00:38:59.378-08:00A New SeasonCathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763468933147544592noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134226782438036134.post-47105688130676180362015-09-14T18:15:00.001-07:002015-09-14T18:15:44.450-07:00Beauty Out of the BrokenOn June 6th, 2010, a tornado hit in Essex County, Ontario. The destruction in the area was devastating to say the least. The beautiful tree lined streets that once were, are no longer tree lined. It will take years to recover.<br />
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Seacliffe Park on the edge of Lake Erie had a few mature trees that snapped in the storm. Instead of removing the damaged trees, they were turned into something new.<br />
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I love this lighthouse, a replica of the one just a few hundred metres away at the marina. The tree that the tornado tried to destroy was turned into something beautiful in the hands of an artist.<br />
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Isn't that the way God works with us? The enemy of our souls tries to destroy our lives. John 10:10 tells us that "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy." He wants to totally annihilate God's kids. He will not be happy until he can. Thankfully Jesus had the final say, "I have come that they may have life; and have it to the full." What the enemy tries to do to destroy us, God will take it, turn it around and make it a thing of beauty in our lives.<br />
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There are times when we as humans try to hide our brokenness. We try to hide our messes, but it is in letting them come to light that God can make something absolutely beautiful out of our stories. In my life, it is humbling to see how God can use my story to encourage others on their own path. I share my story so that others can find hope. <br />
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"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4<br />
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I want that to be my story. I want God to use my story to bring comfort to others, so that they in turn can be a comfort to others still, becoming a ripple effect, spreading out to bring glory, praise and honor to our God. <br />
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Has God given you an opportunity to share your story with someone, but you have been too afraid to open up, too afraid that they will think less of you? Don't let fear win. Don't miss out on the beauty that God wants to make out of your story. He wants to make something beautiful out of the broken. He wants to make something beautiful out of your life. Let Him. He is the Master Artist. You will not be disappointed. <br />
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<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763468933147544592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134226782438036134.post-29633468358142396852015-06-06T09:28:00.000-07:002015-06-06T09:28:26.212-07:00More Than Just a TreeAs I go for my walks around town, I love to stop and enjoy the beauty of God's creation. Time and time again He takes my breath away with all that He has created. The flowers, the trees, the animals, and even the people all reflect the glory of God. My Father God loves to speak to me through His creation.<div>
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There is one particular tree that really has caught my attention. You see, this tree tells me a story. </div>
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It is more than just one tree, but when you look at it, that is what it seems to be, just one tree. These two little seedlings grew side by side, and as they grew and shared the same space, they became intertwined with one another. If you look closely, as the branches grew, their close proximity resulted in a shaping of the branches, a shaping that would not have occurred had they been planted further apart. The branches had to adapt to the space in order to grow and reach their full potential. </div>
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Isn't that the way we are as human beings? We have people who are planted in our path; for good or for bad, they are there, shaping us and helping us to become more like the person we were meant to be. So often we think that we need to be independent, that we can do it on our own, it is a pride thing. "I don't need anyone." Sometimes the opposite occurs, we become too dependent, "I can't do this, I need someone to do it for me." In reality, we need one another.</div>
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In Romans Paul says, "In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn’t amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t." (Romans 12:4-6a - The Message)</div>
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On one end of the spectrum is independence, on the other end of the spectrum is dependence, and I choose what is in the middle, interdependence. We can all use our gifts, talents and abilities to hold each other up. You are not better than me, and I am not better than you, we were created differently so that we could each play our part in the story of life, each one growing, shaped by others planted in our lives. Together we can do amazing things, if only we will allow it.</div>
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Every time I pass by this tree I smile and know that I am not alone, I was never meant to be. I don't have all the answers, but then again I don't know all the questions either. I am blessed to have some amazing family and friends who Father God has planted in my path, people who will speak truth into my life when I need it, people who see me for who I am and value me as that person, people who will make me laugh, people who pray for and encourage me, and people who challenge me to grow. I am grateful for each and every one of them, and I am blessed to call them my family and friends. </div>
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Every time I pass by the corner where this particular tree lives, I am grateful for the life lesson. It is more than just a tree to me. </div>
Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763468933147544592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134226782438036134.post-77473751615523943762014-05-10T13:07:00.001-07:002014-05-10T13:07:20.657-07:00Too Many VoicesLast night I was introduced to the game Heads Up. If you are unfamiliar with this game, one individual will hold a tablet without looking at the screen, while others on the team try to give clues to the words that appear. With approximately 10 people on our team, voices got loud trying to communicate the best way possible to the individual doing the guessing. There was one big problem in the game, there were 9 loud voices all talking at once, all trying to get the attention of our guessing teammate. <br />
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Isn't that like life? There are so many things vying for our attention. Some good, some not so good, some better, and of course there is the best, but with all the noise, sometimes it is difficult to differentiate the voices. What are the things that distract us in our every day life? Do we allow work, school, television, social media, friends, sports etc to drown out that which is the best for us? It isn't that these things are wrong, it isn't that they aren't good, but when we allow something to take too much of our time, when we allow even good things to drown out the best thing, in the end, we lose out. <br />
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"Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David." Isaiah 55:3 NLT<br />
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When I first read this verse, I wondered how I could listen with closed ears, but I have come to realize that it is so very easy to allow my mind to get distracted from what is going on all around me. I can be thinking of things from yesterday, or things to do tomorrow, and I am not present in the here and now focusing on listening to the correct voices. Life itself can get so exhausting that I simply check out mentally, just wanting to be entertained. Who wants to actively listen?<br />
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"Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 NLT<br />
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Who are you listening to today? In the midst off all the noise, can you hear the voice of the One who is calling you into a loving relationship with Himself? What good things, what better things are drowning out the Best thing, the Best One for us all?<br />
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"let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance - " Proverbs 1:5 NIV<br />
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I don't know about you, but I know I need to practice more listening to the One who loves me.Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763468933147544592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134226782438036134.post-76492248416094087292013-08-07T12:33:00.000-07:002013-08-07T12:33:46.551-07:00Don't Think About ItDo me a favor and don't think about the shoes you are wearing today. Don't think about what color they are, whether brown, black, or red. Oh a shiny red pair would look stunning with a cute little black dress, wouldn't they? Don't think about whether they are flats or heels. Don't think about whether they are tennis shoes, golf shoes, or sandals. Don't think about whether they are cute and comfortable, or gorgeous and feet killers. Whatever you do, do not think about your shoes. Okay? <br />
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Now after reading all of that, how many of you actually did not focus on your shoes? How easy was it to follow my directions? Well, had you thought about how great your hair turned out today, best hair day yet, and tuned out the part about the shoes then it would have been a lot easier to forget about ..... oh wait what was it I wasn't supposed to be thinking about?????<br />
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It can be so difficult to stop ourselves from dwelling on a situation because it is so important to us at the moment, that job interview, that unpaid bill, the test results from the doctor's office. You name it, we can tend to allow things to overtake our lives. How many times have we heard the cliche, "Let Go and Let God"? It can be really tough sometimes. The harder we try not to focus on something the more it is in our minds unless we do one important thing, Replace It! <br />
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Paul told us in Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." So when we are faced with uncertainty and tempted to worry about something, or to allow that thing to steal our joy, we need to take a look at Paul's list and see just where it fits. If it's not on the list, then forget about it. <br />
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A few weeks ago I had to do something I really didn't want to do. I was nervous of the outcome and just wanted it done. On the way there, I was tempted to pray more, asking God to allow everything fall into place without any difficulties, but that would still have kept me focused on the situation. Instead of focusing on me, I decided to spend some time talking to God about a friend's situation. I had the opportunity to go bold to the throne on behalf of my friend and her family, and doing so calmed my nerves and kept my mind off the situation. I replaced my thoughts with better thoughts. Praying for my friend and her family definitely fits into Paul's list. Don't you think?<br />
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Is it easy to take our focus off our situation? No, but it is God who tells us to do it. Sometimes it is difficult to watch others succeed while we stay stuck in our circumstances. Sometimes it is hard to watch while other people's dreams come true and our dreams remain unfulfilled. I know, I have been there, and am there right now in some ways, but God's ways and His thoughts are much higher than our own. (Isaiah 55:8-9)<br />
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The bigger picture revolves around trust. Do we trust God enough to know what is best for our lives? So often we think we know what is best for us, but in reality we have so little information that we can't know with our finite minds. <br />
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"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6<br />
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So what is the answer to the question on the color of your shoes today? You just have to love great hair days, don't you!<br />
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Be blessed, my friends, be simply blessed! :)<br />
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<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763468933147544592noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134226782438036134.post-60308970404373912242013-08-05T16:29:00.001-07:002013-08-05T16:32:40.584-07:00Ready, Set, StopYou try and you try, then finally the door opens and you begin to walk through the door. Everything has fallen into place for you and all is well, but suddenly a roadblock stands in your path. Have you ever felt that way?<br />
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A few months ago, one of the pastors at church saw me working on some homework for a Bible College course I was taking and he stopped to chat. He had some great encouragement for me. He told me that I need to step out in faith, to Go, but that God would send a roadblock to test my faith, to mature me, to make me ready for what he has for me, to make me humble, to teach me what I need to know so that I am fully ready to walk through that door, to keep moving forward.<br />
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So often we think that when a door seems to be open but becomes blocked that must mean that it wasn't an open door for us after all. How often do we give up because it gets difficult? Sometimes we just need to persevere through it all to get to where God wants us to be. Far too often we want to know what the end is before we get there; we want to know how, what, when, where and why everything is going to end up, but we don't always get to know those answers. <br />
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I love Romans 9:33 in The Message, which says, "Careful! I've put a huge stone on the road to Mount Zion, a stone you can't get around. But the stone is me! If you're looking for me, you'll find me on the way, not in the way." What a beautiful message from God. It is all about perspective. We see the stone on the road and we think of it as an impossibility, God says, "Wait, it's Me!" <br />
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Do we trust God enough to get us to the end of our journey? Do we trust Him enough to allow Him to get us past the roadblocks? Are we willing to allow Him to do what He wants to do in us to prepare us for the next leg of the journey? Do we trust His timing?<br />
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<span class="content"><span style="background: white; border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">“</span></span><span class="content"><span style="background: white; border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;"> </span></span><span style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box;"></span><span class="content"><span style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box;"><span style="background: white; border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-variant: small-caps; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">Lord</span></span></span><span class="content"><span style="background: white; border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;"><span style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box;">, “plans
to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;"> </span></span></span><span class="content"><span style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box;"><span style="background: white; border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;"><span data-usfm="JER.29.12" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box;">Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will
listen to you.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="content"><span style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box;"><span style="background: white; border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;"><span data-usfm="JER.29.13" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box;">You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your
heart.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="content"><span style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">God has great plans for our lives and when we are ready to seek after Him with all our hearts, that is when we will find Him. Choose today to trust Him, no matter what He brings your way, even if He says, </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">"Ready?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Don't worry, if you keep your focus on Him, one day you will hear Him say, "GO!" That will be an exciting day indeed! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks for the chat, Paul Black. It was God's perfect timing. </span></div>
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<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763468933147544592noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134226782438036134.post-50227263176723782302013-08-03T19:50:00.003-07:002013-08-03T19:51:42.961-07:00A New Season IndeedI can't believe it has been almost three years since I started this blog. I think the greatest thing that I have learned through the process is that we are blessed with new seasons all the time. Some seasons are difficult, others are pure joy, but when we invite God to walk alongside of us, the journey is a sweet one indeed.<br />
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I love to ask friends to bring me back one thing when they go on vacation, a digital picture that reminds them of me. When my dear friend Sarah went to Costa Rica this year she sent me back this picture.<br />
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The subject line of the email was "Which road will I travel? Which way?" What I love about this picture is that you don't get to see what is just around the corner, you don't get to know what is ahead. If you choose to go to on the paved road, you don't get to know where it will take you until you turn the corner.<br />
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That is the way it is with God sometimes, isn't it? He leads down a path that we can't see, a path that requires us to trust in Him. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Proverbs 3:5-6 says “Trust in the Lord with
all your heart, </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">and do not lean on your
own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight
your paths.” Sometimes those paths can be scary, but when God is on it with you, it is the best path to take.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am at the beginning of another new season in my life and I am excited about where it will take me. I am not sure exactly what is around the corner for me, but I just take one day at a time, one step at a time. The thing I do know is that God is on this road with me and I am safe in His hands. Tomorrow is a new day indeed.</span><br />
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Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763468933147544592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134226782438036134.post-69091292837846032532013-08-01T19:44:00.000-07:002013-08-01T19:44:26.795-07:00Wheat FieldsI love that I live in a small town in middle of farm country. I love getting to drive by the fields as they begin to grow. I think wheat is my favorite to watch because it is one of the first crops, having been planted in the fall. After the gloom of winter, it is a breath of fresh air to be able to see the stalks of wheat reach for the sky. <br />
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This year I loved driving by blankets upon blankets of green fields, but oh the joy that filled my heart as they ripen to a golden brown.<br />
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The fields were beautiful this year, hardly a weed to be found anywhere. How wonderful that the fields aren't overtaken by weeds. Then it hit me; they were gmos.... genetically modified organisms. Their genes were spliced to make them resistant to bugs and weeds, allowing farmers to get larger yields from their crops. Many people are scared of what the genetically modified crops will do to them long term. This reality made me cringe.<br />
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Suddenly I was reminded of something that truly made me smile. As God's child I am a new creation; the Bible tells me so. Second Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." The Holy Spirit works in us to change us from the inside out. The old me is gone, the new genetically modified, or shall I say Holy Spirit modified me is here.<br />
God calls me to put on my new nature and be renewed as I learn to know my Creator and become like Him. (Colossians 3:10) Suddenly, I want to be a modified creation of God. I want my life to be weed and pest resistant. I want to be a larger yielding crop for my King. <br />
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Maybe some GMOs aren't that bad after all!<br />
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<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763468933147544592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134226782438036134.post-30298296077482014882012-10-16T04:23:00.000-07:002012-10-16T04:23:25.545-07:00One Lonely StarAs I walked out the door this morning for my walk, I looked up at the night sky hoping to see it filled with beautiful stars shining down on me, but that was not to be. I did however see one star, one lonely star in a sky filled with clouds. <br />
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That star reminded me of something. How often have I felt all alone, without a friend in the world who would care to walk beside me? Because so many of my friends live on the other side of the River, in another country, sometimes it still feels like I am walking alone.<br />
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This morning as I looked up and saw the one lonely star, I was reminded of one simple fact: things are not always as they appear. Although I could only see one star, one lonely star, that did not mean that the others did not exist, they were just hidden from my view. About a half hour into my walk I looked up and saw something beautiful, the clouds had parted and I could see a sky filled with stars. A great big smile took over my face. I knew it! I knew that there were more stars behind those clouds. I knew that just because it seemed like that star was alone the fact remained that was a lie.<br />
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Far too often we believe the lie. Because of fear, we guard our hearts to the point where we don't allow others into our lives; we don't allow others to make an investment in us. We shut out the people who God wants us to walk with on this journey called life. We live in fear of living.<br />
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I love how Deuteronomy 31:6 says it, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."" So even if I feel alone, the truth is God is with me, he will never leave me, he told me in his Book. He has surrounded me with friends who love me and want the best for me, friends who invest in me and I in them.<br />
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Am I alone? No, absolutely not! Does it feel like it sometimes? Yes it does.<br />
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As I arrived home from my walk, I looked up at the sky again. The clouds had rolled back in and there were far fewer stars visible in the sky. I still had to smile, because I knew the truth; that one lonely star wasn't so lonely after all.<br />
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Abba Father, today as my friends read and think about the truth in this post I ask you to allow the truth that the are never alone to penetrate deep into their hearts. Help them to know that they are deeply loved. Thank you, Father. In Jesus' Name... amen!<br />
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<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763468933147544592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134226782438036134.post-8004179183756850732012-09-27T19:53:00.000-07:002012-09-27T19:53:31.962-07:00Gotcha CoveredThe other morning as I walked out the door I looked up at the early morning sky and didn't see any stars, the cloud cover was so thick you could feel it; literally I could feel the moisture in the air as I walked. It was much warmer than the morning before. As I looked up, I was disappointed that I couldn't see the morning stars, but my Abba Father spoke straight to my heart and said, "I gotcha covered." I just smiled.<br />
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So often when we are faced with a cloudy day we get discouraged by the lack of sunshine in our lives, both in reality and figuratively. It is in those days, however, those times of discouragement that God can be there in ever increasing ways, showing us that He is there for us.<br />
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Lately, I have been having a number of those days, but what I know is that He has surrounded me with some really amazing friends who are helping me walk the path I am on. They are difficult but necessary days of retrospection, that are allowing me to figure out where I went off the path so that I can get on the right path instead. I came across a verse last fall that seems to be popping up everywhere lately. Jeremiah 6:16 says, "This is what the Lord says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls." It has been through the words of this verse, the prayers of my soul over this verse, that God has been doing a healing in my heart like never before.<br />
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There are many verses that are great reminders to me of God and his promises for my life. I love John 10:10 which says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." The enemy of my soul has done his best to steal my peace, he has tried to kill my spirit, he has tried to destroy my life, but that is where Jesus work on the cross comes in, He died to give me a full and complete life, a life of love, joy and peace; a fulfilled life in him. I am working on it; I am getting there. I am in the process. I just smile.<br />
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How about Romans 8:37-39 which says, "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Nothing I do, nothing I say can ever separate me from God's love for me. How amazingly comforting is that? I just smile.<br />
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Or Jeremiah 29:11-13 which says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." If I seek God with my whole heart, I will find him. He is not some distant God who is unreachable, I just need to seek him and he will definitely be there. I just smile.<br />
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Who am I that He would choose to invest in me the way He has? I am His beloved child. When I feel like I am not enough on my own, I need to remember, with him I can do all things. I need to remember who I am to Him. A song that has really spoken to my heart lately is <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSIVjjY8Ou8&feature=share">Remind Me Who I Am</a> by Jason Gray. No matter who I see myself as, who others see me as, God sees me as His beloved child. That really makes me smile.<br />
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A friend of mine recently commented that he is a "real piece of work", and I had to agree; he is God's masterpiece in the making, His "piece of work"! Ephesians 2:10, in the NLT says, " For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Just as my friend is God's masterpiece in the making, so am I. I just smile.<br />
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So when I am faced with a cloudy day, a cloudy, discouraged by life kind of day, I just need to remember that I am not alone. God is speaking straight to my heart and He is lovingly saying, "Hey Cathy, I Gotcha Covered!" How can I do anything but smile?<br />
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If you ever want to know more about Him, please don't hesitate to ask. I would love to share Him with you!!!<br />
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<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763468933147544592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134226782438036134.post-16111008818311649522012-08-31T04:11:00.004-07:002012-08-31T04:12:12.376-07:00Once in a Blue MoonWe have all said it, right? We use it as an excuse actually. When we think of changing something in our lives, of taking a leap of faith, we put it off and say, "Once in a blue moon I think about....." <br />
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Did you know that they don't occur often? The next blue moon doesn't occur until July 2015, which is 3 years away. So what is a blue moon you ask? A blue moon occurs when there are two full moons within the same calendar month, the first at the very beginning of the month and the second at the end. That's why they don't occur very often.<br />
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So, what is it that you have thought of changing, what is the new challenge you have wanted to take but just haven't out of fear of failure? What is it you would like to take a leap of faith for, but have allowed fear to keep you from doing? Want to learn a new language? Take up a new hobby? Sign up for that missions trip that you think you could never go on? What is it?<br />
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The enemy of our souls would love for us to live in fear and discouragement, but Jesus Christ died to give us a full and complete life. That isn't a life that starts once we die and get to heaven, it starts right here, right now! What's stopping you from grabbing on to that full and complete life that God has laid out in front of you?<br />
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If you will only think about it once in a blue moon, you are in luck! Today is your day! Today is a blue moon; I saw it myself as I was out for a walk this morning. Today, grab hold of what it is God has for you and jump! Take that leap of faith. It's yours for the taking. God's got you. He won't let you go!<br />
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Have a blessed day my friends and enjoy the blue moon like I do!<br />
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<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763468933147544592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134226782438036134.post-84175436673931748132012-08-25T06:38:00.001-07:002012-08-25T06:38:35.233-07:00The RockA pile of rocks, it is just a pile of rocks in the middle of someone's yard. The largest one is about 2 feet high, just to look at, it's nothing special. All winter long it just sits there, but come the spring, when the frost is no longer an issue, that rock does something special, well special to me anyway. That rock is actually a fountain and water will shoot up a couple of inches over the top and fall again. Oh the sound of the water hitting off the rocks below always puts a smile on my face.<br />
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That rock reminds me of the story of Moses and the people of Israel when they were wandering in the desert. The people were complaining because there was no water in sight, but God didn't need for there to be water around for Him to give His people a drink. <br />
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"I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel." Exodus 17:6<br />
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How many times do we face the seeming impossible and wonder where God is, wonder why He isn't showing up? How many times do we grumble and stay in a position of grumbling? God understands our humanity, but He also wants us to remember to trust Him with everything. <br />
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So what is your seeming impossibility? What is it that you just can't seem to get through today? Just like the water that poured out of that rock for the Israelites thousands of years ago, God wants to pour out just what you need into your life if only you will trust Him. Run to Him, He is waiting to hear from you; He wants to hear all about it.<br />
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" Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7<br />
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God may or may not answer our request the way we want him to, because he sees the big picture and knows what will work out for our best. One thing is for sure though, the more we run to Him, the more we lean on Him, the more we trust His heart, the more He will develop us into the men and women He created us to be. He is definitely making something beautiful out of our lives. <br />
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So when I pass that rock and hear the sound of the water I remember what God did for the Israelites in the desert all those years ago and I remember that He wants to work in my life in miraculous ways as well. Nothing is impossible for our God! What a beautiful reminder to me. I love it!<br />
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<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763468933147544592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134226782438036134.post-35150134214132706312012-08-19T18:54:00.000-07:002012-08-19T18:54:16.209-07:00One Lonely BlossomA couple of months ago I wrote about <a href="http://www.cathy-anewseason.blogspot.ca/2012/05/tale-of-two-magnolia-trees.html" target="_blank">two magnolia trees</a> that had suffered from the effects of blossoming too early in the season; having their blossoms die once the cold weather returned.. The one tree that grew without any protection from the elements held on to its dead blossoms, with its leaves not breaking through as quickly as the other.<br />
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With time, that tree did indeed flourish; its leaves a lush green. It stands beautifully next to the sidewalk as I walk by, but if I look closely, into the middle of the tree, I can still see the dead blossoms that never did fall. That tree has held on to the devastation of the past winter. <br />
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A few days ago as I walked by I looked at that beautiful tree and noticed something, a single lonely blossom, but one blossom reaching up to the sky. That beautiful blossom spoke to my heart; hope. It is not the season intended for it to blossom, but it has anyway. No matter what we have gone through in the past, no matter what hurts have gotten us down, there is always hope. Jesus Christ died to give us hope. He wants to turn all the negatives of the past, all the hurt, the pain, the bad choices, all of it, he wants to turn them into beautiful blossoms of His glory.<br />
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When I look back at my life, there are painful moments that continue to reveal themselves, coming to mind at the most inopportune time. Those memories can hurt to the core of my being. I can deal with the pain, I can forgive whoever needs to be forgiven, but in the end, those blossoms that died continue to mark who I am at my core. That mark can become a thing of beauty if only I will allow it to be, if only I will allow God to heal me at my core. I can choose to stay stuck in my pain and my sorrow, or I can choose to allow God to heal my heart and use it all to impact the lives of others for his honor and glory. <br />
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"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4<br />
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If I do that, if I allow God to do his thing in my life then he will make my life a life of beauty. I, like Isaiah, feel like I will be able to say, " The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor."<br />
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That is exactly what I want. I want my life to reflect the hope that comes with one lonely blossom. How about you?Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763468933147544592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134226782438036134.post-13563056081138328262012-07-11T19:18:00.002-07:002012-07-11T19:18:06.701-07:00Looking For The Same Old Thing<br />
Most people don't know that my favorite flower is a sunflower. I just absolutely love to see them standing tall reaching for the sky. They are simply beautiful, and when I find one, it just warms my heart.<br />
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Each morning, as I have been out on my walk I have been disappointed at one house in particular, where for the past 2 years they have had beautiful sunflowers out front. I have been looking for weeks, to find none. Tonight as I walked past the house, I looked at the garage, and there lining the driveway were a few sunflowers standing tall, about 40 ft from the end of the sidewalk. If only I had looked more closely, I may have seen them before tonight. Then, on the other side of the garage, at the back of the property were at least another 20 sunflowers reaching for the sky. How beautiful. Because I had only looked for the flowers at the front of the house, I totally missed the beauty of the gift to my heart that stood tall farther back, farther from my field of view.<br />
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How many times do we look for the same old thing, in the same old place disappointed that it isn't there? How many times do we expect God to work in the same old way, disappointed when he doesn't? We think we know how he is going to work because that is how he has worked in the past. But our God is a creative God, he loves to do new things. He loves to surprise us with more of himself. We need to stop looking for God to do things in the same old way. We need to start expecting him to show up when we least expect it. He desires to bless his kids, so we shouldn't be surprised when he does, grateful, but not surprised.<br />
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"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:19<br />
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After I discovered the sunflowers at that one house, I found 3 more houses along my way and the last house, just around the corner from home had sunflowers both out front, and in the backyard peaking up over the fence. What a blessed day it was indeed!<br />
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<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763468933147544592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134226782438036134.post-38491420544386131012012-06-05T18:07:00.002-07:002012-06-05T18:07:28.872-07:00What Might Have BeenToday I watched a video posted on GodVine, of a 15 year old girl sharing her story. When she was only 9 years old this young girl's mother took her own life, leaving her daughter to experience the pain of a life without her mom. The girl had a positive message but has had a sad life story. The pain this young girl had to experience and will forever experience is heartbreaking. <br />
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While I watched her video I flashed back almost 26 years ago to a night when I was done with living. I had written a good-bye letter to my former husband, and a good-bye letter to my daughter. I had a jug of juice sitting on the table, a bottle of pills beside it and a glass. I went to my daughter's crib and picked her up to say good-bye for the last time. The pain was too much to bear any longer. She was only about 7 months old at the time. While she slept in my arms, I held her for about 45 minutes, sobbing and rocking her, thankful she didn't wake up. Finally I realized I could not do that to her; I put my precious daughter back in her crib and crawled into bed, leaving everything where it was on the table. As you can tell, I never did take those pills, nor did I ever get to that point again. For that I am forever thankful to my Heavenly Father. <br />
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This afternoon as I watched the video, I saw my daughter in that young girl and I saw the pain I could have caused her if I had gone through with ending my life. I picked up my cell phone and sent my daughter a quick text thanking her for saving my life. It was then that I realized that she was the same age that night as my dear little granddaughter is now. Oh, the joy that I could have missed. My daughter knows the story, she knows that she saved my life all those years ago and for that I am forever thankful. <br />
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I am not done living life. I started writing this blog almost 2 years ago as a new season of my life began, when my daughter moved out, but this new season seems to have one new season after another. There is yet another one on the horizon, one that excites me to no end, but that story is for another day.<br />
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Today I end with Jeremiah 29:11-13, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." With all my heart I just want to be the woman God is creating me to be.<br />
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No matter what you are going through right now, death is not the answer. God loves you more than you can begin to imagine and he wants to be part of your life. He has forever changed mine. Please seek help.<br />
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Here is the link to the video I watched. <a href="http://www.godvine.com/Suicidal-Girl-Makes-an-Unforgettable-Video-Everyone-Should-See-1580.html" target="_blank">Unforgettable-Video-Everyone-Should-See</a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763468933147544592noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134226782438036134.post-60566277753938536692012-05-24T19:24:00.000-07:002012-05-24T19:24:45.444-07:00Patience and the PhotocopierSo this morning at work I was printing off a confidential document that was only about 75 pages long, but as I stood by the photocopier I quickly became rather bored. Bad news for sure! I began to play with the copier, playing with one of the trays on the finisher, not realizing that the tray I was playing with would actually open. With about 5 pages left in my document I hit the tray a little too hard and the machine just stopped. <br />
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One look at the screen told me that playing was a mistake, a big mistake. Window after window of instructions on which paper jam to clear next were the consequences of my poor judgment. One page even tore in the machine causing even further frustration for me, frustration I ultimately caused. Five minutes later my hands were covered in toner but my job was finishing. All I could do was laugh. <br />
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Timing, sometimes we just hate that God doesn't work on our time line but His own. God says that there is a time for everything.<br />
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"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end."<br />
Ecclesiastes 3:1-11<br />
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When we try to mess with God's timing, we end up bearing the consequences of our actions. It isn't just about what God wants to do in and through us, it is all about when he wants to accomplish those things. If we will just hold on, wait for his perfect timing, we won't end up with toner all over our hands and a mess in the copying machine.<br />
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God has an amazing plan for our lives, if only we will seek him out and seek to do it his way.<br />
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"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13<br />
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Trust his heart. He is trustworthy.Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763468933147544592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134226782438036134.post-22228050003494232922012-05-23T04:09:00.000-07:002012-05-23T04:09:26.747-07:00A Tale of Two Magnolia Trees"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...", oh wait that's another story, but actually it fits for my purposes today. This past March brought with it some delightfully warm days, days so warm that the trees were fooled into thinking that spring was here and it was safe to blossom. Unfortunately along with those beautiful days came the typical March nights, cold and frosty. It was sad to see the end result of the frost, the death of the blossoms.<br />
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It is the end of May now and the cold frosty nights of March are long behind us. There is a beautiful magnolia tree in my front yard that is covered with lush green leaves. You would never know the damage the cold had brought just a few short months ago. But this morning, as I was out for my walk I noticed another magnolia tree; one that has been absolutely beautiful the last couple of years. The harsh cold nights of March were not kind to this magnolia tree, and for some reason, although the blossoms died, they failed to fall leaving this tree to continue to bear the evidence of the frost. The lush green leaves are trying to come, but they are overshadowed by the dark brown flowers still hanging on.<br />
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The difference between the two trees is one of protection. The tree in my front yard is next to the house with a western exposure. The tree on my walk is away from the house, near the sidewalk on the north side of the house. <br />
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The two magnolias remind me of us as human beings. Sometimes we go it alone through the cold dark times we face, and sometimes we surround ourselves with people who are there to support us, people who we know will have our back. If we surround ourselves with the right kind of friends, friends we know we can count on, friends who will be there, truly be there through it, then the after effects of the harshness of life will be lessened. If we choose to walk this road alone, we face the possibility of bearing the scars of the darkness for a very long time, long after spring has arrived. <br />
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Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says, "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken."<br />
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So who do you surround yourself with? Do you have people in your life who help you walk this road, who point you in the right direction? Or are you walking this road alone? Sometimes it is difficult to admit that we can't do it alone, but we were never meant to do it alone. Trusting others can be difficult, especially if we have been hurt in the past, but the result of trusting the right people can bring life back to our lives.<br />
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I know that I have been amazingly blessed by some very special people that God has planted in my life, key people who have been there at just the right time. I think you know who you are. Thank you for loving me for who I am.<br />
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Just one more thing, but the most important thing of all. God always wants to be there for you. He loves you and just wants a relationship with you. He is waiting. Are you ready? <br />
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<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763468933147544592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134226782438036134.post-34821654842686074592012-05-08T16:40:00.000-07:002012-05-08T16:40:11.833-07:00The Little Things<br />
The other night was a full moon. I absolutely love full moons. Who am I kidding? I absolutely love the beauty of God's creation. Everyone was making a big deal about this full moon because it was going to be closer to the earth than it had been in quite a while, making it 14% larger than normal. I couldn't wait to see it.<br />
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As I left church that night, the clouds were covering the sky and the moon was hidden. Not wanting to miss the moon, I quickly asked God for a favor. "Can you please move the clouds so that I can see the moon? I would absolutely love it!" I waited and within about 10 minutes the clouds began to part a little bit; just enough to reveal the moon for me. A few wispy clouds danced in front of it, but they were thin enough not to block any of the beautiful orb in the sky. Over the next hour, on the drive home, there were a few wonderful moments of opportunity when I could bask in the light of the sun as it reflected off the beautiful full moon. "Thank You, Daddy!" <br />
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My request may have seemed frivolous to some, but to me it was just a request that God could answer whichever way he chose. I am thankful he decided to bless me.<br />
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Far too often people do not want to bother God with the little things. They think He is too busy saving children in Africa, or listening to prayers on the other side of the world to bother with their little issue. They can take care of things for themselves, so why even ask Him for help.<br />
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“So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.” Matthew 7:11<br />
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Does this mean that God becomes like a vending machine of sorts? No, because God sees the big picture and he knows what is best for us. He will not give us something that, in the long run, will lead to our destruction. At other times, he will make us wait for just the right moment to bring that blessing into our lives. God does know how to give good gifts to his kids, but he wants us to ask him.<br />
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“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8<br />
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Why does God want us to keep asking him? When we ask him, we are in his presence, spending time with him. God created us to be in relationship with him. He longs for us to come to him and just spend some time in his presence. He longs to be our Father. He longs for us to know what a relationship with him can mean to us. He just wants us. <br />
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He loves you, you know, more than anything. He loves you more than life itself; Jesus died to prove it to you. <br />
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I am thankful that I prayed the other night. The view of the moon was spectacular and I most definitely enjoyed it. <br />
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Thank You, Daddy. I love You!<br />
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<br /></div>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763468933147544592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134226782438036134.post-44951829839112527772012-05-03T19:14:00.000-07:002012-05-03T19:27:42.851-07:00A Hot ShowerThis morning I had the amazing privilege of enjoying a hot shower. Why so amazing? Well, I haven't had the luxury of a hot shower since Saturday and since today is Thursday, that is a long time. The hot water heater needed a part replaced so for 4 days I endured cold showers each morning. <br />
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Those showers brought back memories of showers in Managua while on a missions trip to Nicaragua this past February. Our room was about 70 degrees F or 21 degrees C in the morning when I hopped into the shower, so the cold water didn't feel very good. I got in and out as quickly as possible. There was some kind of gadget that was supposed to heat the water, but I couldn't get it to work and since I had heard stories of people getting shocked while using it, I wasn't too keen on trying it out while standing in water. While we were in Somotillo, the water was stored in a large black drum in the courtyard. The blazing hot Nicaraguan sun headed it to a lovely tepid temperature, making it much more livable for a shower, but still no where near a hot shower.<br />
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This morning's shower was such a luxury compared to the showers I had in Nicaragua. Most people I know would consider hot showers a necessity, not a luxury, but after experiencing life in Nicaragua for a week this past winter, I got a glimpse of how great we have it in North America. We, as North Americans, take a lot of things for granted.<br />
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It is ironic that the hot water heater broke down now, since I am working on memorizing the book of James. I am only in the first chapter, but the first real thought James wrote down was about trials; situations that test us.<br />
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James 1:2-4 in The Message Bible says, "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." I don't think James was thinking of cold showers when he wrote those words, but I know that the attitude I had while enduring those cold showers determined the type of day I had. <br />
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Did I consider the cold showers a gift? Nope, but my attitude could have been worse, so I guess I am growing bit by bit, trial by trial. I am on my way to becoming the woman God created me to be, and that puts a smile on my face. <br />
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I hope that the next time a cold shower is my reality, I will take a quick one with a grateful heart knowing many around the world don't even have the luxury of running water, much less hot running water.Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763468933147544592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134226782438036134.post-41623274638151335592012-04-17T20:59:00.000-07:002012-04-17T20:59:24.571-07:00Love LetterShe read it over and over again. She couldn't believe how much he loved her; his words spoke straight to her heart. She had read it over and over so many times that she could practically say it word for word from memory. How could anyone love her the way he did? <br />
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When someone speaks to our hearts; when someone is important enough to us, we will take the time to get to know that person. Their words, spoken clearly to our hearts, becomes a gift, something we treasure deep within. I have a someone like that in my life and his name is Jesus. The words he has given to me in the Bible are something I treasure, but perhaps not as much as I should. The words in his book are his love letter to me; I want to know them more and more. <br />
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This past December I set a goal to memorize more this year, specifically to memorize the entire book of James. Thankfully it is only 5 chapters long. A couple of months ago, someone asked me what my spiritual goal was for the year, so I shared this goal. He decided he would take on the challenge as well. In the couple of months since that exchange, he hasn't forgotten. This past Saturday he asked how I was doing with the book of James. Honestly, I have been working on it. I started a few weeks ago by beginning to write it out. <br />
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I am thankful for this person who has decided to take up this challenge with me because he is someone who can hold me accountable for reaching my goal and can encourage me along the way. Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed." Because there is someone who is taking up this challenge with me, I feel a responsibility to succeed. I don't want to know what it would feel like to have him accomplish the goal and not be able to say I did it as well.<br />
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Far too often when we are alone in a project it is easy to let it slide, to let it fall by the wayside. I don't think this is going to be one of those goals for me. This one is going to be accomplished. I absolutely love the message in the book of James, so for me it is part of the love letter that Jesus has given me, a part that I can't wait to learn. <br />
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Tonight as I sat at dinner, I finished writing out the last couple of chapters so that I could begin to work on the actual memorization part. Before I left the table, I had pretty much memorized the first 8 verses of James 1. <br />
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James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings....<br />
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Okay, so it wasn't perfect the first time around, I checked, but it's a start. Oh how I love this Love Letter!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763468933147544592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134226782438036134.post-63226109552157093192012-04-08T18:09:00.000-07:002012-04-08T18:09:53.576-07:00A Pretty Shade of BrownThis spring has been odd. It followed a very mild winter, and turned hot , early summer hot, in mid-march. The flowers were confused so they came out early. The beautiful magnolia tree outside my front window was blooming beautifully until the frost overnight covered it a week after it began to bloom. That frost turned the delicate flowers a lovely shade of brown, from the beautiful pale pink they were intended to be.<br />
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A lot of the magnolia trees lost all of their beautiful blossoms, but thankfully not the one in my front yard. Not all the blossoms had broken through their furry winter coat, so they were not effected by the frost. As I look out the front window I see the leaves starting to break out of their buds and there are still some pale pink flowers. How beautiful! <br />
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The magnolia tree in my front yard got a second chance to be beautiful and I am very thankful for that. What I also love is that my God is a God of second chances. He can turn the cold darkness in our lives into great things for His honor and His glory.<br />
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Just before Jesus was arrested, and Simon Peter would deny him, Jesus warned him of what was to come. "“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”" I love it. Jesus wanted Simon Peter to use his story, his failings to help others He wanted Simon Peter to use his story to encourage others in their faith. Jesus was giving him a second chance.<br />
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Jesus wants to use our story to encourage those around us in their faith as well. We can use the struggles we have gone through to encourage those going through similar situations. We can bring hope to their lives that it is possible to gain victory over the situation.<br />
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Second Corinthians 1:3-4 says, "All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."<br />
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God can use it all, if only we will allow Him. The enemy would love us to focus on the negative, the dead flowers, but God wants us to focus on the new growth, the plan He has in store for us. <br />
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How about you? What will you choose to focus on? Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763468933147544592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134226782438036134.post-73463882279436099542012-03-28T04:09:00.000-07:002012-03-28T04:09:08.208-07:00Starfish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZO_Bv4z-yZ-_XkHKFBxF9B63rI5YqPrAbvA6QMDGuyjmdgzJdgu_9rtY7nx-btnnALtqAXFC86qT_gLc4LytgISH4_sf9jJC05RwdTZO9WsW2A7sNjKqoHY-QCQQt7MnSngiiigJsAnIk/s1600/starfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZO_Bv4z-yZ-_XkHKFBxF9B63rI5YqPrAbvA6QMDGuyjmdgzJdgu_9rtY7nx-btnnALtqAXFC86qT_gLc4LytgISH4_sf9jJC05RwdTZO9WsW2A7sNjKqoHY-QCQQt7MnSngiiigJsAnIk/s320/starfish.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I love the inspirational story of the <a href="http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art8236.asp">starfish</a>. In case you are unfamiliar with it, there is a wise man walking the beach and he sees someone in the distance who appears to be dancing. As he gets closer he realizes the young man is throwing something in the ocean, starfish, one at a time. When asked why he is throwing them, the young man says that the tide is going out and if he doesn't throw them in they will die. With miles upon miles of beach the wise man reminds him that there are far too many starfish, it won't make a difference. Again the young man reaches down, picks up a starfish, throws it in and says, "I made a difference to that one."<br />
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I love the story, it reminds me of the importance of making the time and making the effort to invest in those who God has planted in my day. <br />
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I am a person who loves things that mean something. I love tangible reminders of life lessons. My brother and his wife were going to the islands this past winter and I asked if they could bring me back a starfish. I wanted a tangible reminder that I could see each day, to remind me to live a positive life for those around me. When they returned I came home one day to a starfish on the table, a big beautiful starfish. I was extremely happy. The next time I saw my brother he told me that when they were out on a boat one day he saw the starfish, went to dive in to get it but his wife had beat him to it and was already in the water. Suddenly it hit me. My request for a starfish was a very selfish one. What I had wanted as a reminder to bring positive influence into other people's lives ended up costing a life. I have a shell that was once the home of a life, a life that was taken so that I could remember. When my daughter saw it she reminded me that the beautiful starfish died so that I could have a decoration. <br />
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I love my starfish and will cherish it deeply, not only for the positive story it represents, the story of a life invested in others, but I now also have a negative reminder of what our actions can cost others. I want my life to be an example that will be a positive influence to those God places in my path, but I also need to be cautious not to be a negative influence.<br />
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The starfish that sits in the family room never had a choice as to whether or not to give up his life. However, there is someone dear to me that did have a choice. Jesus Christ chose to come to this world, he chose to die a painful death on the cross so that I could live. I am forever thankful for what he did. I choose to live my life as an example to others so that they too may see him. <br />
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As Easter approaches, I am reminded once again of the story of Jesus and his journey to the cross. Thank you Jesus for dying for me so that I could live. Thank you for your example. Help me to model it each and every day of my life.Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763468933147544592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134226782438036134.post-51132418440954025792012-03-14T20:15:00.000-07:002012-03-14T20:15:16.441-07:00Did You Hear That?This past Sunday, on my way home from my daughter's house, I chose to take a detour and enjoy a spot that brings tranquility to my soul. I got out of my car and sat on a bench overlooking the lake. It was absolutely beautiful, the day was brisk, but the water was rather calm, with just small waves lapping the shore. I missed this spot! I haven't been there since last fall and forgot how special this place is to my heart. The vastness of the lake reminds me of the vastness of God. <br />
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Suddenly the tranquility of the moment was lost as I watched a man playing ball with his dog, his beautiful golden retriever. The man would throw the ball down the hill and the dog would run after it. Unfortunately the dog did not choose to come right back, he chose to investigate what was going on around him each time his owner would throw the ball. Most dog owners I have heard usually just call their dog, or say no but this man was different. He had one word for his dog that he yelled over and over again. WRONG, WRONG, WRONG! He would yell it until his beautiful dog came back. I thought it was mean of that dog owner to be so harsh with his dog. <br />
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Over the last few days I have had a thought cross my mind; wouldn't it be nice to have someone who could tell me when I was wrong; when I was about to make a mistake so that I could avoid it? God reminded me that I actually do have someone who is with me, who does work in my life to direct my path.<br />
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In John 16:13-14, Jesus said, "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you."<br />
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God has placed the Holy Spirit in our lives to guide us into all truth. In my life when I have times that I choose not to listen to that voice of the Holy Spirit, His voice seems to get softer and softer until it seems not to be audible at all. In reality, since I am getting farther and farther from the truth, it is harder and harder to hear. It has nothing to do with the Holy Spirit not being loud enough, it has to do with my proximity to Him. The closer we stay to God, the easier it seems to hear His voice. <br />
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As much as I was annoyed at the man yelling WRONG at his dog, it was a great reminder of the presence of Holy Spirit in our lives and the importance of staying close by. If you can't hear His voice, perhaps you need to get a little closer. There is no better place to be.Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763468933147544592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134226782438036134.post-40322213146387961732012-03-04T19:04:00.001-08:002012-03-04T19:06:34.309-08:00Growth<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spring is just around the corner. I can hardly believe it! I must admit we have been very spoiled this winter with very little actual winter like weather. We have had our fair share of precipitation, but because the temperatures have been on the warmer side, we have had rain instead of snow. I might dislike winter weather, but for the farmers the weather conditions of winter are important to the seeds in preparation for their growth come spring. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just like the seeds need certain conditions to grow, so also we as followers of Christ need certain conditions in order to grow our faith so that we can become more like the men and women God wants us to be. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">"</span><span style="background-color: white;">Dear brothers and sisters, </span><span style="background-color: white;">when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. </span><span style="background-color: white;"> For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. </span><span style="background-color: white;"> So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." James 1:2-4</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. </span><span style="background-color: white;">And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." Romans 5:3-5</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">God will use our circumstances to help us develop into people He can use to make a difference in this world. Far too often we run away from the pain that we are experiencing, instead of embracing what God is trying to do in us through it. Running away only delays what God wants to do. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Today I challenge you to embrace all that God has for you. Embrace the situations He places in your path so that you can grow in His way, in His timing. We need not fear because we are not alone; He is always with us. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My friend, today, choose to let God work in your life so that you can grow more and more into the person He wants you to be. You will not be disappointed.</span><br />
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</span>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763468933147544592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134226782438036134.post-45233848954471188652012-02-27T03:59:00.001-08:002012-02-27T04:00:17.804-08:00First Class<span style="font-family: inherit;">I just got home from my latest missions trip; this time the destination was Nicaragua. What an amazing experience! On the way there, 3 of the 12 members of the team were in first class and I was blessed to be one of them. What a treat it was, or could have been for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Due to the weather, we were delayed a couple hours, waiting for our pilots to come from another flight. I was hungry by the time we got off the ground so the turbulence we hit turned my stomach in very bad ways and I ended up being sick to my stomach, literally. Thankfully I had the plastic bag from the blanket the flight attendant gave me; it came in handy. That was it for me. The lovely breakfast of French Toast, with grilled pineapple, a fruit cup and a croissant turned into trying to eat the French Toast, but not being successful, but the croissant was okay and stayed down. About 80% of my breakfast stayed on the tray. I did sleep for most of the flight so the big seats were great. A ticket in first class not fully experienced, not fully enjoyed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">How often do we as faith followers of Christ not live life up to the full potential we have in Him? In John 10:10b Jesus tells us that "<span style="background-color: white;">I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.", but we chose to follow our own path not His. When we follow our own path, we miss out on all the fun and exciting adventures He wants to take us on. We also must experience the heartache that comes from our own poor choices. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What a waste of a first class ticket, right? Nope, when a lesson is learned, when a truth is discovered, the experience is never a waste. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Can't wait to share my trip with you. Hope your week is blessed!</span>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763468933147544592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134226782438036134.post-52144968410428072742012-02-17T06:09:00.000-08:002012-02-17T06:09:25.065-08:00All theTime in the WorldProcrastination is dreadful. It allows you to think you have all the time in the world, but when it comes down to it, if you don't get done now what needs to get done you will run out of time. This week hasn't been so much procrastination for me, but being sick and lacking the energy to get anything done results in the same thing, running out of time. I leave in a few short hours and the packing is not quite done.<br />
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We need to value the time that we have in front of us right now and not squander it. We have no idea what the next hour will bring yet alone tomorrow.<br />
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"Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-30336"></sup> Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." James 4:13-14<br />
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Let's do today, right now even, what we are able to do and then when the project is done, we can sit back and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done. <br />
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Okay now this is a lesson I really need to learn. Happy Friday!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763468933147544592noreply@blogger.com0