tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66690044958862550442024-03-19T00:40:54.172-04:00The Ponderings of a Pirate GirlMerinda N Astleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481054556704487747noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669004495886255044.post-71266754085447193702017-06-06T13:56:00.001-04:002017-06-06T13:56:11.935-04:00There's Got to be More<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>"there's got to be more</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>than going back and forth"</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Did that "Mercy Me" song just pop into your head???</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7ch4b0URps"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnZPtzY2oT62wt-0jSP59glfPeeDKZjXjTO5PsFqEQFS12Do6J3iqE5NqbMfr7k72ZrYmEWMKJFJ8RB148ImfDKCkUSG2M4PsxmIsOETMDnqRTXN-ggDwU6-MET3dJMG8rtpBm3wpEQI/s1600/2598828_20150316170411_1921077192.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(if it didn't pop into your head, but you want it to....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
just click the picture and you can listen to it)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I realize that song is about going back and forth<br />
between doing what is right and what is wrong,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but when I hear it, it always makes me think of going about our daily lives,<br />
going back and forth to Publix,<br />
back and forth to Walmart,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
back and forth to church,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that routine that we call life,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that trap that we think we're stuck in.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
We all do it, right?<br />
We are all so busy.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Get up, go to work, go home, go to bed,<br />
get up, go to work, go home......</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(wash, rinse, repeat lol)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
So my question today is.....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
FOR WHAT???<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For money to pay the bills?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then we make more bills?<br />
Then go to work, so we can make money,<br />
ok you get the picture.<br />
<br />
For what???</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What is the purpose???</div>
Is there any worth in our back and forth???</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
I ran across this quote from Amanda Bible Williams</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"The apostle (Paul) didn't while away his time on earth<br />
just to get to the next chapter,"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Paul wasn't living for this vapor of a life here on earth.<br />
He was living for something bigger.<br />
He lived for the eternal by making the most of the temporary." </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
I think that most of us have this backwards.<br />
I think that we live for the temporary<br />
(house payments, rent, cars/trucks, light bills, etc)<br />
and make the most of the eternal.<br />
Maybe in the back of our minds<br />
we are hoping that we will do something for Jesus today,<br />
but the real effort is going into all the other stuff.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If in the midst of all of that going back and forth<br />
we're not doing something for Jesus,<br />
something that has some eternal value,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
then what's the point???<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't know about you,<br />
but the older I get the more I get tired of wasting time.<br />
I don't want to spend my entire life<br />
simply going back and forth.<br />
I don't think "she paid her bills on time"<br />
is a good enough quote for my tombstone.<br />
<br />
Yes, I realize that God gave us work and<br />
earthly things to buy and enjoy and to take care of ourselves with, but<br />
I want to look at my life and see the eternal stuff first,<br />
things like....<br />
chasing Jesus first,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
serving HIM first,<br />
in HIS word first,<br />
loving and serving others first.<br />
<br />
And maybe after that, I'll go to work :)<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#checkingmypriorities<br />
<br /></div>
Merinda N Astleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481054556704487747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669004495886255044.post-69892794237632784212017-05-28T20:30:00.001-04:002017-05-28T20:30:13.061-04:00Afraid You'll Miss It?<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm confessing!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I got to church this morning and,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDpKEdBMioh6ijg3MdU-XuwgK-qJxiyi7zd9isRfi-A3t70swSfH4AHAYQxf8FV0hJZ5N33el-wFp0Z25JdljCSDBLMVUqwxCIOVsQPUKRnTKJo8AJ_coESzmMF9PBv1VdV1XUQa0Wz9Q/s1600/AAEAAQAAAAAAAANTAAAAJGQ5ZmZlOTQ0LTJiYmQtNDc0Yi1hNGViLThlOWIwZGZjZTI3MA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="600" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDpKEdBMioh6ijg3MdU-XuwgK-qJxiyi7zd9isRfi-A3t70swSfH4AHAYQxf8FV0hJZ5N33el-wFp0Z25JdljCSDBLMVUqwxCIOVsQPUKRnTKJo8AJ_coESzmMF9PBv1VdV1XUQa0Wz9Q/s200/AAEAAQAAAAAAAANTAAAAJGQ5ZmZlOTQ0LTJiYmQtNDc0Yi1hNGViLThlOWIwZGZjZTI3MA.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
realized our pastor was not preaching</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(our pastor is amazing!),</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XTAi3wzveng2ZzYk8fKGfS-xytx3gNoGCWUy3A93SjM6eQ-loYWbk6A2ySGJdsPomtQ3yoh_EPq9GqOFYD9bRJ0REwIfQStht8HX30d8CwndrRS9jgAv5FmFvIAzMHvWoYg_k0IOjU8/s1600/17l1ca3utg7fdjpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="636" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XTAi3wzveng2ZzYk8fKGfS-xytx3gNoGCWUy3A93SjM6eQ-loYWbk6A2ySGJdsPomtQ3yoh_EPq9GqOFYD9bRJ0REwIfQStht8HX30d8CwndrRS9jgAv5FmFvIAzMHvWoYg_k0IOjU8/s200/17l1ca3utg7fdjpg.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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it was graduation Sunday</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(we have no graduate this year)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and you know what comes next, right?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, I waited for Strike 3 just like you're waiting for it,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but it didn't come.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Please know that I love church and yes, I know it's not about me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm just being honest when I say that </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I walked into church hopeful and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
then sat in the pew for a few minutes.....disappointed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wondered who this guy was that was going to </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"try to fill in" for our pastor, and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
what he could say to me </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(since I was not a current graduate).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, maybe there was a Strike 3,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
maybe it was me and my attitude :(</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you follow me on Facebook, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
then you might know that I retired from teaching on Friday</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(after 24 years).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Everybody keeps asking....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
what are you going to do now????</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
what are your plans????</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you're too young to retire (thank you), </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
are you going to work somewhere else????</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, the truth is, I don't really know.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What we (my husband and I) know<br />
is that God has released me from full-time teaching right now.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, how about that?!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was sitting there this morning, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
not even realizing that I was just like some of those sweet graduates.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, some of them thought they knew what was next,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
college, military, mission field, etc</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I also have to believe that many of them sat there wondering what was REALLY next.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And then it came,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the quote that I wanted to write about,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the thing that this fill-in preacher said</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to these graduates (and to ME)....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>"God's ability to reveal HIS plan for me is much stronger than my ability to miss it."</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I forget that sometimes,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when I'm wondering what's next,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when I'm seeking HIS will.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I keep thinking that it somehow ALL depends on me,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
me looking, me seeking, me searching, me asking</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and then me wondering if I'll miss it when HE finally reveals it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, I do think I need to keep talking to HIM</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and yes, I need to stay in the Word,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I also need to trust that when HE is speaking to me,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that HE will make sure that I hear HIM. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tonight I am a "graduate" who is thankful</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that I didn't miss HIS word for me this morning.</div>
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Merinda N Astleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481054556704487747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669004495886255044.post-40845271349259682652016-12-16T06:02:00.002-05:002016-12-16T06:02:35.290-05:00John Wayne?<div style="text-align: center;">
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Who's your favorite actor?</div>
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I had to use John Wayne or my mama might not forgive me :)<br />
<br />
Now, I never met John Wayne but<br />
if all I knew was what I saw on the silver screen,<br />
then I would believe he was a cowboy.<br />
I bet the people he lived with knew better.<br />
I'm sure they knew all too well the roles he played,<br />
but they also knew who he really was when he put the script down.<br />
<br />
John Wayne...well really, acting is on my mind today.<br />
I came across a quote during my quiet time this morning.<br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: lime;">"They cared about APPEARING</span><span style="color: lime;"> righteous more than actually BEING</span><span style="color: lime;"> righteous."</span></span></b><br />
<i>Whitney Capps</i><br />
<i>#first5</i><br />
<br />
It was referring to the Pharisees in the New Testament,<br />
who cared so much about outward appearances and rule following.<br />
But when I paused to think this quote through,<br />
I realized that it could also describe me.<br />
<br />
Have we Christians ever put on an act?<br />
Just done the thing because we were supposed to?<br />
Put on our mask and sat in church and made nice every week?<br />
Study and teach Sunday School lessons that never changed our hearts?<br />
Sang songs in the choir without ever hearing or applying the words?<br />
Sat through sermon after sermon with little or no change in our lives?<br />
Have we ever been so good in those roles that we have influenced people<br />
for the cause of Christ?<br />
<br />
Please know that I'm the last one passing judgment on this topic.<br />
I am guilty.<br />
But I think many other people are guilty as well, they just don't realize it.<br />
<br />
I believe that there are many of us who are almost squeaky clean to the outside world.<br />
To those people who sit on the outside and only see us<br />
for short periods of time on the "silver screen,"<br />
we must look like we have it all together.<br />
Some of us probably deserve an Academy Award for our performances.<br />
<br />
So what's the problem?<br />
If we are still influencing others for Christ, then what's the big deal?<br />
(I'm glad you asked.)<br />
<br />
I've thought of a couple of problems....<br />
1) <b>We</b> are not living up to our full potential in Christ. We are not allowing God to truly transform <b>us</b>. <b>We</b> are missing out on who HE is and all that HE has for <b>us</b>.<br />
2) The problem that I find most devastating for Christans is that sometimes we lose the people that we love the most. I'm talking about those people who are the closest, those people who live in our houses, the ones that know the roles we play, the people who see us when we put the script down. They are the ones who see the truth. They KNOW the act. <br />
They know all about our APPEARING and not BEING. They see right through our act.<br />
What could be more devastating to a believer than to know that you yourself have eternal life but those you love the most reject what you know is the truth?<br />
<br />
So what should we do about it?<br />
Surrenender, that's it.<br />
The answer is so simple, yet so hard to do.<br />
Ask HIM.<br />
Ask HIM to show us the places in our lives where we are writing the story and not HIM.<br />
And then when HE shows it to us.....let's hand HIM the pen.<br />
<br />
Thinking back to the quote........<br />
APPEARING righteous is something that I can do for myself.<br />
BEING righteous is something that only GOD can do.<br />
<br />
And what others need to see is what God can do.<br />
They see enough of us and what we can do and many times it turns them away.<br />
<br />
But HE can change people.<br />
HE can change us when we are surrendered to HIM.<br />
And HE can change those we love,<br />
those who have not been accepting what we are dishing out.<br />
<br />
Let's not miss out on who HE is or cause others to miss out as well.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let's don't just make random "Christian" appearances.<br />
But let's BE everyday.</div>
Merinda N Astleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481054556704487747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669004495886255044.post-86998853675798120762016-11-04T06:24:00.001-04:002016-11-04T06:24:10.193-04:00No!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Ever been told <b>NO</b>?<br />
At one time or another, we have all been told<b> NO</b>.<br />
How do we respond?<br />
Do we accept it?<br />
Do we try to find a way around it?<br />
(Like our kids....if mom says <b>N</b>O, go ask dad?)<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What if the person we're asking is God?<br />
What if there is something that you really want from God<br />
or something you want to do for God,<br />
and HE says <b>NO</b>?<br />
What do we do with that?<br />
Especially when "we think" it's something good,<br />
something that will minister to people,<br />
lead people to Christ.<br />
But HE still says <b>NO</b>.<br />
How do we respond?<br />
<br />
Do we try to make it happen anyway?<br />
Or do we accept the NO and continue to follow HIS leading?<br />
<br />
In all of our lives, God opens and closes doors.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the book of Acts, the apostle Paul wanted to go to Asia to spread the Word.<br />
That sounds like a good plan, right?<br />
People there needed to know about Jesus.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But scripture says that the Holy spirit prevented him from entering Asia,<br />
told him <b>NO</b>, wouldn't let him go in.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now what I sometimes do with that <b>NO</b><br />
is I try to find a way to make it work anyway,<br />
or I whine about it, talk about it<br />
(because surely someone will agree with me that my idea is a good one).<br />
Why can't I just accept the <b>NO</b>?<br />
<br />
If you keep reading this section in Acts, you will find that God didn't say <b>NO </b><br />
to Paul and then sit him on the couch.<br />
<b>NO</b>, HE sent him somewhere else, and Paul went.<br />
God had plans for Paul to go to the people of Macedonia<br />
(HE had plans for Asia as well, it just wasn't Paul).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
HE has plans for all of us too!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So maybe our ministry doesn't look like <i>we want</i> it to,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
maybe we're not serving <i>where we wanted</i> to serve,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
maybe we're not serving <i>who we wanted</i> to serve,<br />
or <i>how we wanted</i> to serve.<br />
(see all of the "we wants"?)<br />
<br />
Remember that God knows the whole story.<br />
HE knows what we need and who needs us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let's choose to submit and be obedient.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let's not miss the place and the people that HE has for us,<br />
by focusing on HIS <b>NO</b>, let's follow HIS <b>YES</b>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibj22Vlk7Q2GLq1roSaosqYrSwGFzY_CuJRwrZe5385zaUd9R-lTmtESsRTNZTqic6nJOVtXztIGVShh2LnLk4c2wNoOQi_1MmX2vnzcGWp7g5KUgcnl7MZQHFPAk5AQL1eNonBMZTivM/s1600/Yes-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibj22Vlk7Q2GLq1roSaosqYrSwGFzY_CuJRwrZe5385zaUd9R-lTmtESsRTNZTqic6nJOVtXztIGVShh2LnLk4c2wNoOQi_1MmX2vnzcGWp7g5KUgcnl7MZQHFPAk5AQL1eNonBMZTivM/s320/Yes-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Merinda N Astleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481054556704487747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669004495886255044.post-73636495706089909442016-10-23T09:02:00.001-04:002018-05-04T15:09:59.690-04:00What Kind of Waiter Am I? <div style="text-align: center;">
What kind of waiter am I? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm not talking about delivering your dinner to the table </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
because I know how that would go. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFLsQCyhTEQ6Gqn5VshUONJWHRQQSmy4XB4yFcNyF31d4qIveZzIMpSVXoQivqrnPfzVSSG5kLEiQ4RdSpsvgPNCNz1YCJNGfVpCGVvoGIXc470pb40eKhQMs45C6U9nfJZryu9xbjoo/s1600/200556629-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFLsQCyhTEQ6Gqn5VshUONJWHRQQSmy4XB4yFcNyF31d4qIveZzIMpSVXoQivqrnPfzVSSG5kLEiQ4RdSpsvgPNCNz1YCJNGfVpCGVvoGIXc470pb40eKhQMs45C6U9nfJZryu9xbjoo/s320/200556629-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I mean when I pray about something and I am then forced to wait on the answer....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
what kind of wait-er am I? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What am I doing/thinking/feeling during the waiting?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
wringing my hands?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
thinking that God doesn't care?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
am I anxious?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
am I fretful?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
am I talking it to death with anyone who will listen?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
complaining about it?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
whining about it?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
do I keep it to myself and quietly worry?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And the key question might be.......Who am I listening to???</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
satan filling my head with doubts and thoughts,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
trying to convince me that God doesn't care about my circumstance?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, yes, yes, and yes!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At one time or another I've answered yes to every one of these questions.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm sure we all have.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But what should we be doing?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What is the job of the waiting?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What is the job of the wait-er?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think the answer (and the question) is <b>TRUST</b>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Do I really trust that God knows and that God cares?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe the job of the waiting is to build trust, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to grow our relationship with God.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Waiting certainly keeps me talking to HIM more.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But as I'm talking to HIM, I also need to remember to listen to HIM.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I need to listen to the voice of God, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
who constantly reminds me that HE loves me, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
HE cares about my circumstance, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
HE loves those that I am praying for more than I do.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
HE knows what HE is doing!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I need to choose to TRUST HIM. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I need to pray faithfully and then wait expectantly,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
watching for the answer to come,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
looking for the miracle to happen.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>You are my strength, I watch for you;</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>you, God, are my fortress</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>my God on whom I can rely.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Psalm 59:9-10</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Merinda N Astleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481054556704487747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669004495886255044.post-45925524882643115872016-09-05T10:48:00.002-04:002016-09-05T10:48:36.387-04:00Audience of ONE<div style="text-align: center;">
Ever come up with a really great idea,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the greatest lesson plan ever,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
an excellent bulletin board idea?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ok, so maybe you're not a teacher.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe you are the person who......</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
had the most sales,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
built the best deck ever, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
holds the record for the fastest time in the drive-thru.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What do you do with that?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Run tell someone?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Keep it to yourself?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank God?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was reading this morning in the book of Acts,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the story of <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts+5%3A1-11&version=NIV">Ananias and Sapphira</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now I know that what they were bragging about was a lie,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but they took it and ran straight to the apostles.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My "what if" mind says....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
what if what we are running to tell is the truth?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Is it ok then?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Does it bring to mind the phrase,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"It's not bragging if it's the truth"?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Either way, the point is the same for me today.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When we do great things (whether it's the truth or a lie that we've made up)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
do we then want the approval of God or the approval of man for having done it?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do we talk about our great things LOUDLY IN FRONT OF OTHER PEOPLE </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so they will "just happen" to overhear us and commend us for being so great?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do we keep it quiet and secretly hope that someone finds out and tells everyone?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">Warren W. Wiersbe said,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><b> "Once we are more concerned with our reputation than our character, </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><b>there is no end to the things we will do</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><b> just to make ourselves "look good" before others."</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We can wear ourselves out trying to make sure that everyone knows </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
all the great things we have done.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But then what?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On to the next great thing?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On to tell the next person we see?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What happens when the applause fades?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because it will certainly fade.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe in that moment when we want to <strike>speak up</strike> brag,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we pause and then say HIS name instead of our own.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let's perform for an audience of ONE.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let's allow HIM to decide how HE will acknowledge what HE has allowed us to do,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And then if someone does happen to notice, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
let's use that opportunity to point to HIM,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to brag on HIM and what HE has accomplished through us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That's the kind of bragging that can change lives,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that's the kind of bragging that can last for eternity.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Merinda N Astleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481054556704487747noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669004495886255044.post-78197292730729535362016-07-19T08:02:00.001-04:002016-07-19T08:02:57.892-04:00"THE Look"<div style="text-align: center;">
Ever get THE look?<br />
Or a better question might be....how many times have you gotten THE look?<br />
Maybe as a parent or teacher, you have mastered THE look.<br />
You know THE look I'm talking about?<br />
That look that needs no words, you automatically know exactly what it means.<br />
<br />
I was reading today and came across the account of Peter after the Last Supper.<br />
You know when Peter makes his bold declaration,<br />
(that he was ready to go to prison and to death with Jesus).<br />
then Jesus tells him how the reality will go,<br />
(that Peter would deny knowing HIM 3 times before the rooster crowed).<br />
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+22%3A31-62&version=NIV">Luke 22:31-62</a><br />
<br />
We know the story ends just as Jesus predicted it would.<br />
Peter denies Jesus 3 times.<br />
Scripture says that just as Peter was speaking<br />
(denying Jesus for the 3rd time) the rooster crowed.<br />
And the next verse says.....<br />
<b>"The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter."</b><br />
Luke 22:61<br />
<br />
Have you ever wondered what was in THE look that Jesus gave to Peter?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudLKtJWm2fLUx6Lv7Doyx-yt5IwMCZ8N7-4Cm9lnrH1Wvbh8zrmeRHEGjasRWtxMSQJSvIIhWEfcMRu1ypWYsZfJgASiYHT3VPAbTfRwZ2DF1bw2bJgR4OVUWqnX12eOVITfioj1zJSU/s1600/Eyes-Jesus-Navas-eyes-13762366-370-117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudLKtJWm2fLUx6Lv7Doyx-yt5IwMCZ8N7-4Cm9lnrH1Wvbh8zrmeRHEGjasRWtxMSQJSvIIhWEfcMRu1ypWYsZfJgASiYHT3VPAbTfRwZ2DF1bw2bJgR4OVUWqnX12eOVITfioj1zJSU/s320/Eyes-Jesus-Navas-eyes-13762366-370-117.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Scripture says that Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him<br />
and went outside and wept bitterly.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
So what do <b>you</b> think was in THE look that made Peter weep bitterly?<br />
disappointment?<br />
sadness?<br />
condemnation?<br />
or THE look that I would have given him that says "I told you so!"?<br />
Or do you think THE look was full of<br />
compassion?<br />
love?<br />
forgiveness?<br />
grace?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or maybe some combination of all of those?<br />
<br />
If Jesus had used words instead of THE look what do <b>you</b> think HE<br />
would have said right at that moment?<br />
"I told you so, Peter"?<br />
"I am so disappointed in you, Peter"?<br />
"You're breaking my heart"?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"I know it was hard to stand for me"?<br />
"I love you"?<br />
"I forgive you"?<br />
"You're still mine, Peter"?<br />
<br />
I'm asking the question today because I think that whatever <b>we think</b> was in THAT LOOK<br />
is the same look we imagine Jesus gives us when we sin. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
HIS eyes are always on us. HE sees everything.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So what is THE look that we imagine HE is giving us?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
For Peter, whatever he interpreted that look to mean,<br />
I believe it was forever seared in his brain.<br />
I believe it drove him to Jesus... to love HIM, to follow HIM, to serve HIM.<br />
<br />
What about us?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Is our view of God driving us toward HIM or away from HIM?<br />
If you can't say "toward HIM" then I urge you to get in the Word,<br />
read of HIS love and mercy and forgiveness.<br />
Then let THAT be "THE look" comes to mind when we think of HIM.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Merinda N Astleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481054556704487747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669004495886255044.post-12964146298067330782016-07-16T11:52:00.003-04:002016-07-16T11:52:37.116-04:00Sit or Serve?<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi! My name is "Martha", and I am a busy-a-holic.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Don't get me wrong, I can sit in my chair in my old house dress<br />
for hours on end with the best of them.<br />
But many days find me scurrying around,<br />
especially if I know that company is coming.<br />
<br />
I need things neat, in order,<br />
prepared, grocery shopping done, everything "just right".<br />
And when they finally arrive I am working to be a good hostess,<br />
which doesn't always involve me sitting and visiting.<br />
I'm always thinking about what needs to be done next.<br />
<br />
I am in a Facebook Group with several other Christian teachers<br />
and we are doing an online Bible study together this summer.<br />
We are doing "Open Your Bible" by <a href="http://shereadstruth.com/">She Reads Truth</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://shereadstruth.com/"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4lJs2k2jt55t__UKi07NTkjVX5_7tDmAvRJOWs7TEek9SJqY2yzFwMnKqhZLbeu5h-JPaH5QamzBba5M8IWYp90TPQLBsS3rYA1g6r1F6Ey0UB3nJx90IiRnGcrrL61LiSThKEavWGc/s200/005757875.jpeg" width="146" /></a></div>
While doing my study this morning I read something about the<br />
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+10%3A+38-42&version=NIV">Mary and Martha story (Luke 10:38-42)</a> that hadn't occurred to me before.<br />
<br />
<b>"Mary ceased readying her home, readying herself,</b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>she even ceased SERVING JESUS for the opportunity to SIT WITH JESUS."</b><br />
<br />
In my mind when I think of this story,<br />
I think of her not serving the others who must have been there.<br />
But I skipped over the thought that she stopped serving JESUS too.<br />
She stopped serving Jesus!<br />
She did it in order to sit at HIS feet and learn from HIM,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to be near HIM, to hear from HIM, to soak in HIS presence.</div>
<br />
I have to "work" hard for my "Mary Moments".<br />
Funny, huh?<br />
But it's the goal....MORE SITTING,<br />
more surrender, more resting in HIS presence,<br />
more resting in HIS Word.<br />
<br />
Let's leave the dishes in the sink and SIT down with HIM,<br />
and trust HIM to tell us when to get up and SERVE.<br />
<br /></div>
Merinda N Astleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481054556704487747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669004495886255044.post-85671199350099932912016-07-15T08:37:00.000-04:002016-07-15T08:37:32.346-04:00My To Do List<div style="text-align: center;">
My man's favorite John 15 and the word ABIDE....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It keeps popping up this week in my quiet time and in our Bible Study group. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
HE must want me to do it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFcFKBuiyfeIX6TkRYThUc2ZRgv3b0grEzb_ULoAuUNhBIjd4EvIwDBatNnaImiv1evGsLxnufcXuLlNUOyB9KRYPMD8JG6WTW9J0NtyG3C1StkVoV9-HY_A8G5tYXQosigPa1uzw2_k/s1600/Abide_In_Me-300x215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFcFKBuiyfeIX6TkRYThUc2ZRgv3b0grEzb_ULoAuUNhBIjd4EvIwDBatNnaImiv1evGsLxnufcXuLlNUOyB9KRYPMD8JG6WTW9J0NtyG3C1StkVoV9-HY_A8G5tYXQosigPa1uzw2_k/s1600/Abide_In_Me-300x215.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>I am the vine; you are the branches. </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit;</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b> apart from me you can do nothing. </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>John 15:5</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ever tried to work yourself to death for the KINGDOM?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
teach Sunday School? teach Discipleship Training,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
work with the teenagers? work with the kid's choir?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
go on every trip that the church has scheduled?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yep, me too!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I like to say, "I just couldn't say NO."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But if I get to the root, I realize that I didn't want to say NO.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I loved being busy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I loved "working for Jesus."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was busy, getting things done while other people were pew sitting.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(I cringe just typing that!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Several years have passed since that was my list </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(and yes it really was my list)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I like to think that with older also came some wiser.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I learned to say NO yet I am still learning the word</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ABIDING.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ABIDING - to remain.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When I see the definition written so closely to my TO DO list,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I realize that I was actually doing the opposite of ABIDE.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was doing anything but "remaining"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was doing "go" and "leave" and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"run around like a chicken with my head cut off."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This week God has really been convicting me about my time in the word.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not my time spent in reading books about God,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but my time reading THE WORD.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For years I have had a firmly established quiet time,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but lately it had gotten to just reading a devotion,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you know the ones that have 1 or 2 verses and then you read</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the story that goes with it?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God made me realize that I was reading more from other authors</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
than I was reading from THE AUTHOR.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I think it ties in with my lack of ABIDING.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wanted to "get my quiet time reading done" and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
then get on with my day and my TO DO list.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But, if I look back at the track record of my TO DO list,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
during the times of not abiding, I see very little progress,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
very little fruit. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We work ourselves to the bone with absolutely nothing to show for it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So here is the lesson for me:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>If you want something done right,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>do it HIS way.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
HE never called us to our TO DO list.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
HE never called us to sign up for everything that we are asked to do.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
HE never called us to works, but to faith that brings about works.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
HE said for us to ABIDE.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To me it means surrendering my time to HIM,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
surrendering my busy nature to HIM.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
HE is teaching me to be still, stay in THE WORD, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
not just pray but to listen and obey,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
keep HIM in the front of my thoughts every day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When I do that, HE makes it easier for me to do</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
HIS TO DO LIST</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
which is LOVE HIM and LOVE others.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Merinda N Astleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481054556704487747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669004495886255044.post-1888599874726792402016-05-20T06:06:00.002-04:002016-05-20T06:06:45.533-04:00Chosen and Precious<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyamY7Yqw6h7qwOPzAGVfH_qECPzkWMNrp77fukipCfTQLugfIABodaxdBMtN_ZYtwQAV8SOom7YgmJyrecHa3ANx78BHlVg3aZvb-Ezvfdtg8PdHdnBQJmWURfREMMLjKea0IGL-JkPY/s1600/download.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyamY7Yqw6h7qwOPzAGVfH_qECPzkWMNrp77fukipCfTQLugfIABodaxdBMtN_ZYtwQAV8SOom7YgmJyrecHa3ANx78BHlVg3aZvb-Ezvfdtg8PdHdnBQJmWURfREMMLjKea0IGL-JkPY/s1600/download.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As a teacher for the last 23 years, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have seen MANY kids waiting to be picked </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for kickball games at recess,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or games in the classroom,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or partners for projects.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, I'm always watching, waiting to catch it before it hurts someone.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The moment inevitably comes for someone as they look around </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and realize that everyone in the group is paired off except for them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Has that ever been you?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ever felt overlooked, unwanted?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
People look at you and find you less that desirable, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so they keep scanning the room for someone that they feel is acceptable?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All the while, you are scanning the room looking for someone </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that you are not afraid to ask without fear of rejection?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe you've felt this way in your marriage or relationships with other people.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe you were chosen at one point in time but no longer feel wanted/desired.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I found good news for that in my Bible study this morning.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 Peter 2:4 says.....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">"as you come to him, a living stone rejected by men </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">but in the sight of God chosen and precious........."</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I LOVE the two words</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
CHOSEN and PRECIOUS.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love that they are written together.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because I know what it is to be chosen, anyone can be chosen.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But to be chosen AND ALSO be called precious is a whole, big deal.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus knows full well what it feels like to be rejected, "un-chosen."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He understands rejection from men.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But HIS eyes were on God and God called HIM</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
CHOSEN AND PRECIOUS.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And those words have been passed on to us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, if you have ever felt the sting of rejection or felt unwanted,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
remember that God loves you,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">HE chose you and HE thinks that you are precious.</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEPTWhgA01A5BR30UgocSFBi0_eUKtPRxuCAPEkEwVp-tVXzmDuybOTc6xKAW0w089IzBOMiHffHCfmK8LHC9YI3xR1oWdcKMU3mdbPgiLtLwRoVwLgoia-T6CAwb0AmNRMYi0dVVJVQ/s1600/6aa2dd14380400ddb7380c3437f72e04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEPTWhgA01A5BR30UgocSFBi0_eUKtPRxuCAPEkEwVp-tVXzmDuybOTc6xKAW0w089IzBOMiHffHCfmK8LHC9YI3xR1oWdcKMU3mdbPgiLtLwRoVwLgoia-T6CAwb0AmNRMYi0dVVJVQ/s320/6aa2dd14380400ddb7380c3437f72e04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Merinda N Astleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481054556704487747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669004495886255044.post-3698079098018391362016-04-25T16:18:00.001-04:002016-07-21T16:59:26.101-04:00It's Not Over Yet!<div style="text-align: center;">
The words "<b>It's not over yet</b>" can bring such joy!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If I've finally settled in with my venti white mocha with the whip </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(nonfat of course LOL)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the words "it's not over yet" make me happy!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I also want to hear those words over the weekend, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
on date night with my man,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
on vacation, and in the middle of a good book.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmTmTMcdxOs&spfreload=5"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_hnJZaZ0GbDh4yl6h6p36534ogmKXnclNTkzm_3XkN0LMzwBWUb-3wiYiFduUXMF0bgg2W5bnFzzU1mo1m8tfml2P-H-nRqTSZ8J-LWg5Ja1ZsLAvgruoFheYJylLIDdOX6kwut5tPU/s320/dda5656b3894730496f3c3a49ab557c0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But..........there are times when the words</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"<b>It's not over yet</b>" bring absolute anguish.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You never want these words when your child is sick, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when the money is tight, and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when you and/or the people you love are fighting battles that just never seem to end.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You know those times when the hits just keep coming,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when one battle doesn't end before another one begins.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's like a constant "war" that leaves you feeling battered and bruised.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's especially hard when you are watching people you love just being raked over the coals.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When you think, "How can they possibly take any more?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You want to end the pain for them, you want to have the answers, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you want to say just the right words,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
all while there are voices in their head and yours that may be saying </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"it's not over yet! it may never be over! There is no way out!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmTmTMcdxOs&spfreload=5"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXj0qol2ZHjyuzBFEJyoE_zdUCvasgV3gMFUdim9nNP5OeMffAWz9plb6J6VIS45wwVbZeXA5faK21NGGGEXaWta5ERt-sZYivuhPoRg9QD7Sf61qasYrRBuHivSmJY2VhwJrHATSY0I8/s400/09216e93ab9bfe2021b74ec8d7159c95.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This post goes out to you/us, all of us</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
who feel like we have reached the limit.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
NEVER quit!<br />
NEVER give up!<br />
NEVER lose faith in HIM!<br />
<br />
Even when you think that YOU are finished,<br />
<b>HE IS NOT!</b><br />
<br />
HE didn't bring you to a place of suffering to leave you there.<br />
KEEP fighting!<br />
Keep TRUSTING!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Please know that if "it's not over yet" then<br />
<b>IT'S NOT OVER YET!</b><br />
HE has something for you,<br />
HE hasn't forgotten you.<br />
<br />
HE's planning to lead us out of the dark and into the LIGHT (if we let HIM).<br />
<br />
Don't give up on HIM.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmTmTMcdxOs&spfreload=5"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTdDxO9fK65Rv-MnG1yxDC793dkC5Nc46BwfwYD3665nUaaXZLRvprK6anUKfdP8kTGz0uUrAiook8S-SxeP0p9qcoaB-yFxXclXWHRW4-bpvl_93Ct9YUAZtJxydQ22rL90On6ZgfgA/s320/3f82a4db51cbbf4b8a67188f362f3680.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
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</div>
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</div>
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">This post was inspired by new newest favorite song by ~ for King and Country.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">You can click on any of the pictures in this post and the link will take you to </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">YouTube so you can hear the song. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcn2nnRu1e0oEzgGeTCI8NOIYdqywUxbw5Q9pYfXIVyBFTnSsWz-Iwc90EtpaLdYnjlJ1U_9CPrIUIIKgbtZme6znVCcGT0MYmAcQDhnpJbHwFOIQRfMqbsw-dKH675FjNva2M40ir8I/s1600/pondering+pirate+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcn2nnRu1e0oEzgGeTCI8NOIYdqywUxbw5Q9pYfXIVyBFTnSsWz-Iwc90EtpaLdYnjlJ1U_9CPrIUIIKgbtZme6znVCcGT0MYmAcQDhnpJbHwFOIQRfMqbsw-dKH675FjNva2M40ir8I/s200/pondering+pirate+logo.jpg" width="106" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></i></div>
Merinda N Astleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481054556704487747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669004495886255044.post-24808591020777221052015-12-18T06:15:00.001-05:002015-12-18T06:15:42.865-05:00Doors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I LOVE old doors!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(and these remind me of my granny's old house <3 )</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeG_jdLrskqGK1IspQfjUSvyMBzX49E-OTBoRhI90Mh129mNJKR2JPWFGOw5dNskWPmvie3hEn9CK8ev2ikulC2clfW-zRmF7-Lma98Z5tqKCP5OrJcx0dGv1_1XN-92dwCZ6FGPvIps/s1600/26170767f365058ce92ffac5ef2e96a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeG_jdLrskqGK1IspQfjUSvyMBzX49E-OTBoRhI90Mh129mNJKR2JPWFGOw5dNskWPmvie3hEn9CK8ev2ikulC2clfW-zRmF7-Lma98Z5tqKCP5OrJcx0dGv1_1XN-92dwCZ6FGPvIps/s320/26170767f365058ce92ffac5ef2e96a2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today is a BIG day for me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you've been following this blog then you probably know that something has been going on.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today really is the day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been teaching for 23 years.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know that I know that I know that it's what God called me to do.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have spent all 23 of those years teaching in the public school system where I grew up.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm teaching in the school where I went for my very first day of Kindergarten.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I walked in those doors for the first time at 5 years old. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well today I am walking out of them for the last time. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God has been doing a work in my life over the last year.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
HE has been slowing closing my door there and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
preparing me to move.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbqfwqKbUfqTN674Ig7yulAZCHBYcAESmL2ApsRRkDtvfnDWCUcqhpCk-2d8cwwS12zcTw00cKPJIJUlrbkWw7TXpbcRSqOoQrKbnZjuosDnZEJxOB-Gd9HeoFIYyxABpAwE78pcto30/s1600/blue-barn-style-door-with-accents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbqfwqKbUfqTN674Ig7yulAZCHBYcAESmL2ApsRRkDtvfnDWCUcqhpCk-2d8cwwS12zcTw00cKPJIJUlrbkWw7TXpbcRSqOoQrKbnZjuosDnZEJxOB-Gd9HeoFIYyxABpAwE78pcto30/s320/blue-barn-style-door-with-accents.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You know that old saying,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"When one door closes another door opens" ?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(and then there is some joke about the window, but I'm not sure how that goes)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We've been watching as God has brought me to the time when I would say,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"It really is time to move on."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Yes, it took some really hard pressing on HIS part,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
some really bad days,lots of tears, some prying my fingers off of things....)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
BUT GOD!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
HE never leaves us with nothing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
HE was closing that door, but HE was also preparing a new door just for me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm not going to lie,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the wait between seeing the door close and waiting for the new one open was hard!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And it's easy for me to say since I'm on the other side of the door,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but we have to trust HIM.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
HE has the door that is just right for us and for HIM.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The door that we will have the opportunity to use to bring honor and glory to HIM.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
HIS timing is perfect.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
HE knows where we need to be.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So wait for HIM, wait for the door that HE chooses for you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When you finally walk through, there will be absolute joy and peace!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Merinda N Astleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481054556704487747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669004495886255044.post-8323368541138664502015-12-14T06:13:00.000-05:002015-12-14T06:13:53.716-05:00Keep Looking Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIV1qbpiE7cUtg0M8enU3SUXXkoYZtIuWCC0U5HnhP4j3PSrwkLx2M4oEvuZKQweTizDe1f0Q994j30YOqDjabR6mCWqsTC71iR6Xmab87xbuqcteIlvPv_a7GDfj76srHMIS-OmN-Bc/s1600/snoopy+looking+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIV1qbpiE7cUtg0M8enU3SUXXkoYZtIuWCC0U5HnhP4j3PSrwkLx2M4oEvuZKQweTizDe1f0Q994j30YOqDjabR6mCWqsTC71iR6Xmab87xbuqcteIlvPv_a7GDfj76srHMIS-OmN-Bc/s320/snoopy+looking+up.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Things aren't going the way you hoped they would?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Too many things out of your control?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ever spent time listing all the things that are wrong with your life?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I remember very clearly years ago when a wise woman said,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"If you are feeling overwhelmed, buried in problems, not seeing solutions......</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
then you need to STOP looking OUT and START looking UP."<br />
<br />
It's so easy to get caught up in "our list".<br />
I believe it's one of satan's tactics to keep us busy<br />
and useless for the Kingdom.<br />
If he can keep us busy trying to solve our own problems,<br />
then we aren't seeking God.<br />
<br />
Let's not do that today.<br />
Let's focus on the PROBLEM SOLVER and not the problems. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
KEEP LOOKING UP!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
KEEP LOOKING UP!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
KEEP LOOKING UP!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
KEEP LOOKING UP!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
KEEP LOOKING UP!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
KEEP LOOKING UP!</div>
Merinda N Astleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481054556704487747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669004495886255044.post-49603080079397516842015-12-11T15:48:00.002-05:002015-12-11T15:48:26.309-05:00HE Knows!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCJ3FCZtW-IdEagkdBLatnS28NAqkJcNxOn4upyzaIx94KWJqCvjZXs4Lq_SikmyHsGuSutLOwOpIQkPP3659KPO-tNXvupR2IKr_O6g0cCwGejwhzsamMf9B5arqk5HZYPsRdi4jzzo/s1600/today_is_the_day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCJ3FCZtW-IdEagkdBLatnS28NAqkJcNxOn4upyzaIx94KWJqCvjZXs4Lq_SikmyHsGuSutLOwOpIQkPP3659KPO-tNXvupR2IKr_O6g0cCwGejwhzsamMf9B5arqk5HZYPsRdi4jzzo/s200/today_is_the_day.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Ever thought, "TODAY IS THE DAY!" ?</div>
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And then realized that more waiting was involved?</div>
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That was my exact day today.</div>
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I was soooo disappointed and I began to wonder why God does that.</div>
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Why did it look like TODAY WAS THE DAY,</div>
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only to turn out NOT being the day?</div>
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What was the point of getting my hopes up?!</div>
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<br /></div>
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That was me thinking from my disappointment.</div>
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So what do you do then, </div>
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when it all turns back to waiting?</div>
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All I can do is tell you what I did. </div>
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I stopped for a few minutes and thought back to my morning Bible study.</div>
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And when I did, I was AMAZED AGAIN with how good our God is.</div>
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HE KNOWS!</div>
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HE always knows!</div>
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And HE always has us covered.</div>
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But how many times do I/we rush by and miss HIM?</div>
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How many Bible studies have I just read and then kept doing my thing?</div>
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And how many times have I hung out in my disappointment</div>
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rather than going back to HIM and letting HIM show me what HE is up to?</div>
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Ok, are you ready for it?</div>
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Here is what I read just this morning before I put all my hopes into </div>
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TODAY BEING THE DAY!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>I am working on your behalf. </i></div>
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<i>Bring Me all your concerns, including your dreams. </i></div>
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<i>Talk with me about everything, letting the Light of My Presence </i></div>
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<i>shine on your hopes and plans. </i></div>
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<i>Spend time allowing My Light to infuse your dreams with life, </i></div>
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<i>gradually transforming them into reality. </i></div>
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<i>This is a very practical way of collaborating with Me. </i></div>
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<i>I, the Creator of the universe, have deigned to co-create with you. </i></div>
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<b><i>Do not try to hurry this process. </i></b></div>
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<b><i>If you want to work with Me, </i></b></div>
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<b><i>you have to accept My time frame. </i></b></div>
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<b><i>Hurry is not in my nature. </i></b></div>
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<i>Abraham and Sarah had to wait many years for the fulfillment of my promise, a son. </i></div>
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<i>How their long wait intensified their enjoyment of this child! </i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>FAITH IS THE ASSURANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR, </i></div>
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<i>PERCEIVING AS REAL FACT WHAT IS NOT REVEALED TO THE SENSES.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Jesus Calling by Sarah Young</div>
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<br /></div>
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So maybe our quote</div>
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"TODAY IS THE DAY"</div>
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is only part of the story.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Maybe our quote should be......</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOUypREKw2rkltX1y7qbwiRyZUtH3IK5hzuEpthml2_4WJLhEUFokKwpKT06u1Jc5yAMybqfH_7aCMp5ocMhAsp6qHRjXyQRWGnGJtKz1wLYuNbYIA02daxh2-Z4OrBlRHQR3liPKOlM/s1600/f3e8a129a68c166a9189bf2dd5afd178+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOUypREKw2rkltX1y7qbwiRyZUtH3IK5hzuEpthml2_4WJLhEUFokKwpKT06u1Jc5yAMybqfH_7aCMp5ocMhAsp6qHRjXyQRWGnGJtKz1wLYuNbYIA02daxh2-Z4OrBlRHQR3liPKOlM/s1600/f3e8a129a68c166a9189bf2dd5afd178+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
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Today IS the day, it's HIS day, it's the day that HE made</div>
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(not the one I invented in my head).</div>
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Let's rejoice today, no matter what comes</div>
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(and no matter what we're left waiting for).</div>
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If HE's making us wait, it's definitely going to be worth it!</div>
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HE knows!</div>
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<br /></div>
Merinda N Astleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481054556704487747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669004495886255044.post-56903514306711590802015-12-10T06:21:00.001-05:002015-12-10T06:21:08.603-05:00Label Maker<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">When I was a kid I had a label maker,</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">they were all the rage.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Did you have one?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Those plastic things that you put the roll into,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">turned the dial and punched in the word you wanted one letter at a time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Then you peeled the back off and stuck them all over your stuff.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">I had forgotten about that thing until this morning.</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfsgL0bMrNPDaC9NeJrq-lTTDq5bqqiytxHuJSK4sEnprGgWQokgmbg9KXupqDuHL2avl-XIi4Fs5iC7_j3RSsPqLKCZLVoPRDGJu4HniEHVIy753r1T1y6NjTb8R-l4wGp71EkUBDBw/s1600/746260c77e8e42a518dca4c34ea0c400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfsgL0bMrNPDaC9NeJrq-lTTDq5bqqiytxHuJSK4sEnprGgWQokgmbg9KXupqDuHL2avl-XIi4Fs5iC7_j3RSsPqLKCZLVoPRDGJu4HniEHVIy753r1T1y6NjTb8R-l4wGp71EkUBDBw/s320/746260c77e8e42a518dca4c34ea0c400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">I was thinking about how we </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">give names/labels to things in our lives.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">We name our kids, our pets (ok, not me but other people do).</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">But we also name the things that happen to us.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">We lose our job and we name it "UNFAIR."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Our kid gets sick and we name it "DESPAIR."</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">We look at the mess of our lives and name it</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">"HOPELESS"</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">"IMPOSSIBLE."</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">We base those names on the things that we can see;</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">based on the small part of the story that we know.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">So, if all we can see of a situation is the "BAD"</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">then that's what we name it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">No wonder most of us are sitting around wringing our hands and crying all the time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">(yes, me included)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">BUT GOD!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">What does God call those situations?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">I read this morning that HE calls them "GOOD."</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">What????? Good??????</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">yep :) </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">HE names it all good.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Why?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Because HE sees it all.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">HIS view is not restricted like ours is.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">HE knew about every situation before it ever got to us</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">(and HE allowed it).</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">HE sees the beginning and the end.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">HE knows why and how.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">HE is behind the scene working it out.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">HE is bringing order from chaos.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">HE is making good what was intended for evil. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">HE brings beauty from ashes.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">So next time, let's pause before we label something.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Ask HIM to show you the GOOD. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">I believe that HE will.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Let HIM be the LABEL MAKER!</span></div>
Merinda N Astleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481054556704487747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669004495886255044.post-12220761599639550532015-12-07T12:21:00.001-05:002015-12-07T12:21:48.117-05:00Give It Up<div style="text-align: center;">
My Bible study took me to Genesis 22 this morning.</div>
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The story of Abraham being asked to sacrifice Isaac. </div>
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(I can still see the scary, creepy picture card from my childhood Sunday School class </div>
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that showed Isaac on the altar and the big angel in the sky coming down. </div>
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It still kinda scares me.)</div>
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<br /></div>
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The verses of course made me think of Abraham and his faithfulness to God,</div>
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his willingness to sacrifice his only son, how much he trusted God.</div>
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Are you amazed by Abraham?</div>
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I always have been.</div>
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<br /></div>
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But maybe for a few minutes we can remember that Abraham was just a man, human </div>
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("but flesh" as my man likes to remind me lol) just like us. </div>
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Can we think for a few minutes about the SACRIFICE,</div>
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instead of how "super-Christian" Abraham was.</div>
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<br /></div>
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If I/you were the main character of these verses, how would the story change? </div>
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What has God asked me to sacrifice that I just keep holding on to?</div>
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What am I willing or unwilling to sacrifice?</div>
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<br /></div>
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I admit that I don't think God is calling me to literally put my Jack on an altar </div>
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like he asked Abraham to do with Isaac. </div>
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But I do believe that HE calls us to sacrifice things and </div>
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yes, sometimes people in our lives.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I think there are things that I/we willing give to God, some things feel easy,</div>
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right now church on Sunday is easy for me, tithing right now is easy for me,</div>
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right now Bible study is easy for me </div>
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(I say right now because we all go through seasons).</div>
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<br /></div>
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But, what am I holding on to?</div>
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What am I <b>not</b> willing to sacrifice?</div>
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kids? our money or lack of? bills? jobs? marriages? etc.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And <b>WHY</b>?</div>
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Why can't we let some of these things go?</div>
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We don't trust HIM.</div>
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We don't think HE will handle it correctly.</div>
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We don't think HE will take care of it the way we would.</div>
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We don't want to give it up.</div>
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We're afraid that HE will take it and keep it from us.</div>
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We don't want to give up our worry over it.</div>
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(I think if I'm worrying about something then it's part of the problem solving process.)</div>
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This list could go on and on.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The bottom line is that it really doesn't get much more serious </div>
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than being asked to sacrifice your only son.</div>
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Let's remember that HE walked Abraham through it, </div>
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HE will do the same for us!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Let's all check and see what we're holding on to today and give it up.</div>
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Let HIM have it, whatever it is.</div>
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It will be much better off in HIS hands anyway.</div>
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Merinda N Astleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481054556704487747noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669004495886255044.post-51829514123704102482015-12-04T06:05:00.002-05:002015-12-04T06:05:33.085-05:00Abraham and New Beginnings<div style="text-align: center;">
I love how I just turn the page in my devotional book and it is exactly what I needed to hear.</div>
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Coincidence? Of course not, It's HIM.</div>
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I said yesterday that I was facing some possible changes and choices</div>
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(most of them scary to me).</div>
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So what was my Bible study about today???</div>
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<b>ABRAHAM and New Beginnings!!!</b></div>
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<b>leaving what is known for the unknown,</b></div>
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<b>inner strength and courage,</b></div>
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<b>not being called to comfort and convenience,</b></div>
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<b>called to a life of faith and trust,</b></div>
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<b>obeying in faith.......</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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This was my favorite part,</div>
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<b>"New beginnings tell the story of grace, mercy, and forgiveness - gifts from a loving Father who is worthy of our faith, even when we cannot see what lies ahead."</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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At this moment I don't know where God is going to lead me,</div>
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but I am excited about following.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Merinda N Astleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481054556704487747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669004495886255044.post-18735425441335022402015-12-03T06:04:00.001-05:002015-12-03T06:04:51.145-05:00The Song in Your Head<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>WORRY, WORRY, WORRY!</b></div>
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LOL as I typed that out 3 times, a tune popped into my head.</div>
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Guess what it was......(go ahead, guess!)</div>
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ok, I'll tell you.......</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>HOLY, HOLY, HOLY!</b></div>
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<b>Lord God Almighty!</b></div>
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<b>Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee!</b></div>
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I have some possible changes coming up soon</div>
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and yes I'm human so it all makes me VERY WORRIED!</div>
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A friend of mine sent me these verses this morning. </div>
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It's so sad that after reading them a million times since childhood that I (we all) still worry about so many (big and small) things. Even after God has walked us through so many situations in our lives, after HE has been so faithful, we still get to the next thing and start worrying. </div>
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<br /></div>
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WORRY, WORRY, WORRY</div>
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(did you sing it that time to the tune of HOLY, HOLY, HOLY?)</div>
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<br /></div>
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Since God popped that song into my head this morning,</div>
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it's what I'm going to focus on today.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Instead of worrying about all the details that I'm trying to work out in my head, </div>
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I'm going to focus on HIM and HIS holiness today.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So let this be the song in your head today.....</div>
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<b>HOLY, HOLY, HOLY! Lord God Almighty!</b></div>
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<b>Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.</b></div>
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<b>Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty,</b></div>
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<b>God in three persons, blessed Trinity!</b></div>
Merinda N Astleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481054556704487747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669004495886255044.post-88438913589417749082015-11-30T06:15:00.002-05:002015-11-30T06:15:20.722-05:00Enjoy the ride!<div style="text-align: center;">
Long trip to see your relatives for the Thanksgiving holiday?????</div>
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Us too.</div>
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Our 5 hour drive home yesterday turned into about 9.</div>
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Soooooo many people and accidents on the highway.</div>
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It seemed like we would NEVER get home.</div>
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This morning, thinking about it, makes me think about life.</div>
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We're all trying to get somewhere aren't we?</div>
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Maybe we're trying to get to a man, or a new job, or just a place of peace on the other end of our problems. And sometimes it seems like we will NEVER get there. It seems that our wait will never be over, the problems will never end, and the long sought after peace will never come. It's also compounded by "accidents" along the way. Something is always cropping up, getting in the way.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I think I get so frustrated because many times I can see a way out.</div>
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I think I can clearly see a solution to all of it, but for some reason God doesn't allow it.</div>
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Surely HE can see what I see, right?!</div>
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If that's you, joining me in feeling like this, </div>
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then here are some things we need to let HIM speak over us today. </div>
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HE's got it.</div>
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HE doesn't need our help.</div>
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If I could fix it, then I wouldn't need HIM.</div>
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If I fix it, I will miss the movement and glory of God.</div>
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HE sees the whole picture, I can only see "my way."</div>
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Today, let's try to remember that God's timing is perfect, </div>
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HE goes ahead of us always, HE loves us and wants to help. </div>
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Our job is to get out of the way and let HIM do it. HE knows our perfect way "home." </div>
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HE knows every "accident" that will turn up along the way. </div>
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<br /></div>
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So let's lay back, trust HIM and enjoy the ride.</div>
Merinda N Astleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481054556704487747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669004495886255044.post-53141287216411254742015-11-28T09:55:00.001-05:002015-11-28T09:55:37.963-05:00God's Gifts to Us<div style="text-align: center;">
Digging into Psalm 34 this morning.</div>
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I'm not sure how many of you braved the stores and sales for Black Friday yesterday looking for those perfect (and cheap) gifts for your loved ones but I assure you that I was on the couch.</div>
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I thought it fitting that God lead me to Psalm 34 to get a reminder of the many gifts we get from the greatest gift giver of all time. </div>
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Let's check our list starting in verse 4....</div>
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HE answers us,</div>
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HE delivers us,</div>
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HE hears us,</div>
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HE saves us,</div>
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we lack nothing,</div>
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we are blessed,</div>
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HE teaches us,</div>
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HIS eyes are on us,</div>
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HE is attentive to our cries,</div>
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HE is close to us,</div>
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HE rescues us,</div>
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HE does not condemn us.</div>
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WOW! No Black Friday gifts could ever compare!</div>
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As we head into the season of </div>
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"making our lists and checking them twice"</div>
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let's all remember the list of gifts we have already received from the Gift Giver.</div>
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Nothing compares!</div>
Merinda N Astleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481054556704487747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669004495886255044.post-54802221253323757222015-11-27T08:23:00.001-05:002015-11-27T08:23:54.993-05:00Blatant Rebellion, what?!<div style="text-align: center;">
I LOVE "She Reads Truth."</div>
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If you haven't read it, go check it out.</div>
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I just started their study called "Psalms of Gratitude" and today it had me reading Psalm 19.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I was clicking along until I got to the words </div>
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<b>BLATANT REBELLION</b>. </div>
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What?!</div>
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<br /></div>
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You see, the study had us filling in blanks for the end of the psalm......</div>
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Cleanse me from _____________.</div>
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Moreover, keep me from ____________________.</div>
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So my thoughts were, </div>
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cleanse me from SELFISHNESS, ALWAYS WANTING MY WAY, WANTING CONTROL and</div>
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keep me from WORRY, STRESS, CRYING BECAUSE I DON'T GET MY WAY.</div>
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I thought those were good answers until I got to the next part of the study.....</div>
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DO NOT LET THEM RULE OVER ME.</div>
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THEN I WILL BE INNOCENT AND CLEANSED FROM BLATANT REBELLION.</div>
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ARG!!!!!!</div>
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I don't like that part. </div>
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I love calling a spade a spade until it applies to me being wrong.</div>
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Then I want to sugar-coat it or make excuses about why I should be allowed to whine and worry.</div>
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Whine and worry makes me feel like I'm really working on fixing my problems.</div>
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But the spade (ok God) calls it sin, more specifically it's called</div>
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BLATANT REBELLION.</div>
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Ouch!</div>
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<br /></div>
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So what do I do about it?</div>
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I do verse 14!</div>
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<b>"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart </b></div>
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<b>be acceptable to You, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer."</b></div>
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The answer is.....</div>
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It's a heart problem, so when I get that worked out (confessed)</div>
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my heart can change the voice in my head (that keeps listing all of my worries) </div>
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and the words that I allow to come out of my mouth.</div>
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I encourage you to read Psalm 19 today,</div>
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go fill in those blanks and see what HE is saying to you today.</div>
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<br /></div>
Merinda N Astleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481054556704487747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669004495886255044.post-28999482837599439412015-11-26T22:56:00.002-05:002015-11-27T07:50:33.659-05:00Thankful<div style="text-align: center;">
It's Thanksgiving and you know what that means.....I am stuffed more than any turkey ever thought about being stuffed. We've had a full day of traveling, eating, taking a trip to the Urgent Care, and of course making a much needed stop at Starbucks. I've messaged my family that didn't travel with us and taken care of all my Thanksgiving wishes. </div>
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I just wanted to post a little of what I'm thankful for this year. </div>
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1. I'm thankful for Jesus This year has been a roller coaster ride and I willingly admit that I would not have survived any of it without HIS constant presence, mercy and grace.</div>
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2. I am thankful for my man. God allowed me to marry Steve, the man of my dreams this year.<br />
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3. my kids Jack and Bridget, they are the loves of my life and I am so thankful that God chose me to be their mom<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_xvyo30ml3Av4nlZGMbiEuiGlsFd7OX-EsSKqkDTrcfX_ZVzfE8CRHvU-Myl1DYpb_NpPgVI_EhXT8BQ53ELyD_C4hxPyxy_v8xPdD_pdLCq6734dalcGbDYVU9d-7hPqQvCjvk8V5Y/s1600/11947656_583715268434707_621969780227136571_n+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_xvyo30ml3Av4nlZGMbiEuiGlsFd7OX-EsSKqkDTrcfX_ZVzfE8CRHvU-Myl1DYpb_NpPgVI_EhXT8BQ53ELyD_C4hxPyxy_v8xPdD_pdLCq6734dalcGbDYVU9d-7hPqQvCjvk8V5Y/s320/11947656_583715268434707_621969780227136571_n+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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4. some of the best family and friends that anyone could ask for.</div>
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As I was typing this list, I had to stop. Oh, I know I could have gone on and on and rightfully so......a job, good health, a home, $ to pay the bills, etc.</div>
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but it occurred to me to stop and settle in on the list I had. </div>
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I have spent the last several weeks fretting and worrying over a few things that are not going as I would like them to but, the list reminds me of what is most important...</div>
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<b>my God and my "people"</b></div>
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When I pause to look at what I'm bothered by, I realize that my God and my people are the ones who are walking with me, loving me through, keeping me grounded and focused. </div>
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I know that when hard times come, I am not alone. </div>
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HE has me and HE has surrounded me with some AMAZING people. </div>
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So they are what I'm most thankful for this year.</div>
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Praying that the same is true for you!</div>
Merinda N Astleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481054556704487747noreply@blogger.com5