tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27780262900671517892024-03-14T09:30:43.729-04:00Joyful Handmaiden If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.
- Mother Teresa
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11993445108663820415noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2778026290067151789.post-12113889225954549682017-11-18T10:47:00.000-05:002017-11-18T10:47:04.560-05:00Overcomers<br />
They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb...and they loved not their lives unto death. Rev. 12:11<br />
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When James and John came to Christ with their mother, asking Him to give them the best in the kingdom, He did not refuse their request, but told them it would be given to them if they could do His work, drink His cup, and be baptized with His baptism.<br />
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Do we want the competition? The greatest things are always hedged about by the hardest things, and we, too, shall find mountains and forests and chariots of iron. Hardship is the price of coronation. Triumphal arches are not woven out of rose blossoms and and silken cords, but of hard blows and bloody scars. The very hardships that you are enduring in your life today are given by the Master for the explicit purpose of enabling you to win your crown.<br />
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Do not wait for some ideal situation, some romantic difficulty, some far-away emergency; but rise to meet the actual conditions which the providence of God has placed around you today. Your crown of glory lies embedded in the very heart of these things- those hardships and trials that are pressing you this very hour, week, and month in your life. The hardest things are not those the world knows of. Down in your secret soul unseen and unknown by any but Jesus, there is the a little trial that you dare not mention, that is harder for you to bear than martyrdom.<br />
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There, beloved, lies your crown. God help you to overcome, and sometime wear it.<br />
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-Selected<br />
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It matters not how the battle goes,<br />
The fight how long;<br />
Faint not! Fight on!<br />
Tomorrow comes the song.<br />
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- from Streams in the Desert<br />
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I read that devotional in my quiet time the other morning and found it spiritually and mentally invigorating. Everyday I have this flesh to fight against..this flesh that wars against the Spirit within me; this flesh that finds it hard to get up and give a piece of my morning to God who gave me another day to live, breathe, and enjoy; this flesh that hates to come into subjection to the Word of God; this flesh that loves itself and likes to fight for its own rights; this flesh that is quick to criticize, blame, gossip, belittle, or make smart remarks; this flesh that does not want to take thoughts captive, that is easily provoked, that murmurs and complains, that is puffed up, and hates to say, "I'm sorry, I was wrong;" this flesh that wants to do its own thing, have its own way and its own opinions. But truth is, every time I give in to this flesh, not only do I become spiritually weaker, I am also surrendering to the enemy. It's been said that Satan laughs when we fall. Shall we give him such delight? Think then how frustratingly mad he must also get when he comes upon a man or woman whom he can't keep down in the everyday wear and tear of life, who is always gaining victory,and who stands strong in the Lord, in the power of His might, and has done all to stand! And when he does fall, he gets back up.<br />
What joy in triumph would there be if the battle wasn't difficult to fight; the foe not hard to conquer, and the flesh easily overcome? Oswald Chambers has said 'The Christian life is gloriously difficult, but its difficulty does not make us faint and cave in - it stirs us up to overcome."<br />
May we be named among the overcomers in that great day of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11993445108663820415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2778026290067151789.post-38656281323169198082017-01-28T12:09:00.000-05:002017-01-28T12:29:27.241-05:00The Glory of the Children<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Through the years, I have always looked up to my dad. He has always been the best! Of course, I could be a bit prejudice! :) In the past year though, I have come to an even deeper love, respect, and appreciation for my dad as I've gotten to understand his heart and know his love in a much deeper way. So, today being his birthday, I thought I'd share what makes him so special to me.<br />
My dad is the most Christ-like example I know. His whole life is about the Lord Jesus and others, and the way He lives is a reflection of the One he loves and serves. I know he is human and isn't perfect, but that is one of the things that makes him so great through my eyes: he has the same feelings, struggles, temptations, hurts, and shortcomings as anyone of us. But what I've come to love and admire in Dad is his heart for the Lord, to know Him and understand Him, and to put Him first in all things: and that is something he strives to pass down to each of us.<br />
My dad is a lover of truth! Truth is the most important thing to him. And because he is a lover of truth, he is a lover of the Word. He gets in the Word and let's the Word get in him. And he seeks to hear that still small voice of the Lord to guide his way. My favorite time of day is when our family gathers around the breakfast table each morning and Dad pulls out the Daily Light and expounds on the Scriptures for that day. Nuggets of gold are opened up as we meditate on it. He has a way of pulling out rich truths for us to take and apply to our daily lives.<br />
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Dad is not a big authoritarian. He leads with gentleness and by example (whether it be work around the place or spiritually speaking). He is a servant leader, never asking from any of us what he himself would not do. He will come up and work alongside everyone of us. He is not one to press or control. Neither does he criticize. He guides with love, wisdom, praise, and encouragment, giving each of us room to grow in character and in our own standing before the Lord.<br />
He is a man of patience. Ask any of us children and we will tell you, he is PATIENT!! We have all recounted times we were sure we had done something that was sure to provoke his anger but instead were met with grace! His patience and forbearance seem to have no tire!<br />
His other marked attribute is his selflessness. I honestly don't know another man who is so selfless. He has always put our needs and desires before his own. I honestly cannot think off hand when the last time dad went out and bought something just for him that was not a necessity. He is a giver, and his life is about others. He may have a 101 things pressing in upon him that needs done before the snow flies, but if the neighbor needs help, he'll lay aside what he's doing and lend a hand.<br />
He has a heart for people. It doesn't matter who they are, where they've been, what they've done; he cares. He cares about their needs and even more so, their souls, and seeks every opportunity to share the Lord with the ones God brings across his way.<br />
He strives to be a man of faith. I've seen him trust God through some very difficult seasons of life. I've seen him bear trial, pain, frustration, disappiontment, and deep heartache. I've seen pain in his eyes and I've heard it in his voice. But I've seen him turn those things over to the Lord and instead of becoming hard and bitter, I've seen the love, grace and forgiveness of the Lord flow out of his life.<br />
Dad is not one to be found idle. There is always something to do, and he will often times be out well after dark, and sometimes into the late hours of night, working on the endless to-do list. I still remember the time he instilled in me the importance of putting my heart into my work, of learning the sense of accomplishment and pride in a job well done.<br />
He is a man of humility. He is not one to boast of his fine workmanship or accomplishments. He's not one to seek the lime light and he's never too proud to admit his faults or be seen at the alter. His humility speaks volumes.<br />
He is a man of strength. Not just physically, but spiritually as well. It's been said that it takes a stronger man to live for God than it does to live for the devil, and this is where his true strength lies: he is a man who strives to walk after the Spirit and not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.<br />
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Dad is a family man. His family is everything to him, and his love and values for us are demonstrated in his everday life through his selfless living, his gentle leadership, and his desire to see us grow in the Lord. It is seen and felt in his hugs, his compassion, his support, his prayers, and his encouragment.<br />
He is more than just a man of virtue and integrity: he is a man of God. He doesn't just know about God: he knows God because he takes deliberate pursuit to seek His heart to know Him, to hear from Him and to please Him. Jesus is not just his salvation or his free ticket to heaven: Jesus is everything to him.<br />
There is not another man I have come to respect so much, because in his eyes we have seen God's love; in his words, we have heard God's wisdom; and through his life, we have experienced God's grace.<br />
I am immensely blessed! My dad's guidance and leadership have taught me living faith. All through life, whatever circumstances and struggles our family has ever gone through, he has always been at the lead directing us to the heart of God, and that is something I wouldn't trade in for all the world. I would not be the person I am, my faith would not be what it is today without this special man I'm proud to call Dad!<br />
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This is the echo of each of us children's hearts.<br />
We love you, Dad! Happy Birthday!<br />
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...and the glory of the children are their fathers. Proverbs 17:6<br />
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11993445108663820415noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2778026290067151789.post-48704860003180768302016-04-26T07:39:00.000-04:002016-04-26T07:48:11.392-04:00Decisions Determine Destiny - My Son, Give Me Thine Heart<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Lord trieth the righteous... Ps.11:5</h3>
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It seems like God has been teaching me some deep, hard lessons lately. I have come to see that God will take every child of His through dark valleys and trials of fire that will test our faith in deep and painful ways. He does this in love to try our hearts and to purify us of all dross in our lives. He wants to know without a doubt that He is first in our hearts. Through this refining process I have come to see so many areas in my in own heart that have needed deep purging and cleansing. If we are His children, we must expect this refining process in our lives. </div>
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If He is not Lord of all, than He is not Lord at all.</h3>
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As young people, we all have desires, ambitions, and aspirations for what we want our future to be and to look like. We are always looking ahead to what God has for us next, a greater place of purpose and work for us to do. Our desires and ambitions tho must be in accordance to what the Lord would have for us, and we must be able to hold them out with an open hand before Him. If we are looking to find fulfillment in something other than Christ, we will never be satisfied. We must be satisfied in Him first, or we will be sorely disappointed when any earthly desire or place of service is attained. In life we find that things don't go as planned, and that God doesn't always give us what we want when we want. And if those desires or ambitions are not surrendered to Him, we become discontent, antsy, and frustrated. We feel that the circumstances around us or the people in our lives are hindering us from being the person we want to be or living the life we want to live, and when things don't go according to our time frame, we try finding our own way instead of waiting on God. What we don't recognize is that it is God's hand dealing with us. He has placed those people and even the most trying circumstances in our lives for one purpose only - to break us of our will and to get a hold of our very being. The place God has us may seem insignificant, and maybe we can't see much purpose in it at all. But He has us there because He's trying to do a work in our hearts that needs to be done before He can move us on to greater things. He allows all the hurt, and pain, and frustration and tears in our lives to bring us to that one place He wanted all along, and that is a yielded heart to say, 'Not my will, but Thine be done.' Only until He has our will can He move us on. We can try to run and escape this working, but life only gets harder and more bitter when we do, for God does not give up easily on His children. In love He will send more heartache and disappointment, and frustration until we learn to love the Hand, and kiss the Hand that deals with us. For some of us, it takes years to learn this lesson.<br />
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My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. Proverbs 23:26</h3>
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One of the ways God uses to try the hearts of us young people and bring us to an area of brokenness is in the area of authority, especially with our parents. The authority God placed in our lives is for our good and protection. We may not always understand our parents and their reasoning for things, but they have wisdom we sometimes know nothing about. God made no mistake when He gave us the parents He did. Throughout Proverbs we are told to hear the instruction of a father, forsake not the law of thy mother, and attend to know understanding, but he that refuseth the instruction despiseth his own soul and he that refuseth reproof erreth. <b>Give your heart to your father! I really believe this is a major key that will give way to huge blessings in your life! </b>It is something I have failed miserably at and it has caused for many bitter tears. Our parents may not be perfect, and they may not do everything how we think is right, but that's ok. God is using them and their imperfections in our lives. Let's remember that none of us are perfect. We all fail. I have failed my parents a thousand times over, and yet they still love me and have abundant grace for me. May we love our parents, and have grace for them, honour them, and obey them, as Scripture tells us. May we be humble and teachable, receive correction from them. Listen to their counsel and instruction, even in the smallest matters, and seek to understand their viewpoint. It is for our good, even when we can't see it. God has placed them over our lives not to hinder us in the way, but help guide and point us in the right direction. If we think we know better than them and we try at all to take our own way without their blessing, it will be a bitter end, believe me when I say I know. I really believe that as we learn these deep lessons, we'll experience the fullness of God's blessing and goodness in our lives.<br />
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One can go wrong in many ways, but right in only one. -Aristotle </h3>
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We only get to live this life once, and something I have learned is that the decisions and choices I made yesterday, last month or a year ago from seemingly small and insignificant ones to some on a larger scale, affect my life today; and the choices I make today will affect my tomorrows. Not only do those choices affect ourselves, but they affect those around us, too. Because I tried escaping the Hand that was trying to break me, and didn't give my heart to my dad, I made poor decisions, and now I must live with the consequences them. I am thankful that I have a merciful and gracious Father, who has also blessed me with parents that extend the same mercy and grace in my life. But if I had things to redo, I would. These have been deep lessons God has been teaching me lately. Let's not try to get away from the Lord's dealings in our lives. It's not worth it. One thing I am learning is that God wants to move us on in life, He wants to do good things for His children. He has work He wants us to do, but He cannot until His first work of brokenness and surrender is accomplished in us. How we respond to His work of being broken determines how long the refining process will take, and when He'll move us on to other things, for God will not stop short of His perfect work. He wants to bring us to a place of humility and absolute dependence on Him, emptying us of all our pride, arrogance and self-will. He will go to all lengths to make Himself a vessel of honor and beauty, one that glorifies Him in all things!<br />
If you, like me, find yourself surrounded in darkness and being tested, trust God, and let Him have His way with you. Wait on Him and use this time to grow in Him. His work and timing in your life is good and perfect, because God is always good.<br />
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11993445108663820415noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2778026290067151789.post-60774463336584839252016-03-09T12:30:00.000-05:002016-03-09T16:19:38.221-05:00A Strong Woman (In Light of International Women's Day)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I happened to notice in trending topics yesterday that it was International Women's Day. I scrolled through the trending posts, of which mainly consisted of women's rights, equality with men, and the feminist idea of all a woman should measure up to be. It was everything I expected to find.<br />
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What a contrast the feminist ideal of womanhood is to that of Biblical femininity and virtuous womanhood as set forth in Proverbs 31, Titus 2, and 1 Peter 3, and many other examples in Scripture. In trying to be "something" or "someone," women have lost the whole meaning and purpose it is to really be a woman. In believing the lie that has gained momentum since the days of Karl Marx, that women have been suppressed, and are equal in every way to man, our whole society is now in shambles.<br />
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As women boast of their success in business and their equal or better performance than men, they fail to recognize that their own homes and families, which is the foundation of any culture, is in a crisis. With every fight to be as men, they break down their homes brick by brick. <br />
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I just wonder how long this will go on before women and our society will look back, and in tears and anguish, regret the push of gender equality. There is a misperception that to be a lady is weak, and she who tends the home and raises children lacks ambition. It is this mindset that now creates the push for women to join the draft.<br />
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We shake our heads at the downward spiral our culture has been on, but fail to recognize where we have gone wrong. The future rests on the children who come forth out of our homes. Are we to complain that they do not share our beliefs, morals, convictions and worldview if we send them out to be trained and taught by those who do not believe or think the way we do? Do we complain that men are not men anymore when women have done nothing but knock them down, and compete for their position?<br />
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Our God-given roles of men and women do not make either of us any less or any more of a person. Each is unique and perfect in their own way, and to try to change that, to be something God didn't intend, only causes turmoil. Ladies, if you want purpose, embrace the role God gave you! Be women so men can be men! That doesn't mean you're dumb, it doesn't mean you have to be pristine, or that you're weak. It means you have a beautiful opportunity to glorify God every day and do a far greater work than you ever could by running a business, holding a degree, or trying to be one of the men! </h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrYhK8Tn1HKCOrmGpI9W9LpGDHrTK9vSG15bN6jkJzja44ciepdjo3TsIye00UXrfovP9a0_mhN15YjfOEvaqSVY-iuDzX2xRTD2dl-PxzQa9ttQn1a_aWNw3oKX7RL0BvM5_X0HKJjzK/s1600/7c61e7796f775ccac50ae7c37756d166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrYhK8Tn1HKCOrmGpI9W9LpGDHrTK9vSG15bN6jkJzja44ciepdjo3TsIye00UXrfovP9a0_mhN15YjfOEvaqSVY-iuDzX2xRTD2dl-PxzQa9ttQn1a_aWNw3oKX7RL0BvM5_X0HKJjzK/s320/7c61e7796f775ccac50ae7c37756d166.jpg" width="166" /></a><br />
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Bless the wives and mothers who have stood against the feminist movement, who have put their families and their God-given role above making a name for themselves. Who have stood against the mocking and jeers of the world to be women of God!<br />
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11993445108663820415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2778026290067151789.post-59423225510821761662016-03-04T09:37:00.000-05:002016-03-04T11:58:24.523-05:00Love and Grace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Is there not a more beautiful or more powerful testimony we bear of our Lord than when we demonstrate His love and grace to the world around us? Among the religions of this world, ours is the only one whose God is a God of love, and teaches His children to walk in love, to extend grace, forgive, to bear in mind that there is none without sin among us, to bear eachother's burdens, to serve one another, to esteem others better than ourselves, to remember the poor, turn the other cheek, love our enemies, and do good to those who hate us and pray for them that despitefully use us, to bless and curse not! This is the way we win the world to Jesus, to walk as He walked! This is what makes real the Gospel message!!<br />
In a cold and cruel world, the warmth of God's love and grace can soften the hardest of hearts, lift a down cast spirit, turn someone's world around and set a man on a whole new life!<br />
<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11993445108663820415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2778026290067151789.post-77607332589047760782016-02-15T14:51:00.000-05:002016-02-15T14:53:02.497-05:00Modesty Mentionables<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What are we advertising when we dress? Are we out to display ourselves, and the fashions of this world, or a life hidden in Christ? A little bit of a challenging thought for myself.<br />
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11993445108663820415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2778026290067151789.post-60521816852813723242016-01-29T18:46:00.000-05:002016-01-29T18:47:59.988-05:00Ponderings <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. </div>
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Malachi 3:10</div>
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Have I brought all the tithes into the storehouse? Not just of the profits I earn in the day, but what about the tithes of my heart? My love, my joy, my hopes, my ambitions, my dreams, my reputation, all that I desire and hope for? Have I given them over to God? He's not looking for just our silver and gold; He's looking for the deep part of who we are, the passion that drives us and the heart to trust Him unreservedly. What a challenge to my heart to trust Him, to try Him, to open my hands and let Him have all that I have clasped onto, the things that are near and dear to my heart. To let Him have His way in my life.<br />
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It's a journey of faith and it might mean laying aside my own logic and reasoning, and simply believing His way to be much richer and better than my own. All I can do is trust and obey as He leads each step of the way. <br />
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Is there a "tithe" He is asking of you? Have you brought everything into His storehouse? Do you know that He wants to bless? He wants to pour out a blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it! But we must be emptied, emptied of ourselves, of all that we have. Emptied of our pride and reputation. Emptied of all our own endeavors. Emptied of this world's delights and amusements. He wants to be our all in all. And when he receives all the tithes, just wait and see the blessing He's promised to pour out!<br />
God is good! And He has good things in store for those who trust Him!<br />
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"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.<br />
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9<br />
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11993445108663820415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2778026290067151789.post-33941342858347822402016-01-13T20:28:00.000-05:002016-01-13T23:34:59.469-05:00More Untold Truths of American History<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I find that there are two extremes when it comes to looking at history and especially the founding of this nation. We have one side, that in it's attempt to remove God from our society, they twist and manipulate history to meet their goal, making out the founders to be athiests, agnostics, and deists, who broke off from Great Britain because of taxation, and who killed or drove the Indians off their land.<br />
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Then we have another side that believe wholeheartedly and without question that America was founded as a Christian nation, by great Christian men, and hold the founders in high esteem, perhaps at times on a pedastal.<br />
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Rather than criticizing the founders for where they were wrong, or glorifying the facts to make them out to be more than what they were, I would like to just take an honest look at history and pull out some facts that are left untold.<br />
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Honestly, some of my own doctrines conflict greatly with the doctrines of the founders, especially in the areas of war and nonresistance. I do believe they tried to honor God tho, and were sincere in their way of following Him. You can see that in their journals, documents and writings. And God blessed them and this naton because of that.<br />
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True, they did break off from England and fought for their Independence. It is interesting to know that taxation was not the main purpose of breaking off like we've been told; it was in fact, a minor factor. It was actually number 17 in a list of 27 reasons for breaking off from Great Britain. The two major reasons for breaking off had to do with freedom of religion and to end slavery. Many bills were sent to King George the 3rd concerning these issues, but the king vetoed them all. Now true, slavery didn't end in America nationwide til after the Civil War, but what you might not know is that probably 70 percent of the founders were oblitionists.<br />
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Also, they wanted to evangelize the Indians, but the king wouldn't allow it. Now wait!! Why would they evangelize the Indians when they ran them out or killed them for their land? Truth be told, that's not what happened! True, the Indians were badly treated in later years, but that was not how it was from the start. The land was purchased from the Natives at their own set price, and every piece of property had a title to it. The pilgrims had the longest lasting treaty with the Indians. There was Rev. Thomas Hooker and his settlers who bought Connecticut, and Rev.Roger Williams purchased Rhode Island. And then we have William Penn. The King owed William Penn a great debt and to pay it off he gave Penn the land of which is today Pennsylvania. However, Penn came over and said it was not his to take; it belonged to the Indians. As it was, several tribes claimed ownership of the land and so Penn bought it from each tribe and had titles from each one.<br />
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In the Northwest Ordinance of 1789, article 3, it stated:<br />
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'The utmost good faith shall always be observed toward the Indians; their lands and property shall never be taken from them without their consent.'<br />
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Now perhaps some people did come in and take some land or kill some Indians. I am not gonna say that it never happened. The deal is, we always hear the exception to the rule and we don't get the facts that for the most part, it wasn't that way.<br />
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Now let's take a moment and look at Thomas Jefferson. There's been a lot of myths floating around out there that he had major issues with the Bible and cut out verses he didn't agree with. But did you know Jefferson was a lifetime member of the Virginia Bible Society? He also gave very large donations to the Bible Society because he couldn't imagine anyone in Virginia being without a Bible.<br />
He helped fund the printing of the John Thompson Bible and the Charles Thompson Bible. He gave Bibles as gifts to each of his grandchildren. He was president of the Washington DC schoolboard, and helped plan the education. The Bible was used as a textbook and annual reports were given by the children using Old and New Testament readings.<br />
So why did he cut out portions of the Bible? Well, after sitting under a message by William Bennet on evangelizing the Indians, Jefferson went away with an idea. Bennet said in order to reach the Indians, you must first start out with something small. There was no way they could take in the whole Bible at once, they must first begin with the highlights and basic teachings. Thus Jefferson went home and began cutting and pasting key verses and parables to create what we might call a Synoptic Gospel. It contained Jesus<br />
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• Raising the dead<br />
• Healing the sick <br />
• Casting out demons<br />
• Jesus the Son of God<br />
• The Second Coming<br />
• Heaven, Hell and Angels<br />
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The title he gave it:<br />
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'The Philosophy of Jesus of Nazareth Being Extracted from the Account of His Life and Doctrines given by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; Being an Abridgment of the New Testament for the Use of Indians.'<br />
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That was in 1804.<br />
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Jefferson was a critic. He critiqued the morals in other nations-what worked and what didn't. He also critiqued the writing of Antoninus, Epicurus, Plato, Aristotle, and many others, all who had moral teachings in their writings. Jefferson compared every one of them and said nothing came close to the teachings of Jesus, and in 1820, he compiled 'The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth Extracted Textually from the Gospels.' It contained 50 moral teachings of Jesus including<br />
• The Good Samaritan<br />
• The olden Rule<br />
• Tuning the Other Cheek<br />
• Kindness to an enemy<br />
• Forgiving offenders<br />
• The Lord's Prayer<br />
• The Great Commandment<br />
• Morality we owe to God and man<br />
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Well there is just a tad bit of history that might be new to you. Some of it was for me! A lot more could be shared, but maybe another time.<br />
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In closing, a lot of debate could be made whether the founders were Christians or not. Certainly some were not, but I do think many were sincere in their faith even if their doctrines weren't all correct. In short, they did found a nation that is unlike all others and we can clearly see that God has blessed it. We have had freedoms like no other land, especially in our freedom of religion. No, they might not have been a perfect people, but let's not knock them down when we live here and have so enjoyed the religious liberties they passed down to us.<br />
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11993445108663820415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2778026290067151789.post-88866495563050511422016-01-05T08:46:00.000-05:002016-01-05T08:46:11.087-05:00In Regards to the Last PostIn response to a comment on my last post from a well-meaning brother, and to anyone else who may have questions on where I am coming from on this subject of the Untold Truths of American History:<br />
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First off, may I say that this is a subject/doctrine I have thought over and over time and again. I admit, I was not raised with the "Two Kingdom" theology that is taught in plain circles.<br />
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I grew up a patriotess. American history was my favorite subject in school, and I was a die heart American. I reveled in the teachings that David Barton gave on America's Godly Heritage and the Providence of God throughout the founding of this nation.<br />
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We were introduced to Charity teachings when I was a young teen, and honestly, I thought the whole teaching of non-resistance and the separation of church and state was totally ridiculous. My heart changed over time tho, and I began really taking in their teachings. I went to YBS and soaked in all their preaching, including the teaching on the two kingdoms. I read David Bercot's book, "The Kingdom that Turned the World Upside Down" and Dean Taylor's "A Change of Allegience." I embraced the teachings despite any misgivings.<br />
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As time has gone by, I have come to see and understand that there are Christians on both sides of the spectrum, and I don't know that either one is in the "wrong." I think a lot of judgment is passed on sincere Christians outside the plain circles and it grieves my heart when I hear them referred to as "so called christians" just because they are not from a plain church.<br />
In all, I think it's a matter of following one's conscience and Holy Spirit guidance. For myself personally, I do lean more on the non-resistance side, but I am not going to condemn someone if they don't see it the same.<br />
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I realize I'm treading on very controversial ground here, but the truth of the matter is that this nation was founded on Christian principals, and there is an agenda to sweep God out of the government, the schools, and out of this land. And hey, I know the beginnings of this nation wasn't all perfect....no person, church, group or country is.....we can see that all through the Bible....but that doesn't mean we can't focus on the good and acknowledge that our founders were for the most part Christians and sought to put God first in this country. You may not agree with everything I have to share on the subject, and that's ok, but I think you would be surprised with the lies we all have been taught and that are circulated thru the education system, the media and anywhere else you turn. My heart is to share the truth that is covered up and expose the lies and misconceptions of our forefathers that are throughout the textbooks of America.<br />
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As for the matter of driving the Indians off their land, I will have a post for that topic coming that will hopefully answer your questions.<br />
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11993445108663820415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2778026290067151789.post-79447405791420202622016-01-03T17:57:00.001-05:002016-01-03T17:57:28.547-05:00The Untold Truths of American History<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Did you know...</div>
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29 out of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence held Seminary or Bible School degrees.</div>
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Interestingly, we're told that our founding fathers were Atheists and Diests. </div>
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Hmm, does that add up to you?!!</div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11993445108663820415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2778026290067151789.post-91963026061700230872015-11-11T02:57:00.000-05:002015-11-11T02:59:20.205-05:00Ponderings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The greatest spiritual crisis comes when a person has to move a little further on in his faith than the beliefs he has already accepted. </div>
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Oswald Chambers</div>
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I read this the other day in my devotions and it challenged me as I thot about it. Am I willing to go beyond the beliefs I have already accepted, and even more so, the beliefs accepted among my circle of friends, relatives, and other Christians if God so asks me to?</div>
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When I think over the spiritual journey our family has been on, I realize more than ever the faith and courage that it must have taken for my parents to step out in obedience and embrace beliefs and convictions that were foreign to them and to everyone they knew. It was difficult for friends to understand and accept the changes our family made. Sometimes I don't think we hardly understood ourselves; only that God had touched on this thing or that and we were to obey. Other times, there was no question why God was putting His finger on one thing or another, and we zealously followed His leading. At times it took us down lonely roads as the changes we made were more than what our friends were comfortable with. There were times we were misunderstood for being legalistic and judgmental.</div>
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Leonard Ravenhill said it well: "If you're going to be a true Christian, I'll tell you one thing amongst others, it'll be a lonely life. And it'll get narrower and narrower and narrower. " </div>
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And it does get to be. Thankfully, the One who bids us further on in faith never leaves us nor forsakes us, and His presence sees us thru the night seasons. And in time, He does bring fellow travelers along the way, and we find we are not alone in this journey. Others, too, have chosen to go a little farther on in their faith than the beliefs they had already accepted, leading them down the same narrow way! And what blessed fellowship we share together in the journey!</div>
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But oh, I ponder, what if God asks me to go yet a little farther on beyond the beliefs I've already embraced? What if it meant another narrow and lonely journey? Would I have the courage and zeal to follow the call? By His grace and strength, I pray I would. </div>
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11993445108663820415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2778026290067151789.post-7105110058110442762015-10-28T18:38:00.000-04:002015-10-28T18:38:16.725-04:00Most Blessed Place<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Came across this today and it so inspires me as a homemaker and what a blessed calling it is. Some may disparagingly look down and say 'only a homemaker', but truly it is beautiful and priceless calling. We have the ability to make the home a sweet gathering place, a place of warmth and refuge, a place of rest and comfort, a place that draws us closer together and closer to God. It's a place where we can be real. It needn't be perfect or home beautiful; just a place where love and laughter dwells, where children are glad to be, and where all who enter find it hard to leave. A place where God's presence can be felt, where His love can be shared, where His healing can take place.<br />
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Home can either be a little piece of heaven or a little piece of the other, and the way it turns out is greatly determined by the one who keeps the home and spirit in which she does her work. If the work is but drudgery, and if we don't have eyes to see beyond it to the ministry that is ours in serving, caring and loving those closest to us, and the opportunities that we have in opening our doors with warm hospitality to the lost and hurting world around us, then we surely have a most a miserable job indeed.<br />
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It thrills my heart when I consider what an ultimate calling it is to make the home the most blessed place on earth!<br />
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11993445108663820415noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2778026290067151789.post-67057473404358614492015-06-29T23:08:00.000-04:002015-06-29T23:11:42.867-04:00As We See the Day Approaching Storm clouds. I feel it. I sense it. They are just on the horizon, brewing up a storm like we've never seen or known. I don't know when it will unleash it's flood gates, but I think it will be sooner than any of us would want to be believe, and I wonder, will we be ready?<br />
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To me, the signs of the times are becoming more and more evident. We've enjoyed freedoms like none other land has known. But what if in one day, those freedoms were taken from us? What if in an instant everything turned around on us and we, like our brothers and sisters in other lands, must suffer for the name of Christ? Will we be ready? What if our Bibles are taken from us? Do we have passages stored in our hearts for such a time when we cannot turn through the pages of the most precious Book we all have but that we so often take for granted? </div>
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If the tides were to turn, or maybe I should say, WHEN the tide turns, will we look back on the time we are living in now with regret and shame that we did not spend more time in the Word, or in prayer? Do we have that intimate relationship with Jesus that will carry us through the storm, the trials and the tribulations that Christ told us are coming? </div>
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As we see the day approaching, may we get into the Word and let the Word get into us. May we fall on our knees in prayer and supplications. May our hearts be burdened for the lost ones, the straying ones, and the ones who are struggling. Let's pray for each other that we be strong in the Lord and strong in the faith. It's a battlefield and the enemy is fighting and fighting hard. I need prayer and I know others who need prayer. In reality, I think we all probably need prayer. But do we pray for each other? Do we know each others struggles to even know how to pray? I think there are a lot of battles going on in lives around us that we don't know about. We cover up and say we're ok, when really we're not. I know because I've done it myself. Let's be there for each other, encouraging and praying for one another. And may we know how to pray for one another. Let's bear each other's burdens...because life is hard, and it'll only get harder before it'll get better and we need each other, especially as we see the day approaching. </div>
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I guess it's just become a real burden of my heart because I really believe the tide IS about to change, and more than ever we'll need each other. Is it possible for us to set aside times of prayer, Bible study and memorization? Can we set the fun aside for a little while to seek the Lord in times and places when we are together? I speak to myself as much or more as anyone because I love having a good time. But in the end, what really matters? Was it having fun or was it praying for the struggling soul? And if our common bond is in Christ, than should we not find it a deep blessing and joy to do these things when we are together throughout the week, and not just on Sundays or at church related functions? </div>
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These are just more pondering and things I feel the Lord is challenging me in right now, areas I need to grow in as I see the day approaching.... </div>
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Whatever the coming days hold, may we continue to find our hope and strength in the Lord! </div>
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"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;) </div>
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And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works:</div>
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Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:23-25</div>
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11993445108663820415noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2778026290067151789.post-48285906745334531702015-05-25T08:19:00.000-04:002015-05-25T08:19:40.745-04:00Modesty Mentionables<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11993445108663820415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2778026290067151789.post-87360596738603240212015-05-20T14:06:00.000-04:002015-05-20T14:06:34.459-04:00Can This Be Said About Me?<b> </b><br />
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<li>Even if others wrong her, she turns it over to God and doesn't seek revenge. Self is the last thing on her mind. God's love gives her patience.</li>
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<li>She believes that jealousy is disastrous, and that all are made wonderfully by God ~ including herself.</li>
<li>She desires the best for others, and never brags or takes credit for abilities or gifts. Her greatness is revealed in what she doesn't say. (she is humble)</li>
<li>She is not arrogant or intellectually puffed up. She believes that that our opinions should be from the Word of God. (genuine humility)</li>
<li>She is never boorish, inattentive, rude, inconsiderate. She says things the right way at the right time ~ always. (temperance)</li>
<li>She doesn't grasp for her own rights.</li>
<li>She doesn't become irritated or touchy. She never loses her temper.</li>
<li>She is never vindictive or retaliatory. She never keeps a record of wrongs.</li>
<li>She doesn't delight in exposing others' weaknesses.</li>
<li>She's not gullible, but charitable.</li>
<li>She's always active, never passive.</li>
<li>She never views failure as final, because God is pruning us for the future.</li>
<li>She knows that she can't be conquered by evil because she lives in Christ.</li>
<li>She has a calming presence in all circumstances, not leaving a trail of tension.</li>
<li>She is gentle and kind.</li>
<li>She counts on God in every situation.</li>
<li>She is committed to doing what is good.</li>
<li>She approaches discipline and conflicts with gentleness and God's Word.</li>
<li>She is not thrown by the remarks of others, but seeks only God's praise.</li>
<li>Her face reflects Love, Joy, and Hope; and her whole being shines with the truth that our future is with Jesus.</li>
<li>Her character and high standards are above reproach ~ she has God's standards.</li>
<li>Others can see Jesus in her eyes.</li>
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Author Unknown<br />
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Such a picture of true godliness inspires me! I've had this list for years, and just reading over it again reveals to me how full of self and sin I am. How I long to be as described above, and yet how miserably short I fall of it! In the flesh, I am weak and such a life is impossible. I am in daily, moment by moment need of Christ's help. How desperately I need His spirit dwelling in me. Without Him, I am nothing and in the moment of trial I break - my patience wears thin, I say something I wish I hadn't, and I hurt those I love. Yes, my family can testify that I am not always sweet. I can be sour and plain hard to live with at times. (Just ask them) It is so true that it is only by abiding in Him and and being renewed day by day thru quiet time and prayer that He is able to live in and thru us. We can't give what we don't have and so we must be connected to the Source of all that is good, pure, and lovely in order for goodness, pureness and loveliness to flow from our lives and to be all that God desires us to be.<br />
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I'm so thankful that some days come to a close and we can wake up to a fresh start and renewed strength in the Lord!<br />
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Abide in Me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye except ye abide in me.<br />
I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in Me and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing. John15:4-5<br />
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11993445108663820415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2778026290067151789.post-50469331945754579342015-05-01T08:49:00.000-04:002015-05-01T09:00:15.647-04:00In Every Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love this reminder on those days when life's frustrations seem overwhelming - when things don't go as planned, a bad day at work, relational strains, when I'm lonely, discouraged, just plain sick, or simply feeling blah. Not every day is good, but we can at least find something good in everyday to thank God for! It maybe His handiwork in a sunset, the love of family, an encouraging word from a friend, a smile from a complete stranger, or just the fact He has given us another day to live, to breathe, to hope, to dream, and press on to a new and better day! God is good in every day no matter what life throws at us!<br />
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This is the day which the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. Ps. 119:24<br />
<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11993445108663820415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2778026290067151789.post-72582549183270447872015-03-06T13:11:00.000-05:002015-03-06T13:11:00.775-05:00You Can Trust the Man that Died for YouYield yourselves to God, as those who are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. Romans 6:13<br />
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<span style="line-height: normal;">I went one night to hear an address on consecration. No special message came to me from it, but as the speaker kneeled to pray, he dropped this sentence: “O Lord, Thou knowest we can trust the Man that died for us.” And that was my message. I rose and walked down the street to the train; and as I walked, I pondered deeply all that consecration might mean to my life and—I was afraid. And then, above the noise and clatter of the street traffic came to me the message: “You can trust the Man that died for you.”</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: normal;">I got into the train to ride homeward; and as I rode, I thought of the changes, the sacrifices, the disappointments which consecration might mean to me and—I was afraid.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: normal;">I reached home and sought my room, and there upon my knees I saw my past life. I had been a Christian, an officer in the church, a Sunday-school superintendent, but had never definitely yielded my life to God.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: normal;">Yet as I thought of the darling plans which might be baffled, of the cherished hopes to be surrendered, and the chosen profession which I might be called upon to abandoned—I was afraid.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: normal;">I did not see the better things God had for me, so my soul was shrinking back; and then for the last time, with a swift rush of convicting power, came to my innermost heart that searching message:</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: normal;">“My child, you can trust the Man that died for you. If you cannot trust Him whom can you trust?”</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="line-height: normal;">That settled it for me, for in a flash I saw that the Man who so loved me as to die for me could be absolutely trusted with all the concerns of the life He had saved.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: normal;">Friend, you can trust the Man that died for you. You can trust Him to baffle no plan which is not best to be foiled, and to carry out every one which is for God’s glory and your highest good. You can trust Him to lead you in the path which is the very best in this world for you.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: normal;">—J H. McC</span><br />
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This devotional from Streams in the Desert just really hit me hard. Am I trusting the Man that died for me? With the economic state that our Country is in and major happenings transpiring around the globe, I believe "the handwriting is on the wall" and America as we know it is about to face some major changes in the near future... perhaps much sooner than any of us want to think or believe. In some ways, the future seems dim and the reality sinks in once again that I am living in a world of things beyond my control and my life is not my own, and I must trust the Man that died for me. Trust Him enough to accept thwarted dreams, hopes and aspirations, trust Him enough to surrender earthly cares, joys and pleasures. Trust Him that His ways are good. That no matter what transpires in my life, He IS good! And how can I trust Him unless I intimately know Him? How can I intimately know Him except I get alone and spend time with Him in prayer and in the Word?<br />
The days are growing dark, my friends, and the only thing that will bring us through the uncertainties of the future is our steadfast faith and trust in the Man who died for us. <br />
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God's blessings to each of you!<br />
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11993445108663820415noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2778026290067151789.post-13521537186196532712015-02-10T00:55:00.000-05:002015-02-10T00:56:28.444-05:00Ponderings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Commitment to Christ...at all times, all places! Nothing casual or occasional; it's for every moment of every day! But alas! I confess I have failed over and over again. I get caught up in my own little world and the enjoyments of life that I become casual in my walk with the Lord. And without His daily presence in my life, I fail in my own strength, often times causing friction and strained relationships.<br />
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It's something I've been thinking about lately, and find myself needing to examine where I am in my commitment to the Lord. Is He the focal point of my life or have I allowed the carnal things of this world to take a place in my heart?<br />
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We can look at the world and see its love of money, greed, and self. It's all about having the newest, the coolest, the biggest and the best. It's all about cars, sports, fashion, and celebrities. We see pride and idolization reigning in America.<br />
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But what about us who name the name of Christ, could it be possible that we may be doing the very same things, just on a smaller scale? Have we unconsciously allowed the carnal things of this world to take our Lord's place in our hearts? When we walk out of Sunday morning service and go on with our week, what are we pursuing? Do we need the newest, the coolest and the best? What is our central focus? What do we do in our spare time? Are we dwelling in the Word? Do our conversations edify and up build? Do our lives reflect Christ? Are we making Him known? We are not called to live casual Christian lives, but radically transformed lives in Christ Jesus which reaches into every aspect of living that is to be vastly different from the world.<br />
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Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 2 Cor.13:5<br />
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I write all this in light of my own failures and where I need and want to do better. It is definitely a challenge for me.<br />
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Following Christ is a continuous commitment and not always easy. It takes courage and it sometimes means standing alone. I appreciate those I know who are continuous in their walk with the Lord and have taken a stand on truth, on righteousness, and holiness and are not moved. I especially think of my sister and how she is not afraid to take a stand against unholiness no matter what others think or say. It takes someone strong who is able to do that, and she is an inspiration to me!<br />
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As I wrap this up, I'll add what my dad shared yesterday, that was on his heart. He had no idea I was working on this post, but it summed it up so well! As we are called to examine ourselves, let us examine our relationship with Jesus. How deep is our relationship with the One we call our Lord and Saviour? Without a relationship with Him, it is a dead religion. Jesus is Life. It is only through having that personal and intimate relationship with Him that will bring us through life, and through any trials and tribulations we may face in the future victoriously.<br />
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11993445108663820415noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2778026290067151789.post-48116189853979661092015-01-07T10:11:00.000-05:002015-01-07T14:16:31.183-05:00Home Hearth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="line-height: normal;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: normal;"> Easy Chicken Parmesan</span><br />
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One of my goals this year is to expand my recipe collection, so last night I pulled chicken out of the freezer and then got out my phone and checked out Pinterest for chicken recipes. Within moments I pulled up this chicken parmesan and made it for dinner. I was quite pleased that it turned out much like the parmesan chicken I've had elsewhere. Just add some garlic bread to your menu and you'll have yourself a tasty meal!<br />
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<span style="line-height: normal;">4 chicken breasts, pounded flat if you like</span><br />
<span style="line-height: normal;">Bread crumbs – You can buy them, or make them by toasting bread in the oven. Run the toasted bread through a food processor along with seasonings of your choice.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: normal;">1 can or jar of tomato-based pasta sauce</span><br />
<span style="line-height: normal;">Shredded mozzarella cheese</span><br />
<span style="line-height: normal;">Grated parmesan cheese</span><br />
<span style="line-height: normal;">1 egg, scrambled with a couple of tablespoons of milk</span><br />
<span style="line-height: normal;">A few tablespoons of vegetable oil</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: normal;">Preheat oven to 375 degrees</span><br />
<span style="line-height: normal;">Heat oil in a skillet</span><br />
<span style="line-height: normal;">Dip chicken breasts in egg and milk mixture, then roll in bread crumbs</span><br />
<span style="line-height: normal;">Fry breaded chicken in oil until golden on both sides (chicken won’t be cooked all the way through, but don’t worry)</span><br />
<span style="line-height: normal;">Place chicken breasts in casserole dish and pour tomato sauce over the top of them.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: normal;">Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses</span><br />
<span style="line-height: normal;">Bake until chicken is cooked through and cheeses are brown and bubbly (usually around 40 minutes or so).</span><br />
<span style="line-height: normal;">Use a spoon to remove any excess fat that may have collected</span><br />
<span style="line-height: normal;">Serve over spaghetti.</span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11993445108663820415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2778026290067151789.post-49168045047773666662015-01-06T02:37:00.000-05:002015-01-06T02:37:23.583-05:00Modesty Mentionables<h3>
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel... 1 Timothy 2:9</h3>
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Whose adorning, let it not be the outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 1 Peter 3:3-4</h2>
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Well, I've decided to stick my neck out and touch on the subject of modesty, which may be a sensitive subject to some people. In fact, I will probably do it more than once! I understand we all have different perspectives of dress and what is modest, and I, myself am not one to say that there is only one type of dress that is modest. I have seen lovely cape dresses and jumpers that are not frumpy and still cover, and I have seen some that are dull as all get out, but don't do a nickels worth of the job they're suppose to do. Same goes for skirts and blouses. I personally like variety and wear all three. I'm not here to say which is more or less modest and I don't claim to have it all down. However, I do want to encourage general guidelines for a modest wardrobe.<br />
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It saddens me to see Christian girls compromise in their choice of modest dress in order to be more stylish and fashionable...wearing long slits in their skirts, or inching their skirts up more and more for the calf to show; just a little lower neckline, and a little tighter blouse. Please girls, let's be careful to not make our brothers stumble. Yes, they are accountable for their thoughts, but we also have responsibility to not defraud them or cause them to stumble.<br />
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Believe me, you can dress pleasingly without compromising in modesty. I would encourage going through your wardrobe and doing the mirror check. Your neckline may appear to be high when in standing position, but what about when bending over? How about your skirt length? Again, it may be fine when standing, but what about bending or sometimes even sitting?<br />
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Be willing to ask your dad or brother about your outfits and if any are questionable, or what guidelines of modesty they appreciate in ladies clothing, and what they find disgraceful.<br />
And remember, we're not here to shine for ourselves, but rather to glorify God and let Him be seen through us. Also remember, a woman's true beauty lies in the heart, not in outward appearance. If a man's eyes are drawn to our bodies and not our faces, then it's a pretty good sign something needs to change!! Let's strive to dress as daughters of the King!! </div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11993445108663820415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2778026290067151789.post-64737251081886628672014-12-16T03:39:00.000-05:002014-12-16T03:49:11.229-05:00The Mist <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUfMzPkOCIqemt5LiF1FdETwZAUkYu7pC-HEGcAi4-tFufMIUhT9iOmunuwJ7L_LJWUlufD2Zkava0HP4vNW9HUj2O6UDK_UDUKq027hWI21dCipdNpSmOMvjdASP0gT6PvMb1lCbWdK1/s1600/2014-12-15+23.24.23.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUfMzPkOCIqemt5LiF1FdETwZAUkYu7pC-HEGcAi4-tFufMIUhT9iOmunuwJ7L_LJWUlufD2Zkava0HP4vNW9HUj2O6UDK_UDUKq027hWI21dCipdNpSmOMvjdASP0gT6PvMb1lCbWdK1/s1600/2014-12-15+23.24.23.png" height="318" width="320" /></a><br />
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Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. Ps.27:14<br />
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As each day passes, I find more and more it takes grace that only comes from above to willingly bear unanswered questions and to trust God's wisdom and timing. It takes courage I never knew before. Some days you walk and some days you crawl. Some days you're fine and some days you just say you're fine when in reality, you're barely getting thru. It can sometimes be a lonely battle and faith is tested to the core. It brings you to your knees and drives you to a constant lifting of the heart to God in prayer. Clouds loom over; the mist and fog hide the sun from view. It is in these times of darkness that it ultimately defines where our trust lies - in ourselves or in our Lord.<br />
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But on bended knee, the reminder comes that the mist will only last awhile. That any day, at any moment, the light will break with radiant rainbow hue! And when it does, we can be sure of one thing, that it was worth the wait, it was worth the pain, it was worth it all.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjto85XfKBs_Ohtx606WdRzT9rJ6gGqobE5Cvmm2NswKjdwouaOATBpuYoe2-WCSShDEIJAn_Pra-Iek0GqBSaYu6OvAJRgb80EzyeHcYhYLQmSqksNu8k1cWu6_MkSPz1t7o3UF8F6FB/s1600/2014-12-15+23.57.01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjto85XfKBs_Ohtx606WdRzT9rJ6gGqobE5Cvmm2NswKjdwouaOATBpuYoe2-WCSShDEIJAn_Pra-Iek0GqBSaYu6OvAJRgb80EzyeHcYhYLQmSqksNu8k1cWu6_MkSPz1t7o3UF8F6FB/s1600/2014-12-15+23.57.01.png" height="320" width="256" /></a><br />
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If clouds and mist are hiding the sun from your view, remember, the mist will only last awhile.<br />
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"Teardrops fall like rain, rain only falls on cloudy days, rainbows shine with the sun, sun only shines when the clouds are gone!"Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11993445108663820415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2778026290067151789.post-72605716779893440872014-12-08T14:09:00.001-05:002014-12-08T22:13:30.925-05:00Ice Skating! Had a super great time on Saturday out on the ice! It's been ages since my sis and I have gone skating and has been something we've wanted to do for ever so long. What made it even better was going with super great friends!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUVXcCr9jGOlkOU6ED6XnWSKXiZlSEKDvuub94kTbwBIYptYd__0kvNVzxU6UzKSmJirMv1PAoqOsSIJHrfSJ-ndeVxNrSj8Ct9dzcumcmp8jTNZs-RM2d1dW18mggVTOLjySWpIyUyGg/s1600/20141206_161634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUVXcCr9jGOlkOU6ED6XnWSKXiZlSEKDvuub94kTbwBIYptYd__0kvNVzxU6UzKSmJirMv1PAoqOsSIJHrfSJ-ndeVxNrSj8Ct9dzcumcmp8jTNZs-RM2d1dW18mggVTOLjySWpIyUyGg/s1600/20141206_161634.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a><br />
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11993445108663820415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2778026290067151789.post-2799466299917470132014-11-26T14:54:00.002-05:002014-11-27T09:21:12.163-05:00Thanksgiving Thoughts<span style="line-height: normal;">Just a little something to think about this thanksgiving:</span><br />
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</span><span style="line-height: normal;">"The pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these, who nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving."</span><br />
<span style="line-height: normal;">- H.U.Westermayer</span><br />
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</span><span style="line-height: normal;">Think about it. They left everything they knew to come to this land, which was a barren wilderness, with just their bare necessities. None of us really know what they went through to build their huts, grow a garden, put food on the table, and merely survive. Then they lost loved ones...fathers, mothers, husband, wife, sons daughters, brothers, sisters, and friends. Yet they were still a thankful people.</span><br />
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</span><span style="line-height: normal;">So this Thanksgiving, what do you have to be thankful for? !!</span><br />
<span style="line-height: normal;"><br /></span>May y'all have a blessed Thanksgiving!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2t8DM0O6Us176V8hNfQHLqlSK6raLFhIYV4opPMhfjaWzUcp4P3rtQ5xkcNekDiPfN1W8WdQAJGeHvN-actZF-xTIU4BP7ztrZQZg7JwlE4laCdKmgTWzHRN26EL_MpJsjajyIiNkEzG/s1600/2014-11-27+08.18.02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2t8DM0O6Us176V8hNfQHLqlSK6raLFhIYV4opPMhfjaWzUcp4P3rtQ5xkcNekDiPfN1W8WdQAJGeHvN-actZF-xTIU4BP7ztrZQZg7JwlE4laCdKmgTWzHRN26EL_MpJsjajyIiNkEzG/s1600/2014-11-27+08.18.02.png" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
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</span><span style="line-height: normal;"></span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11993445108663820415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2778026290067151789.post-60709385655815250752014-10-14T13:40:00.000-04:002014-10-14T13:46:38.003-04:00My Hearts At Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUCSrgB2WriF17nA7020ZcGJcxUwjHObM9DTNxlE1I7z6OZsCn7w-P_jvvCNC_ArOHn06XWEyVxzH0IRafVREE497rdyKG1MOuz7lV_XSqqXYhgaOfI0-TAcm5GYzDkYsdH-X4l0EDTjZ/s1600/2014-10-14+09.58.13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUCSrgB2WriF17nA7020ZcGJcxUwjHObM9DTNxlE1I7z6OZsCn7w-P_jvvCNC_ArOHn06XWEyVxzH0IRafVREE497rdyKG1MOuz7lV_XSqqXYhgaOfI0-TAcm5GYzDkYsdH-X4l0EDTjZ/s1600/2014-10-14+09.58.13.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: normal;">A friend brought this song to my attention as it captures the heart and theme of this blog. It was actually written from the perspective of a wife and mother and since I'm not at that stage in life, I took the liberty to revise it some!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chorus: My hearts at home </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With those most precious to me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My hearts at home with my dear family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fulfillment and joy each day inside me;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Loving and serving those dearest to me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My hearts at home, my hearts at home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The world would call me out, to fill each day with things money can buy, demanding I walk in the shoes of those whose goals are corporately decided.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The fashion and wealth, prestige and honor, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beg to replace homemade bread and blessings of family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But I say "no," my hearts at home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another voice beckons and knocks at my door</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A self - centered cry is loudly calling! You need to get out to be effective, busy and making a name for yourself. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But I look in the Word where it lovingly tells me,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To be a keeper at home, loving my family,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So I say "no," my hearts at home.</div><br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11993445108663820415noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2778026290067151789.post-22395483387789420272014-07-31T18:07:00.000-04:002014-07-31T18:09:41.292-04:00CommunicationHere are some things to consider when any two people communicate. There is:<br />
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• What you wanted to say<br />
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• What you meant to say<br />
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• What you said<br />
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• What you think you said<br />
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• What the other person heard you say<br />
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• What the other person thinks he heard you say<br />
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• What the other person thinks you meant to say<br />
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• What the other person feels about what you said<br />
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• What the other person says about what you said<br />
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Is it any wonder misunderstanding happens?<br />
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The worst distance between two people is misunderstanding.<br />
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Let's not allow misunderstanding to get in the way of our relationships by choosing our words carefully, listening intently, and using discretion in all we say!<br />
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He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Proverbs17:27Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11993445108663820415noreply@blogger.com0