tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46158777966817626842024-03-12T15:04:03.984-07:00Living with Chronic IllnessFighting this disease called Myasthenia Gravis (MG) with a little humor, some good friends, and a lot of help from Above.Kerri http://www.blogger.com/profile/06070983658642888724noreply@blogger.comBlogger1102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615877796681762684.post-56471339706798405832019-10-20T10:55:00.002-07:002019-10-20T10:55:46.892-07:00Love Changes Everything by Micah Berteau - A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmaT-YqrC4PcQyVEHK7lZ9izsrxRRUzCNcvdqU5I4jul875oIDdCzw6K41_YPvvt15rWImtQqni4UmLxoMoMkK1o3CnZ_PeidelTun-ye8iGMPiQUMSIEGTzlAIOfGkVDDW_-qCHoUBo/s1600/love+changes+everything.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmaT-YqrC4PcQyVEHK7lZ9izsrxRRUzCNcvdqU5I4jul875oIDdCzw6K41_YPvvt15rWImtQqni4UmLxoMoMkK1o3CnZ_PeidelTun-ye8iGMPiQUMSIEGTzlAIOfGkVDDW_-qCHoUBo/s1600/love+changes+everything.webp" /></a></div>
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<br />
If you're not familiar with the story of Hosea and Gomer in the Bible, it's really quite shocking. Here's my brief synopsis: Hosea was a prophet to Israel, and Gomer was a prostitute. God told Hosea to marry Gomer. She kept cheating on him and returning to prostitution. Yet he still pursued her.<br />
<br />
This is like the love of God. We can mess up over and over and over and God will STILL love us. He will ALWAYS love us. He continues to pursue us. In his book Love Changes Everything, Micah Berteau describes the love of God in a way that, if you let it, will change your life. <br />
<br />
In the book, Micah tells a story from his childhood about breaking a cupboard door. His father had told him not to sit on the door and swing on it, but he did it anyway, and sure enough, broke the door. He ran into his room and hid and cried. He was there for 3 hours before his dad finally found him. His dad turned on the light, relieved to have found his son. When his father asked him why he was crying, Micah admitted to his crime. His father told him he had fixed the door right after Micah had broken it. What the Father was concerned about was that he could not find his son.<br />
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This is God's love, my friends. We get hung up on our sin when we should just get hung up on God. His love never fails. His love is always faithful even when we are not. It's kind of surreal when you think about it; a man marries a prostitute because God told him to, then falls madly in love with her, and pursues her to the ends of the earth.<br />
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We are flawed; sinful. God is perfect. And yet He chooses to love us. The only reason we don't experience that love is if we choose not to receive it.<br />
<br />
I recommend this book, although there are a few parts that get a bit repetitive. There were a few parts where I thought, "get on with it", but I promise you it's worth the read.<br />
<br />
<br />
*I received this book at no cost in exchange for my fair and honest review.<br />
<br />
You can find this book on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Love-Changes-Everything-Finding-Whats/dp/080073694X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=love+changes+everything+micah+berteau&qid=1571593863&s=books&sr=1-1">Amazon</a><br />
<br />Kerri http://www.blogger.com/profile/06070983658642888724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615877796681762684.post-21979383773199925612019-06-08T09:56:00.000-07:002019-06-08T09:56:25.105-07:00WAIT..... What?!?!?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOEkZbGf6jr1dNGiKAuR5O0SQZtzgESRJmGiN-NjQA51iaCzJQCA3qbxhaMtRnRdT7ADrO7staiZ7jfRfvt49Knk7z5I2-ZpqEUlWN0B6PPbPPB42SBKYYusvW-3yg7_jMtVmOz9aFI4/s1600/waiting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOEkZbGf6jr1dNGiKAuR5O0SQZtzgESRJmGiN-NjQA51iaCzJQCA3qbxhaMtRnRdT7ADrO7staiZ7jfRfvt49Knk7z5I2-ZpqEUlWN0B6PPbPPB42SBKYYusvW-3yg7_jMtVmOz9aFI4/s320/waiting.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo courtesy of losarciniegas</td></tr>
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<br />
Have you ever thought of how strange it is that you can have a conversation without really saying anything?<br />
<br />
"Wait...what?"<br />
"I know, right?"<br />
"Dude!"<br />
"Mmmm-Hm."<br />
"For REAL."<br />
<br />
You could be talking about anything from a movie to a sale at your favorite department store to the second coming of Christ. That really has nothing to do with the meat of this post, but I've been thinking about it, and after the title of this blog post.... Anyway. I digress...<br />
<br />
This season of my life has been very trying. As most of you know I have a broken foot. It's been 2 1/2 months, and I have to have surgery on June 14th. (For those of you who pray, I would greatly appreciate prayers for a smooth recovery!) It may be another 2 1/2 months after surgery. We are surely hoping for less, but who knows?<br />
<br />
And then, we're meeting financial advisers and planning on how we're paying off our debt, fixing up our house to sell, getting appraisals... The appraisals came in SO low it's ridiculous. Like $100K LOW. (Side note: Huntington Bank is great for checking and savings accounts but do not EVER use them for appraisals.) So everything has come to a screeching halt.<br />
<br />
My least favorite answer to prayer isn't no. It's wait. Wait. I STINK at waiting. I'm a doer. A fixer. A pull the trigger, fish or cut bait, Type A, get it done kind of girl. So when God says, "Wait," I'm like, WHAT? Might as well tell me stop requiring oxygen!<br />
<br />
My least two favorite words in the Bible? "Be still." For those of you who knew me before Myasthenia Gravis entered my life, had you ever seen me be still? Maybe in my sleep. Maybe. So I've been asking God to show me what He's trying to tell me, and guess what I'm getting?<br />
<br />
Wait.<br />
<br />
Be still.<br />
<br />
Sigh. Okay, God, I got the message. I don't like it, and I don't know how to do it, but I finally understand. It's so much easier to encourage OTHERS to be still and wait for the Lord... To remind them that God is always in control, and that He definitely knows better than I do. <br />
<br />
So as I try to quiet the beast inside me begging for action, I humbly ask for your prayers. It's a swift learning curve, but the sooner I figure it out, the better off I will be (and probably those around me who have had to put up with my irritable self!). <br />
<br />
I'm so grateful I have a Father in Heaven who wants the very best for me that He will do whatever it takes to ensure I get it. Myasthenia Gravis came into my life at a time when my life was on the verge of going down a very wrong path. I had to quit a job I loved, was really good at, and made amazing money doing. But moral issues were popping up that I was incredibly uncomfortable with...and then I literally became so sick I could NOT work any longer. That was the best thing that ever happened to me, and it certainly wasn't pleasant.<br />
<br />
All this happening now isn't pleasant either, but I know that when I come out the other side (notice I said WHEN not IF!), I will be a better person for it. Life is full of mountain tops and valleys. The view from the top is breathtaking. And I've been blessed with some incredible mountaintop experiences. But where does the growth take place? In the valleys, my friends. We cannot grow on the mountaintop. We must experience the valleys. So as I go through this valley, I am trying my very best to lean into My Father, and to be still, and to KNOW, the HE is God.<br />
<br />
"<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The </span><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14 NIV</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">For my thoughts are not your thoughts,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">neither are your ways my ways, declares the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span>.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span class="text Isa-55-9" id="en-ESV-18750" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-18750A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-18750A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>For as the heavens are higher than the earth,</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">so are my ways higher than your ways</span></span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV</span></span>Kerri http://www.blogger.com/profile/06070983658642888724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615877796681762684.post-764817931513566332019-05-04T13:19:00.002-07:002019-05-04T13:19:21.660-07:00RawI am telling you...today is probably THE hardest day yet with this cast on my broken foot. I'm trying to be all like, yeah, there are GOOD things about having a broken right foot: 1. A pair of socks lasts twice as long. 2. When you go on vacation you only have to take all of your left shoes. 3. You can't cause a car accident driving because you can't drive. 4. You're REALLLLY hard to kidnap because you're 100% dead weight, including the cast!<br />
<br />
But today? Today I'm just angry and frustrated and just plain mad. Pity, party of one, your table is ready.<br />
<br />
Those of you who know me at all know I am a Christian. What exactly does that mean? It means that I believe there is One True God, and THE only way to get to heaven to live eternally is through His Son Jesus. There is no other way. You can't be good enough. You have to believe that Jesus died for your sins and you need a Savior, and you ask Him to be that Savior.<br />
<br />
I want that to always be enough. I want to be like Joni and always have a smile and always praise God for my suffering. I want to praise Him through the storm.<br />
<br />
But I'm going to be 100% real with y'all. Right now? I just can't. It is the most beautiful day outside. THE perfect day to go for a walk. But I can't walk. It's seriously gorgeous out. We have the windows open. It's 64 degrees, blue sky, and sunshine. <br />
<br />
Doug has started ripping things off the walls in the dining room, painting, etc., as we redo this place and get it ready to sell. I can't help. Even if I try, I'm just in the way with this honkin' scooter and cast. Our door openings in this house are NARROW. Like NOT ADA accessible. It was built before 1900. The scooter takes about an acre and a half to turn around. Even though I'm feeling SO much stronger from using the IonCleanse, I still have Myasthenia Gravis, and my upper body strength has NEVER been good. Muscling around with this scooter, trying to lift-and-spin because I DON'T have adequate turn-around room.<br />
<br />
I can't use crutches to save my life. I'm afraid if I used those on a regular basis I'd break something else. Monday I go to the doc to find out if I have to have surgery to get this foot fixed...if I don't, 4-5 more weeks with the cast. If I DO... 6-8 weeks. No weight bearing. It's brutal. <br />
<br />
I know people have it worse than broken feet. I know I'm being a baby. But I just wanted to be real. I post a lot of stuff about God, and being a Christian, but just because I AM, doesn't mean I don't struggle. Do I think God is still in control? Of course. Do I believe God has a plan for me in all this? Yup. Do I wish He could have done it in a different way? You bet I do.<br />
<br />
So on this first perfect day since we've been back from vacation, I'm a frustrated, bawling mess. I know God never leaves me and when I feel this way it's because I've turned away in my struggle. I'll get back to where I need to be... But today... Not so much.<br />
<br />
<br />Kerri http://www.blogger.com/profile/06070983658642888724noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615877796681762684.post-65919708811445158822019-04-26T09:52:00.000-07:002019-04-26T09:52:15.527-07:00Letter to God: Faithful<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
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Dear Lord,</div>
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I feel so lost. I've always been a "do-er"...a Martha, I suppose. Type A, always doing something. Right now though, Father, I'm just lost. I was sitting here thinking of what to say, and I am brought back once again to Romans 8:26-27. </div>
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<span class="text Rom-8-26" id="en-ESV-28127" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">26 </span>Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28127A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28127A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28127B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28127B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Rom-8-27" id="en-ESV-28128" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">27 </span>And <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28128C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28128C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>he who searches hearts knows what is <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28128D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28128D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the mind of the Spirit, because<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-ESV-28128a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-ESV-28128a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A26-27&version=ESV#fen-ESV-28128a" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span> the Spirit <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28128E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28128E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>intercedes for the saints <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28128F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28128F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>according to the will of God."</span></div>
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The last time these verses were so prevalent in my life was almost 19 years ago when I was told I could have a terminal, degenerative disease that would slowly and painfully end my life. You led me to this Scripture then, and you're leading it to me now. I don't even know how to pray, Lord. Thank you for Your Holy Spirit who intercedes on my behalf.</div>
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You know I've never been good at being still, or at not knowing what's coming next. Now, not only do I have no idea what's coming next, I'm *forced* to be still because I cannot even WALK let alone DO anything. Yes, Lord, I'm angry and frustrated. I know You can handle that. I don't like not knowing my future. I don't like not knowing how long I'll be stuck in this blasted cast, in the house, even in this state. </div>
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But You know God. You Know. And that HAS to be good enough right now. Help me really GET that.</div>
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In Jesus' Name.</div>
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* * * * * *</div>
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This song by Carrollton is SO my heart right now. Please read these beautiful words.</div>
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"Even though I cannot see where You're leading me<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I am Yours, and You are faithful</div>
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<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />It's another day in a worn out life<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />With nothing lost and nothing gained<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />And I can't make it on my own<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />And that I know will never change<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />So my hope is in You<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />My trust is in You<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />And You have never failed</div>
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<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />You are faithful to provide<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />You are always by my side<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Even though I cannot see<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Where you're leading me<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I am Yours, and You are faithful</div>
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<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />So why do I still try my ways<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />When all it brings is doubt and fear<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Lord help me see, help me believe<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />In You alone I persevere</div>
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<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />You are faithful to provide<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />You are always by my side<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Even though I cannot see<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Where you're leading me<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I am Yours, and You are faithful</div>
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<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />My hope is in You<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />My trust is in You<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />And You have never failed<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />So I will lay down<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />All of my fears now<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Cause You will never fail</div>
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<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />You are faithful to provide<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />You are always by my side</div>
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<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />You are faithful to provide<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />You are always by my side<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Even though I cannot see<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Where you're leading me<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I am Yours, and You are faithful </div>
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I am Yours, and You are faithful</div>
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I am Yours, and You are faithful"</div>
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Kerri http://www.blogger.com/profile/06070983658642888724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615877796681762684.post-65692332417489816762019-04-25T17:21:00.000-07:002019-04-25T17:21:29.546-07:00Change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9SxkIkrrkbdOnIKl5I6dO2OEvswcBDpgiXMNhHMZgt1pg_ur28AnEWUYPGBJV3o7S2Mr1QgXXzf2br6VWlPUaQZOVJbemHU6oLWdgiupGb8DGHw4sBYkZK_C-GWkydqS0G19QMeR2mc/s1600/Change.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9SxkIkrrkbdOnIKl5I6dO2OEvswcBDpgiXMNhHMZgt1pg_ur28AnEWUYPGBJV3o7S2Mr1QgXXzf2br6VWlPUaQZOVJbemHU6oLWdgiupGb8DGHw4sBYkZK_C-GWkydqS0G19QMeR2mc/s1600/Change.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm not really a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of gal. Not that I'm NEVER spontaneous, but as a whole, change and I are not the best of friends. I like things to stay the way they are most of the time. Sure, there are times when things HAVE to change.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And this is perfect timing for this post, because I decided to change the design of my blog a little bit. Now I have no idea where half the stuff went that was on here, and some things are on here taking up 200 lines. Sigh. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As many of you know, 2 weeks before we were going to North Carolina to look at houses, I broke my foot. BIG change for the way that vacation was going to happen for me. Not a good, happy change. We are, as a family, in the middle of some BIG decisions; big changes...and they seem to be evolving every day. And it makes me very anxious.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do you know what I find most comforting about God? You got it. He. Never. Changes.</span><br />
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<span class="text Jas-1-17" id="en-NIV-30284" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">17 <span style="font-size: large;">"</span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Every good and perfect gift is from above,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30284AB" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30284AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30284AC" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30284AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> <u>who does not change<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30284AD" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30284AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> like shifting shadows.</u></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u> " </u>James 1:17</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Jesus Christ is </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30233A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30233A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">That means that God is the same today, right now, in my life, as he was before time began. He is the same as He was when He dried up the Red Sea and saw the Israelites cross on dry ground. He is the same now as He will be when Jesus returns again on that glorious day.... Hallelujah!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Friends, I don't like it when things change. I don't like being in situations I can't control. But the beautiful thing is, NOTHING that happens to you or to me is a surprise to God. He is our Rock in good times and bad... In plenty or in want. Our God is God yesterday, today, and tomorrow.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And that gives me great comfort.</span></span>Kerri http://www.blogger.com/profile/06070983658642888724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615877796681762684.post-14492802380033196702018-12-27T09:35:00.000-08:002018-12-27T09:35:29.769-08:00Life Is NOT Fair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZa_jUZCx-FU-NCPMGTcxPYCaOPUEyOXgfwkp5n0XiKfW-flW2nBAYu-fyCIhRZRhqQmnocJT7j2r3VXbTgue7MzGBf8TyIlg59dGSWruqpqu4loMGcJn-lnKTFISL5zJJCKZv7ciAuI/s1600/not+fair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZa_jUZCx-FU-NCPMGTcxPYCaOPUEyOXgfwkp5n0XiKfW-flW2nBAYu-fyCIhRZRhqQmnocJT7j2r3VXbTgue7MzGBf8TyIlg59dGSWruqpqu4loMGcJn-lnKTFISL5zJJCKZv7ciAuI/s1600/not+fair.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh my friends. I'm not <i>really</i> whining today; I'm just really, really sure of this fact: Life as we know it, is simply not fair. It just isn't. It never will be. And the sooner we accept that, the better off we will be. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />It isn't easy though, especially when it seems that we are trying so hard to do all the right things. All the things we know are good and noble. And yet it <i>appears</i> that mean, evil, rotten people flourish. I know. I've been there myself, and I've seen people I love suffer things that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why is that? Why do good people suffer? If we are God's children, and God wants only good things for us, why are people who care about God<i> struggling</i>?? My only answer is that satan is the lord of this world. His time is short, and he knows it, and he will do whatever it takes to take as many people with him as he can. So if he can help make a rotten human being outwardly wealthy and prosperous, and make it look like the kind, compassionate person is constantly under attack and things are going wrong all the time, he thinks he's winning. But we ALL know how the story ends!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Emotions are POWERFUL things. They are more powerful than facts (to most people). Passion can be<b> blinding</b>. If I get really amped up about something, super passionate, highly emotional, it can be very difficult to reason with me. That passion and emotional can be a force unto itself. It can accomplish amazing things. Yet it can also hinder the truth. We can get so caught up in what's "fair" and what's "unfair" that we miss the whole point. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even though evildoers of the world <u>seem</u> to prosper, take heart: God says,</span><br />
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<span class="ln-group" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> </b></span></span><span class="ln-group" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> "that though the wicked sprout like grass</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;" /><span class="indent" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 35px; text-align: justify;">and all evildoers flourish,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;" /><span class="ln-group" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">they are doomed to destruction forever;</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;" /><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/92-8.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>8</b></a></span><span class="indent" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 35px; text-align: justify;">but you, O <span class="divine-name" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; text-transform: uppercase;">LORD</span>, are on high forever.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;" /><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/92-9.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>9</b></a></span><span class="ln-group" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">For behold, your enemies, O <span class="divine-name" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; text-transform: uppercase;">LORD</span>,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;" /><span class="indent" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 35px; text-align: justify;">for behold, your enemies shall perish;</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;" /><span class="indent" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 35px; text-align: justify;">all evildoers shall be scattered." Psalm 92:7-9 ESV</span><br />
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">So. While the evil people of this world may LOOK like all is well, they are going down. It's just a matter of time. What then, happens to those of us who have struggled? </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-indent: 25px;">"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-indent: 25px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/galatians/6-8.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>8</b></a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-indent: 25px;">For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-indent: 25px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/galatians/6-9.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>9</b></a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-indent: 25px;">And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Galatians 6:7-9 ESV</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-indent: 25px;">*Everyone* will reap what they sow. If you sow corn, you'll get corn. It's not rocket science. If you sow bitterness and destruction, guess what you'll reap? Yup. Bitterness and destruction. If you sow hate, don't expect to reap roses.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-indent: 25px;">Even though there are days that seem to go on forever, this life really is fleeting. Our days here on this earth are finite. Our days with God, in eternity, are INfinite. Whatever we must endure for now, endure! For the reward we will receive is spending forever, eternity, never ending perfect days, with our Father God, and His Son, Jesus Christ. In a perfect world. With perfect bodies. No more sin. No sorrow. No pain. No tears. The day Jesus returns is coming soon. And all the pain will end, IF you know Jesus as your personal Savior. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="background-color: white;">One of my favorite verses: "</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-indent: 25px;">For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18 ESV</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-indent: 25px;">"No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-indent: 25px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/revelation/22-4.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>4</b></a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-indent: 25px;">They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-indent: 25px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/revelation/22-5.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>5</b></a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-indent: 25px;">And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever." Revelation 22:3-5</span></div>
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<span class="indent" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 35px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>Kerri http://www.blogger.com/profile/06070983658642888724noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615877796681762684.post-86239580072605248202018-11-30T08:46:00.000-08:002018-11-30T08:46:28.249-08:00Book Review: "Beloved: 365 Devotions for Young Women" by Lindsay Franklin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxb816M7s66hobhZOj2vicqkhZiOTNu00RRdzpR3dwav0bdLwMFnbXJ2V42R6EZr1lNhXsb7dY6J7gAuvjICIZ2kdJ9iIHw3cEBKIs2edjfA8xldarlmA90kzcBhnzHEwxKPnM8IAe9nM/s1600/beloved.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="348" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxb816M7s66hobhZOj2vicqkhZiOTNu00RRdzpR3dwav0bdLwMFnbXJ2V42R6EZr1lNhXsb7dY6J7gAuvjICIZ2kdJ9iIHw3cEBKIs2edjfA8xldarlmA90kzcBhnzHEwxKPnM8IAe9nM/s320/beloved.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
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What a precious book, y'all. Each day of the year has a Bible verse, a short devotion, and a small space for journaling. I do mean small...that's my only issue with this book. It says it has "journaling space to help readers reflect on the day's message." There are 4 small lines at the end of each day. So you're not going to write a book, but maybe a short prayer? <br />
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If you're not that into journaling anyway, the Kindle edition might be right up your alley! And right now on amazon it's only $1.99!<br />
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Each devotion speaks to an area of a young woman's life: insecurity, jealousy, making mistakes, being humble, being flexible, feeling loved, strength, hope, etc. using female examples from the Bible. For example, on back to back days a young lady can read about Leah and Rachel, sisters in the Bible who were married to one man.<br />
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Leah wasn't as loved as Rachel, so it speaks to insecurity and how God takes care of us in a special way, *especially* when we feel unloved. (If you are unfamiliar with the story of Jacob, Leah and Rachel you can read it in Genesis.) God allowed Leah to have many sons, while Rachel was barren for a long time. Rachel was the love of Jacob's life. She had his love; but she *wanted* his children. So Rachel's story speaks to jealousy.<br />
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This book is a great devotion for teenage girls, or maybe a little older young ladies, especially if they are newer to the faith as it isn't really "heavy" spiritually.<br />
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You can purchase this book on amazon <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Beloved-365-Devotions-Young-Women-ebook/dp/B07BB564B5/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1543594013&sr=8-2&keywords=beloved+Lindsay+Franklin">HERE.</a> <br />
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Disclaimer: I received this book at no charge in exchange for my fair and honest opinion.Kerri http://www.blogger.com/profile/06070983658642888724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615877796681762684.post-37559207552693615712018-11-12T08:33:00.000-08:002018-11-12T08:33:50.600-08:00The Little Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPAqxOS3RSgNVvFf3of2_-Q0ZMDFybAb_SN1bmmro2Vj2rK_ZAagww_Wz7kDPgaahoHiaPdPrr-DzplV_hxxHMVvVAwBrgDS6xfnX2jJw1cId-hZiD-R9WrTzklzbMVjjCZtu3d9Uv3U/s1600/enjoy+the+little+things.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="363" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPAqxOS3RSgNVvFf3of2_-Q0ZMDFybAb_SN1bmmro2Vj2rK_ZAagww_Wz7kDPgaahoHiaPdPrr-DzplV_hxxHMVvVAwBrgDS6xfnX2jJw1cId-hZiD-R9WrTzklzbMVjjCZtu3d9Uv3U/s320/enjoy+the+little+things.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<br />
Before I got sick, I was definitely a "grand gesture" kind of girl. Lavish gifts, big parties, weekends in Chicago, the bigger the better. I worked hard and played hard. But then Myasthenia Gravis came into my life. <br />
<br />
I got too sick to work. I was too weak to go grocery shopping. Pretty soon I couldn't put my hair up or take a shower on my own, or even breathe without a machine.<br />
<br />
It's then that you realize that life truly is about the little things.<br />
<br />
Being able to put my own socks and shoes on.<br />
<br />
Being able to wash my hair. (Being clean is totally <b><u>under</u></b>-rated!! Go without a shower or washing your hair for a while...you'll know what I mean!)<br />
<br />
Being able to breathe without a ventilator.<br />
<br />
Being able to talk after 4 months with no voice whatsoever.<br />
<br />
Being able to do laundry.<br />
<br />
Being able to stand long enough to make a meal.<br />
<br />
Being able to put make up on.<br />
<br />
Being able to cut my own food.<br />
<br />
These are all things I was unable to do when I was really sick. Some of these things literally took years for me to get back to doing. I was so weak, and so very sick. <br />
<br />
Sometimes, a grand gesture is wonderful! And it can be a very necessary thing. But most often, it's the little things we can do that make our lives and the lives of our loved ones better.<br />
<br />
Smile at a stranger. You will notice how their whole countenance changes. Say hi to someone. Compliment the cashier ringing up your groceries, or the server bringing you food. Pay for someone behind you at a toll booth. Pay for someone's coffee, or meal if you can. <br />
<br />
This world didn't get ugly and hateful overnight. Sometimes it feels that way, but it truly didn't. We turned a blind eye little by little, by little, by little... until we opened them and saw we were facing a whole different direction.<br />
<br />
Let's get back to the little things. Do something kind today, just for the sake of kindness. I'll bet you'll make someone feel really good. And I have a feeling you'll walk a little lighter yourself.Kerri http://www.blogger.com/profile/06070983658642888724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615877796681762684.post-9229688552642128582018-11-09T10:00:00.000-08:002018-11-09T10:00:00.702-08:00What Motivates You?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIfpLllp7ctDk8sxaXyywBm_hj1KzXJmL4OWH3xOtH7kyp60__8LbngcAzutC0bGqtwaShMGV9mHM8C6zN6MrQBkkarsoh9CZxKT_0KI5dsLwXvWxZ_RiAN5iW_knE-6nHNAYshlbZM4/s1600/motivation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="800" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIfpLllp7ctDk8sxaXyywBm_hj1KzXJmL4OWH3xOtH7kyp60__8LbngcAzutC0bGqtwaShMGV9mHM8C6zN6MrQBkkarsoh9CZxKT_0KI5dsLwXvWxZ_RiAN5iW_knE-6nHNAYshlbZM4/s320/motivation.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"If people are good only
because they fear punishment, and hope for a reward, then we are a sorry lot
indeed." Albert Einstein<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Americans, in my humble opinion, embody this quote. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"What's in it for me?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"What will happen to me if I
don't?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Isn’t that what we hear most often
from our children?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly, adults are
following suit. I wonder…<br />
<br />
How many people would file taxes if they KNEW there was no punishment for not
filing?<br />
<br />
How many people would go to work if they didn't get paid?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What happened to a good, solid work
ethic? Putting in a hard day’s work for the sake of doing a good job?<br />
<br />
How many people go to church because they are afraid not to? Either
afraid of being judged, or afraid of God's wrath. I grew up in a church like
that. As long as your butt was in the seat, you had fire insurance, if
you know what I mean. And if you weren't there, you better be out of
state or dying. {And I'm not saying don't go to church, I'm just using
this as an example to get to my point.}<br />
<br />
This is my question: what ever happened to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">intrinsic value? <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Merriam-Webster dictionary has a
wonderful definition of intrinsic: “</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">belonging to the essential nature of a thing:
occurring as a natural part of something.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Like breathing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just part of
you. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Intrinsic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Indwelling.</i>
Deep-rooted. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Organic.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That “thing” inside that tells you the right
thing to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just because it’s <u>right.</u>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When did everything become about
getting something in return, or doing something just to avoid punishment or
repercussion of some kind?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever
happened to doing the right thing just to do the right thing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or being kind for the sake of being kind?<br />
<br />
What about our relationships with God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Do we “use” Him to get things?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Are we only interested in His blessings, but not willing to walk in
obedience? Do we “love” Him so that He won’t be angry at us or throw a bolt of
lightning our way?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">“I
led them with cords of human kindness,</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">with
ties of love.</span><br />
<span class="text">To them I was like one who lifts</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">a
little child to the cheek,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">and
I bent down to feed them.” Hosea 11:4<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our God is so loving and good to us.
He doesn’t withhold His kindness or blessings from us even though we deserve
none of them!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Father’s only motive
is love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">“I
have loved you with an everlasting love;</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">I
have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3b<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have a challenge to everyone who
reads this: do something kind “just because”. The whole "commit
random acts of kindness" and "pay it forward" clichés have been
around for a while. But seriously, when is the last time that you did
something nice for someone else, just to do it? Not because you wanted
anything from them or because you felt you owed them something. Just because.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do you have an elderly neighbor who
is alone 90% of the time? Go visit. Take your kids. Your
children would be learning history from one who has lived it, and your neighbor
would be filled with joy. We can learn more from one hour talking to older
folks and asking them to tell us about their lives than we could in a month of history
books.<br />
<br />
Do you know someone who had a recent illness or injury? Ask if you can
clean their house. Bring a meal over to them.<br />
<br />
Is someone at church looking for a babysitter? Volunteer your time. Just
because it’s the right thing to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="woj"><sup><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">34 </span></sup></span><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">“Then
the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my
Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation
of the world.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">
<span class="woj"><sup>35 </sup>For I was hungry and you gave me something
to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and
you invited me in,</span> <span class="woj"><sup>36 </sup>I needed clothes
and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you
came to visit me.’ Matthew 25:34-36</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<br />Kerri http://www.blogger.com/profile/06070983658642888724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615877796681762684.post-30044284163183341302018-11-06T05:00:00.000-08:002018-11-06T05:00:13.757-08:00Does God Give Us More Than We Can Handle?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJD-mYH-x_2kon0FklVrn-iFHqF0HHDPjpdQSFZ0kvdiuluyrvSTaeohPTDu9GdyJ_1_v6i0G-PC2t2xgvquX0-hawFM0X01-Uxx1tmansdqV3cn_9zC2sPUKVFZHFUshd0G3c3bDv5J0/s1600/Yes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJD-mYH-x_2kon0FklVrn-iFHqF0HHDPjpdQSFZ0kvdiuluyrvSTaeohPTDu9GdyJ_1_v6i0G-PC2t2xgvquX0-hawFM0X01-Uxx1tmansdqV3cn_9zC2sPUKVFZHFUshd0G3c3bDv5J0/s320/Yes.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He sure does.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is a familiar adage people say when you're having a tough go of things: "God will never give you more than you can handle." I'm so sorry to break it to you, but He certainly WILL.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His Word says</span>, "<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-43-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;</span></span><br />
<span class="text Isa-43-2" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-18508B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-18508B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>when you walk through fire <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-18508C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-18508C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>you shall not be burned,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-43-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and the flame shall not consume you.</span></span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Isa-43-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">" Isaiah 43:2</span></span><br />
<div>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Isa-43-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Isa-43-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Notice how it doesn't say "If you pass through the waters" or "If you walk through the fire"? It says "when" my friends. Do you know what that means? It means that in this life you WILL without a doubt walk through some dark, difficult times.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Isa-43-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Isa-43-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">(Gee, Kerri, thanks for the encouragement...)</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Isa-43-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Isa-43-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">But HERE'S the thing: God WILL be with you!! He will NOT let those waters overwhelm you. He will NOT let those flames you feel licking at your back consume you! </span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Isa-43-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Isa-43-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">And you will get *through* it.</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Isa-43-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Isa-43-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">God allows things that I don't always understand. A lot of the time. Most of the time, to be completely honest. I don't understand why. Once again I find consolation in God's Word:</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Isa-43-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Isa-43-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">"</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">For my thoughts are not your thoughts,</span></div>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">neither are your ways my ways, declares the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span>.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Isa-55-9" id="en-ESV-18750" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-18750A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-18750A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>For as the heavens are higher than the earth,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">so are my ways higher than your ways</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">These 2 verses helped me so much when I was sick. It's like we are all part of a big jig saw puzzle, and all WE can see from our limited view are the pieces that immediately connect to ours. And the picture from here is NOT always rosy, let me tell ya. However, we worship a God who sees ALL! He sees the big picture! He sees how our pieces, our problems, our predicaments, connect with others' pieces to make the most magnificent picture.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Friends, I don't know why you are dealing with what you are. I don't need to. God knows. He is THERE, right by your side. Notice that first verse I shared from Isaiah. It doesn't say "I will be ahead of you" or "I will be behind you", it says, "I will be WITH you."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">"</span><span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">6 </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-5735I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-5735I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-5735J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-5735J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">for it is the </span><i><b><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> your God who goes with you. </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-5735K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-5735K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></b></i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i><b>He will not leave you or forsake you</b></i>.” Deuteronomy 31:6</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Be strong, my friend. God will definitely give you MORE than YOU can handle. That's only because He wants you to give your burdens to Him.</span><br />
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<span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">"Come to </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-23488B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23488B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">me, all who labor and are </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-23488C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23488C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">heavy laden, and I will give you rest."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Matthew 11:28</span><br />
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Kerri http://www.blogger.com/profile/06070983658642888724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615877796681762684.post-53342222423240768102018-11-05T09:15:00.002-08:002018-11-05T09:15:45.608-08:00Magnificent Milestone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMraClJxY3W9W-JOqWWudHhWXN9naVa0X1ePHwlgNIHzk2q_S19bUNQFiT_F3iHLGruSrFoed8aWiM9TE2w1Do7m4vJy4xEQWpwxBD5I4XcjOjUz5k2IfQv1cPzKOUQ3OVeyzY926Bk0/s1600/Milestone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMraClJxY3W9W-JOqWWudHhWXN9naVa0X1ePHwlgNIHzk2q_S19bUNQFiT_F3iHLGruSrFoed8aWiM9TE2w1Do7m4vJy4xEQWpwxBD5I4XcjOjUz5k2IfQv1cPzKOUQ3OVeyzY926Bk0/s320/Milestone.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Yesterday was a HUGE day for me. Not because I don't feel very good (Jacob shared his germs with me). Not because it was Sunday (I missed church). It was a big, wonderful, magnificent day in which I reached a major, magnificent, monumental, milestone.<br />
<br />
After 17 years and 9 months, I am *completely* OFF of CellCept. CellCept is the medication I take for the Myasthenia Gravis. I started it in February of 2001 and have been on it ever since. The only time I *didn't* take it was when I was pregnant with Jacob.<br />
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CellCept worked miracles for me. It was the only MG med I had taken that worked. Between that and Plasmapheresis, I stayed alive. I didn't have side effects with CellCept as long as I took it with food. I've had friends that had catastrophic side effects from this medication.<br />
<br />
CellCept is a drug that suppresses the immune system. With MG, my own immune system attacks the connection between my nerves and muscles (the neuromuscular junction). So by taking this medication (originally a drug for organ transplant patients to help prevent rejection), the MG symptoms were slightly abated. However, it was NOT a cure.<br />
<br />
I am still NOT cured.<br />
<br />
I am still NOT in remission... I have simply swapped out medication and a grueling procedure in which 150% of my blood volume was taken out, separated, put back together and put back in my body (plasmapheresis) for a foot bath. <br />
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Yup, I said foot bath. But not any foot bath... The IonCleanse by AMD. This machine gave me the miracle I have been praying for since I had my first symptom in July of 1996. IF I use the IonCleanse by AMD three times a week, I don't need pheresis, and I've been able to get off of Prednisone (after 17 years) and now off of CellCept (all WITH my neurologists's consent).<br />
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I was fortunate enough to be part of a very small, informal study in which the IonCleanse by AMD was provided for me to use as a possible MG treatment. It is non-invasive, there are no chemicals in it, it is completely safe, and AMD has a perfect safety record. Click <a href="http://womenwithmg.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/WWMG-Study-Whitepaper-IonCleanse-by-AMD.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3s101A6NjjEjCGoncp1YZ_wfnPBFn7rXOhGSnMVsP_4eppjCM9tMOpkt8">HERE</a> to read the white paper on the study.)<br />
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As a side note, since using the foot bath (November 10 will be 2 years since my very first one),<b> I have not needed plasmapheresis for 21 months!!! </b><br />
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I'm so thankful to God for bringing this machine into my life. My quality of life is SO much better. I can drive again. After almost 15 years of being primarily home bound, I can go places with or without Jacob, without my husband. Nothing. Else. Has. Changed. In my medical regiment. If I over do it, or if I miss a bunch of treatments, I get more symptomatic.<br />
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And I'll tell you before you even check out the link, it's *expensive*. Sure, you could find something cheaper; but please remember, you get what you pay for. A cheap, Chinese knock off has NO oversight... There is NO ONE making sure it's safe. It hasn't been tested. It's basically a glorified battery charger. (We ARE talking water and electricity here)... And no, I don't work for AMD. I'm not a salesman. I just want everyone to know what a miracle this machine has been in my life.<br />
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AMD has the patent on this technology. As I said, they have a 100% safety rating. The people who own the company are good people. If you call the company, you may very well talk to one of the founders. They aren't pretentious. They are good, decent people who want to help others.<br />
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Anyway... I just wanted to share my amazing news with everyone, and thank God for seeing fit to bring this machine into my life.<br />
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NEVER give up. I went 20 years with this disease controlling my life. But people were praying for me every. single. day. I don't know why it took 20 years. And I don't care. The IonCleanse by AMD has given me my life back, and I give God all the glory!<br />
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Be blessed y'all!<br />
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Click <a href="https://www.amajordifference.com/">HERE</a> to go to the AMD website. (We in the study all used the Solo machine.)<br />
<br />Kerri http://www.blogger.com/profile/06070983658642888724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615877796681762684.post-33747162029044727372018-10-31T08:06:00.000-07:002018-10-31T08:06:37.839-07:00A Job vs. Working<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhad1YOSRJIkrjQ62loQ_5If4XJkU2lgZSXoBvZ0UClKljkn8n3dlPyaayRY_Uf-G7qwQfqLYvckgwU8tAqhOeRNhiOJ-g8SIK_miwDT4d-OlW5H3_bOq5B-QG1FzPs4Dwcq1m3i5ZLwUo/s1600/busy-mom-mother-harried-rush-overworked-overload-teen-kid-child-son-BHDG5K.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="949" data-original-width="1300" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhad1YOSRJIkrjQ62loQ_5If4XJkU2lgZSXoBvZ0UClKljkn8n3dlPyaayRY_Uf-G7qwQfqLYvckgwU8tAqhOeRNhiOJ-g8SIK_miwDT4d-OlW5H3_bOq5B-QG1FzPs4Dwcq1m3i5ZLwUo/s320/busy-mom-mother-harried-rush-overworked-overload-teen-kid-child-son-BHDG5K.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo cred: alamy<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was talking with someone a while back and during the course of our conversation it came up that I homeschool my son. I told this other mom some of the other things I'm doing right now and asked if they thought they could handle doing those things. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Me?? I have a JOB," they said rather haughtily. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{crickets}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was like, Oh, you have a JOB? That you get PAID for? That you work at 40 hours a week, sitting behind a desk, answering phones and filing papers? Wow!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I may not have a JOB, but I WORK my butt off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"<span style="background: rgb(252, 252, 252); color: #333333; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Salary.com aimed to market
price Mom in the same manner it prices a job. For 10 titles, a nearly 100-hour
work-week and a six-figure annual rate, moms may be the most valuable workers
in the country."</span> (www.forbes.com)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ten titles. 100 (plus) work weeks. No monetary pay. I get paid in hugs and kisses, headaches, heartaches and never get a vacation. Even when I'm on vacation...I'm always a mom. And there is no harder, better job I'd rather have!! Along with the other dozens of things I need to be, I am:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a scientist</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a teacher</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a friend</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a therapist</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a nurse</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a professional organizer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a taxi driver</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a referee</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a medical professional </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a psychiatrist</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a financial manager</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a veterinarian (for my fur-bearing children)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a counselor</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a disciplinarian</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a boo-boo kisser</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a chef</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a nutritionist</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a housekeeper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a maid</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a missionary</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and so much more. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So stay at home, homeschooling moms, whether you work OUTSIDE the home or not: I see you! I know how hard you work! God sees you, and sees you investing in the future generation for the good of His kingdom. So the next time that person in your life tells you (haughtily and with smug self-appreciation) that they have a JOB, you go ahead and tell them that you work harder than anyone you know, and that according to forbes.com you SHOULD be making $115,000 a year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And you are worth every. single. penny.</span><br />
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Kerri http://www.blogger.com/profile/06070983658642888724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615877796681762684.post-51411332771528131322018-10-25T05:00:00.000-07:002018-10-25T05:00:04.582-07:00Unpopular Part Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidH55U-i9Ecs4cBxIP52UynZ0qr3x4-U0NewIKgkiCHv7JsRUIx11r-QLAvQ_cDzN8PEZ7uwzpt8XAVkz6uyH8UpM2-Tr6MT7ZC57kkcyCo85IX5YFzcLS79we64H4TsBgtDp_uiKGjiQ/s1600/Unpopular+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="728" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidH55U-i9Ecs4cBxIP52UynZ0qr3x4-U0NewIKgkiCHv7JsRUIx11r-QLAvQ_cDzN8PEZ7uwzpt8XAVkz6uyH8UpM2-Tr6MT7ZC57kkcyCo85IX5YFzcLS79we64H4TsBgtDp_uiKGjiQ/s320/Unpopular+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A few months ago, I posted a poll on Facebook that asked if people were born inherently good, or inherently bad/evil. I have to say I was a tiny bit surprised by some of the responses. A full 65% of those who answered said they thought people were born inherently good.<br />
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For those who are interested: I disagree. So does the Bible.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">"Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest." Ephesians 4:23</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif; text-align: justify;">I recently read a book called "The Hope of Nations" by John S. Dickerson. *Amazing* read</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #23221f; font-family: Open Sans, Arial, Century gothic, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">In "Hope of Nations", John S. Dickerson writes about the Post-Truth and Post-Christianity society, in which we now live. A Post-Truth society is one in which feelings have more influence over decisions that facts. Read that again. I'll type it again: In this Post-Truth society we find ourselves in, *feelings* rule. They are secondary to *facts*. Let that really sink in. It's terrifying if you ask me.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #23221f; font-family: Open Sans, Arial, Century gothic, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">On page 68 the author writes, " Even fallen humans are capable of great good, nobility, and creativity. However, separated from God by sin, humans inevitably drift back toward the destruction of sin.... Apart from Christ, we are blinded from the truth.... This is why a world with more than enough water, food, and resources still contains millions who lack clean water, sufficient good, and basic freedoms.... God intentionally described the fall of humanity at the very beginning of the Bible because it is a foundational truth. If we forget this reality about human nature, the world will not make sense. Indeed, our Post-Truth neighbors, having been taught that all people are basically good, struggle to make sense of realities like ISIS and drunk drivers."</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #23221f; font-family: Open Sans, Arial, Century gothic, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Think about it. How else can you describe ISIS other than evil? And what is the opposite of evil? Good. There is, without a doubt, good AND evil in this world. The problem is, we start OUT evil, and can only become "good" by the grace of Jesus Christ.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #23221f; font-family: Open Sans, Arial, Century gothic, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">The depravity of man is a concept I grew up knowing because I grew up in the church. The Bible says in Jeremiah 17:9, "</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The heart </span><i style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">is</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> deceitful above all </span><i style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">things</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">This is where we are now, in my opinion (and have been since the early New Testament church): </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> "For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, </span><span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; top: -6px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Romans/1/27" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #324f8b; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;">27</a></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error." Romans 1:26-27 Unnatural. Indecent. These are not my words. They are the words of God.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">This is why we so desperately need Jesus! He is the ONLY thing that is going to make a hoot of difference in this maddened, sick world. Did you know that in Folsom, California they have a "bondage" fair? It's called the Folson Street Fair and it includes " naked adults in leather bondage gear, masturbation in public, and outdoor sexual "play places" that emphasize bondage, whips, and chains. All of this happens in broad daylight in a major American city." ("Hope of Nations", p 13)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">If that is not depravity I don't know what is, my friends. I think most of us can agree that an event like this is at the very least inappropriate, and at worst, absolutely vile and revolting. Depraved.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">One man decided this festival was appropriate for his 2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER whom he brought to the sex festival dressed in leather bondage gear. A TWO year old. A reporter asked him if it was wrong to bring a child (a BABY) to such an event, and the dad answered, " 'Every parent has to decide for themselves what is right for them. And I respect that. And we decided that this is right for our children.' " (p 13, taken from the East Bay Times, Sept. 29, 2005)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Do you see why it is imperative to have an absolute truth??? If we have no TRUTH there is no standard by which to measure right and wrong. This "father" decided it was right for him to abuse his child by taking her to see things she should NEVER see in her life let alone as a baby. Do you think it's a far stretch to this child being molested by one of the "fair goers?" Think about it! If there is no "wrong", if *anything* is tolerable and acceptable, why <i>wouldn't</i> it be the logical next step? Someone out there doesn't think it's wrong to molest a child, therefore, he will do what "is right to him."</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">And mark my words: very soon there will be no law able to stop him if this world continues down the path it's on. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">I could go on and on, but I want to say this: THERE IS HOPE!!! </span><span class="text Rom-5-12" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="text Rom-5-12" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Rom-5-12" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">"</span>Therefore, just as <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28044A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28044A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>sin came into the world through one man, and <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28044B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28044B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>death through sin, and <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28044C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28044C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>so death spread to all men<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-ESV-28044a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-ESV-28044a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans5:12-21&version=ESV#fen-ESV-28044a" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span> because <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28044D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28044D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>all sinned—</span><span class="text Rom-5-13" id="en-ESV-28045" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28045E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28045E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>sin is not counted where there is no law.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Rom-5-14" id="en-ESV-28046" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">14 </span>Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28046F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28046F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>like the transgression of Adam, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28046G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28046G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>who was a type of <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28046H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28046H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the one who was to come.</span><br />
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<span class="text Rom-5-15" id="en-ESV-28047" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">15 </span>But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28047I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28047I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>many.</span> <span class="text Rom-5-16" id="en-ESV-28048" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">16 </span>And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28048J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28048J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28048K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28048K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>justification.</span> <span class="text Rom-5-17" id="en-ESV-28049" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">17 </span>For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28049L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28049L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ." Romans 5:12-17</span></div>
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<span style="color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Just as we all sinned through Adam, we can all be saved through Christ. It's not like God is about to leave us in our depravity! We ALL have a choice! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">"For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. </span><span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; top: -6px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Romans/5/8#parallel_verses" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #39547f; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;">8</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <u>But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we</u> <u>were yet sinners, Christ died for us</u>. </span><span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; top: -6px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Romans/5/9" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #39547f; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;">9</a> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him." Romans 5:7-9</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Justified means "just as if I hadn't sinned". God, through Christ, brings us unto Himself. He takes away our sin through the blood of Jesus! Hallelujah! We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. There is NOTHING we can do to earn salvation. Nothing. God will never love you MORE. And He will never love you LESS.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">I know this is a long post, and I'm praying you're still reading. Please think about the things in this article. I know some of them shocked you. They shocked me. They sickened me. But they also lit a fire under me. How can anyone read about a "festival" like that, in California, in broad daylight, and NOT be disturbed?? This is our world, people. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">We need Jesus. Do you know Him? Please just consider His offer: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> "...that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead,<b> you will be saved;</b> </span><span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; top: -6px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Romans/10/10" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #39547f; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;">10</a> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation." Romans 10:9-10</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">It really is THAT simple. Believe. Confess. Live for him. He WILL give us rest in this wicked, wicked world. </span>Kerri http://www.blogger.com/profile/06070983658642888724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615877796681762684.post-85226048591600532872018-10-24T08:33:00.000-07:002018-10-24T08:33:17.812-07:00Unpopular Part One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqLpomiEIdW5AupbLKA1jXdRBwMWExdSwW4F317GsW341MxYtRBehquLA00zfSIZ3Ucl81eV3xs0ICmtV1PufHD_PamL88y17b8auq7oK22MuNeATl88khwi_My3WbrV5QJD0wR6lNdY/s1600/unpopular.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="1000" height="71" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqLpomiEIdW5AupbLKA1jXdRBwMWExdSwW4F317GsW341MxYtRBehquLA00zfSIZ3Ucl81eV3xs0ICmtV1PufHD_PamL88y17b8auq7oK22MuNeATl88khwi_My3WbrV5QJD0wR6lNdY/s320/unpopular.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have never really been popular. I've always kind of had my own groove, been my own person, and haven't been one to go with the flow. As an adult, that thrills me! As a child and adolescent, not so much.<br />
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I can honestly say that 90% of the time I don't really care what people think of me. Yes, I'm human, and when I feel "ganged up on" sometimes my nose gets a little out of joint. What DOES upset me is if people call my character into question. That's not about being popular, or being "right"; it's about the fact that I'm pretty much as straight of a shooter as you can get. I speak the truth, but I TRY to do it in love. I don't always succeed. But know this: I don't lie. I don't cheat. I don't steal. I'm very, very human, and I'm sure I have hurt people's feelings with my candor. I really don't mean to.<br />
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That being said, there are times when I'm FINE with being unpopular. In today's culture, it's very UNPOPULAR to be a Bible-believing Christian. We are about the only social group that it's "okay" (politically correct, socially acceptable) to malign, bully, harass, and just plain hate. Think about it: If a Christian stands up for what THEY believe, they can get sued. I have been called (among other things) myopic, narrow minded, a hater, a homophobe, a bigot, a Nazi, and more. All because I believe in the God of the Bible, and in His Word as being THE absolute truth in life.<br />
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I believe in Jesus, the Son of God, fully God, and fully human at the same time. I believe He left His place at the right hand of God, came into this world some 2000 years ago, and lived a sinless life (the only One to EVER do that). Then he suffered a brutal, horrible death so that I could live eternally in heaven. Yes, I truly believe it. I believe the Bible is the 100% authority of my life, and that it was written by human hand, but each word was given to the authors by God Himself.<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"</b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:</span><br />
<span class="block-indent" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><div class="line-group" style="margin-left: 35px;">
<span class="ln-group">He was manifested in the flesh,</span><br /><span class="indent" style="margin-left: 35px;">vindicated by the Spirit,</span><br /><begin-line class="indent-2">seen by angels,<br /><span class="ln-group">proclaimed among the nations,</span><br /><span class="indent" style="margin-left: 35px;">believed on in the world,</span><br /><begin-line class="indent-2">taken up in glory." I Timothy 3:16 ESV</begin-line></begin-line></div>
</span><br />
You don't have to believe like I do. That's not what this is about. It's about *everything* being acceptable and tolerable *except* being a Christian. It's about being preached to about love and acceptance and being told I'm full of hatred and intolerance. I base my beliefs and my decisions on the Word of God...so if you're offended by me, it's really not my belief that offends you, but God's Word.<br />
<br />
Anyone who knows me, I mean really knows me, knows how much I love people. I can truly love anyone, because Christ loved me while I was yet a sinner. Jesus said, "<span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"> </span><span class="woc" style="background-color: white; color: #a80000; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"> </span><span class="woc" style="background-color: white; color: #a80000; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” </span><span class="woc" style="background-color: white; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">John 13:34-35 ESV</span><br />
<br />
I've always wanted a bunch of adopted kids because there are so many out there that need a home and family, and I really could LOVE them. I don't care if you're black, white, brown, yellow, red, or purple. I don't care if you have long hair or short hair, if you're gay or straight, if you're a Democrat or Rebulican. I try to see people for who they are on the inside. Do I agree with every lifestyle out there? Not at all.<br />
<br />
What I'm trying to get at is that there is a HUGE difference between agreeing with someone's lifestyle choices and accepting them as a fellow human being deserving of love. Do you get that? I'm not ever going to agree with men using the ladies room or vice versa. I'm never going to agree with a lifestyle of child molestation because a person was "born that way". Not. Going. To. Happen. However, there is a difference between hating a sinful lifestyle and hating a person.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">"The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">Show hospitality to one another without grumbling." I Peter 4:7-9</span><br />
<br />
A while ago on facebook I posted a poll asking if you thought people were inherently good or inherently bad/evil. Tomorrow I will post part two of this post, and explain my results and feelings on that.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading. I welcome your feedback!Kerri http://www.blogger.com/profile/06070983658642888724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615877796681762684.post-87599551323129661632018-08-04T13:59:00.000-07:002018-08-04T13:59:07.787-07:00Book Review: Hope of Nations by John S. Dickerson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
This book is a must read for Christians everywhere, but very specifically, for Western Christians. John S. Dickerson is an investigative journalist turned pastor and author. He makes some compelling arguments in his book, Hope of Nations.<br />
<br />
We are in what is coined a "Post-Truth" era. We are also in a Post-Christian era. For hundreds of years, America prospered under mostly Christian leadership. Colleges and universities like Harvard and Oxford were established for higher Christian education. Those same institutions are now nothing but indoctrination stations. A young, impressionable college student goes in, and a Post-Truth, Post-Christian, indoctrinated young adult comes out.<br />
<br />
The most frightening statistic in this book (to me personally) is that in the year 2020, 18-29 year olds will favor Socialism over Capitalism by 19%. That age group will also be the largest voting block in the 2020 elections. Socialists! Think Karl Marx. Stalin. Hitler. Yes, Hitler.<br />
<br />
So what exactly is a Post-Truth society? Well, "Every year the experts at Oxford Dictionaries pick a word of the year. Recently, they chose <i>Post-Truth</i> as the single word that best summarizes American and European culture now. They noted that our society now <b>defines truth by feelings rather than facts</b>." (from the book, page 13-14, emphasis mine.) So whatever you FEEL, you act on. Post-Truth thinkers will define what is "right" by whatever they may be feeling <u>at the time.</u> <br />
<br />
In a Post-Truth society, there is no absolute truth.<br />
<br />
That. Terrifies. Me. I don't know about you.<br />
<br />
(I will be writing more blog posts about this book, but since I received this book at no cost in return for my fair and honest review this is my official review.)<br />
<br />
Okay, so what do we do about all this? If you are a Christian, do you go bury your head in the sand? Do you act like Chicken Little and run around telling everyone the sky is falling? Absolutely not. We stand. We stand on the undeniable reality of the Word of God. We root ourselves and our families in the Truth of Scripture. We teach our children the way they should go.<br />
<br />
Most of all, we need to PRAY. Pray for our nation, its leaders, and its youth. We need to LOVE everyone, all of the time, even (especially?) those who persecute us. We stay calm, we do good, and we STAND fearlessly for our Faith.<br />
<br />
Beloved, now more than ever we need to be attending church, gathering with like-minded people and praying. We need to SHOW people that Christians aren't bigoted, racist, homophobic Bible thumpers who spew hatred for those unlike ourselves.<br />
<br />
If you are a believer in the God who created this world and His incarnate son, Jesus Christ, you need to read this book. Not so that you can be afraid, but so that you can be prepared to fight.<br />
<br />
You can purchase this book on amazon <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Nations-Standing-Post-Truth-Post-Christian/dp/0310341930/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1533414564&sr=8-1&keywords=Hope+of+Nations">here</a> </b>or at your local Christian book store.<br />
<br />
<br />Kerri http://www.blogger.com/profile/06070983658642888724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615877796681762684.post-54966012135662093282018-06-26T09:00:00.000-07:002018-06-26T09:00:48.950-07:00Book Review: A Better Mom by Ruth Schwenk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I struggled with this review, I'll be honest. Usually, when I receive a book to review, it's because I was really interested in the book, and it sounded like it was going to be really good. Well, this book is okay. It's not bad. It's not great. It's okay. I truly don't like leaving unfavorable reviews, but it is what I signed up for: to review a book, good, bad or ugly.<br />
<br />
This book would be really good for new, first time moms. If you have other children already, or have been at this mom thing for a while, it's kind of basic. Things that you've probably learned already.<br />
<br />
One chapter I did really appreciate was chapter 13, titled, "Motherhood is Robbing Me of _____". I did (and sometimes still DO) struggle with this. Personal time. Working at a crazy awesome job outside of the house. Adult conversations.<br />
<br />
I have friends in many walks of life, and in many different places of parenting. I have some friends that are just starting their married lives, and don't have children yet. I have some friends who have younger, and still more that are empty nesters. One thing that I think we all have in common, if we are stay at home moms, is that we get irritated when people make comments like, "You're just a mom?" Or, "So you don't work?" And then there's my personal favorite: "What do you DO all day?" (Yes, someone actually asked me that!)<br />
<br />
If you are a mom, you KNOW that you are working 24/7! If you are a homeschooling mom, you're adding to that. And then there are my heroes: the stay at home, homechooling, work from home and sometimes outside the home moms. I can't imagine. I homeschool, but if I HAD to work another job (other than my Mom Gig!), I'd be in a world of hurt.<br />
<br />
So it's easy to think of ourselves as "just" moms. But we are SO much more. We are moms, spiritual advisors, playmates, therapists, nurses, taxi drivers, disciplinarians, comforters, boo-boo fixers, cooks, bakers, house cleaners... the list goes on and on.<br />
<br />
If you know a new, first time mom, she might benefit from this book. As a whole, however, I can't really recommend it.<br />
<br />
You can purchase this book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Better-Mom-Growing-between-Perfection/dp/0310349451/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1530028417&sr=8-2&keywords=The+Better+mom+book">on amazon</a> or find it at your nearest Christian bookstore.<br />
<br />
Disclaimer: I received this book at no cost in return for my fair and honest review.Kerri http://www.blogger.com/profile/06070983658642888724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615877796681762684.post-10373468332593917362018-03-24T09:33:00.001-07:002018-03-24T09:33:59.583-07:00What Is Your Yardstick?<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Footlight MT Light","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
read an article in the Reader's Digest recently by Clayton M. Christensen,
excerpted from the Harvard Business Review. The last point he made really
struck me:<br />
<br />
"Choose the right yardstick: Don't worry about the level of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">individual
prominence</span></b> you have achieved; worry about the individuals you have <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">helped
become better</span></b><i> </i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">people</span>.</b> This is my final
recommendation: Think about the metric by which your life will be judged, and
make a resolution to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">live every day</i>
so that in the end, your life will be judged a success." {emphasis mine}<br />
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And for some reason, I don't think he was talking about financial or personal
success. I think he was talking about something near and dear to me: helping
others. At the end of time, when we all stand before God and give account for
our decisions, do you really think He will want to hear about the amazing
investment you made in the stock market? Do you think He will want to know how
many outfits you had? How many properties you acquired? How many speeches you
made? How powerful you became at work?<br />
<br />
I don't think so. I think He will want to hear how you dealt with your friend
who needed you when her marriage was falling apart.<br />
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I think He will listen with rapt attention when you tell Him how you brought
groceries to a newly single mom who couldn't feed her children.<br />
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I think He will want to hear about the elderly woman you helped by taking her
to the grocery story because she cannot drive any longer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I think He would LOVE to know about how you gave of your time and talent to
help those in need. You can't take things with you. You CAN take relationships.<br />
<br />
Our lives are not meant to be lived in isolation. We are a communal people.
(Not like commune, like community!) <br />
<br />
Acts 20:34-35 says, "You yourselves know that these hands of mine have
supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I
showed you that by this kind of hard work <u>we must help the weak</u>,
remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give
than to receive.’ ”<br />
<br />
When I started writing, it was mostly for therapeutic reasons. I needed an
outlet for my frustration, pain...for all of my feelings, good and bad. I never
imagined what it would turn into: a vehicle to meet amazing people from all
over the world, a place where I can encourage and be encouraged, and most
importantly, something that has opened my eyes to the true meaning of the body
of Christ.<br />
<br />
The body of Christ is not the same as the church. It used to be. The body of
Christ can be anywhere. And the body has many parts. Many of you have become
the hands and feet of Christ in MY life, and if not in mine, in others'. Thank
you for that. <br />
<br />
The body of Christ consists of people who love God and want to do what's
important to Him. And that is taking care of people. What did Jesus say was the
most important commandment? Love the Lord with ALL of your heart, ALL of your
mind, ALL of your soul, and ALL of your strength. And what came next? Love your
neighbor as yourself.<br />
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Who is your neighbor? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Footlight MT Light","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Anyone
you come in contact with. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Footlight MT Light","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How
do you treat yourself? Are you fed? Are you clothed? Are you warm? Are you in
good company? Are you content? Are you safe?<br />
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So should our neighbors be. What can we do <i>today</i> to love our neighbors
as ourselves? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Kerri http://www.blogger.com/profile/06070983658642888724noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615877796681762684.post-91309810047417614492018-03-09T14:06:00.001-08:002018-03-09T14:06:31.763-08:00Time Passes On<br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“Don’t let the fear of the time it will take to
accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as
well put that passing time to the best possible use.” Earl Nightingale<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I suppose I could have changed this quote to something a bit
more personal: I won’t fear the time that passes just because I have an
incurable disease. The time will pass anyway; I might as well put that passing
time to the best possible use.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Even though, praise God, I am doing so much better now
(except for this blasted sinus infection!), there are still so many things I
wish I could do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are even more things
I want very badly to do, but because of Myasthenia Gravis, I am not able.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But you know what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll never give up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll never give in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like I might as well try to do
something <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">good</i> with my time; it’s
going to go by… whether quickly or slowly, it <u>will </u>pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So why sit and pout and be miserable?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oh, don’t get me wrong, I have my moments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask my husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a pity party now and again, and I
suppose I “boo-hoo” from time to time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But I’d like to think that overall, my attitude is primarily
positive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see, I have HOPE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here. Yes, you
read that right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would NOT be here on
planet earth any longer if I didn’t believe there was more.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the
resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall
live.’” John 11:25 NKJV<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So if I die,
how can I live?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seems a bit oxymoronic,
doesn’t it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But friends, it is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">true.</b> There is no truer truth in the
entire world. Because of Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross so many years
ago on a hill called Golgotha, when I die in my physical body, I will finally
and truly be alive!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will be pain-free,
perfect, healthy, and never shed a tear again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Oh, Glory!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you understand
that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you KNOW Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">He has changed
my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Living with a debilitating,
chronic, neuro-muscular disease is not a lot of fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are many times I’m not<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> happy</i>. But the JOY that lives in my
heart! Oh, the joy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beloved of God (and
that’s YOU, yes, you….anyone reading this!) I am able to have joy and peace in
my very soul because I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that God gave up His
one and only Son to die on a rugged cross so that I, so that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>you,</u></i> might live forever with
Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All we have to do is choose to say
yes to His incredible offer of hope!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">“T</span><span class="text"><span style="line-height: 115%;">hey
shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them,
nor any heat; <sup>17 </sup>for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne
will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters.<sup> </sup><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And God will wipe away every tear from their</i>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">eyes</i>.” Revelation 7:16-17 NKJV</span></span><span class="text"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Please read
that again. God Himself will wipe every tear from your eyes. That is heaven, my friends. That is what we get to look forward to. Thank
you, Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="text">“And I heard
a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">is</span> with men, and He will dwell with
them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">and<i> </i>be</span> their God. <sup>4 </sup>And
God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">no more death</b>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">nor sorrow, nor crying</b>. There <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>shall
be no more pain</u></b>, for the former things have passed away.’</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="text"><sup>5 </sup></span><span class="text">Then He who sat on
the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="text">Revelation 21:3-5<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hallelujah!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, God is saying He will wipe our tears! Do
you know what that means to someone like me who lives with chronic pain? With
many, many tears? <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="text">In the Old
Testament, the tabernacle was the earthly house that God lived in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the book of Exodus, God gave Moses and the
Israelites <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">very specific</i> instructions
on how to build it. Because the Israelites were traveling through the wilderness,
this large “house of God” was able to be moved from one place to another while
the people traveled. But not just anyone could go into the house of God. Specifically, the Holy of Holies, where God's presence literally dwelled, was only accessible to ONE man: the High Priest. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So in
Revelation 21:3 we read that the tabernacle of God (His <b>home</b>) is now with MEN! God Himself will <i>dwell with us</i>! He will be
with us. He will be our God. And He WILL wipe our tears.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have had
this disease called Myasthenia Gravis for over 20 years now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was 25 when I had my first symptom. It has
taken a lot from me. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A LOT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But one
thing it can NEVER take from me is the hope I have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hope for a future, in heaven, with God… <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pain-free. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Perfect. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Healthy. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Whole.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />Kerri http://www.blogger.com/profile/06070983658642888724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615877796681762684.post-27873311058395592052018-03-08T10:36:00.000-08:002018-03-08T10:36:47.533-08:00The Rescue by Jim Cymbala: A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNV-oE_o0Fzyaoh5-wnUaOadFIXuxx1INMmC_UXgOOGW9sUGbtGb9Q1GicRc6wFAfVTkdvUbg2l8NwU6QESxTjqwS6JvtRSXny4klrrkRmJMQ7YEgZ56FFreU5eou2vlXVM9Nw4zSEJeA/s1600/The+Rescure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="276" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNV-oE_o0Fzyaoh5-wnUaOadFIXuxx1INMmC_UXgOOGW9sUGbtGb9Q1GicRc6wFAfVTkdvUbg2l8NwU6QESxTjqwS6JvtRSXny4klrrkRmJMQ7YEgZ56FFreU5eou2vlXVM9Nw4zSEJeA/s320/The+Rescure.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
<br />
Lawrence. Timiney. Rich. Robin. Kaitlyn. Alex. Toni.<br />
<br />
These are the seven people that you will meet in the book <i>The Rescuer</i> by Jim Cymbala. I have not previously read anything by this author, but if this book is any example of his work, I might just find something else of his to read!<br />
<br />
In, <i>The Rescuer, </i>Jim Cymbala tells us the first person stories of these seven individuals. These are ordinary people with ordinary lives, who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances, whether at their own hand, or at the hand of another. They dealt with things like disease, addiction, alcoholism, the victim of rape and sexual abuse among others.<br />
<br />
And all of these people have something else in common other than their troubles; they needed help, and they needed it now. Desperate people, desperate for a Rescuer.<br />
<br />
Robin is the granddaughter of Jewish emigres who now live in Brooklyn, NY. Although her father was never really in her life, her grandfather raised her until her mother remarried. While Robin was in high school she started experimenting with alcohol and drugs; that behavior continued in college, and then one day her parents called telling her that her grandmother had a heart attack and she needed to come home right away... I don't want to say much else because I don't want to ruin the rest of her story.<br />
<br />
Toni's story will break your heart. But I promise you'll want to see how it turns out. If you've ever struggled with heartbreak, addiction, sexual abuse, illness, this book will encourage you and inspire you to hang in there until Your Rescuer comes through for you.<br />
<br />
You can purchase this book on amazon <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rescue-Seven-People-Amazing-Stories/dp/0310351170/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1520533611&sr=1-1&keywords=the+rescue+jim+cymbala&dpID=51cnEG6EnUL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch#customerReviews">HERE</a><br />
Or at ChristianBook.com by clicking <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/the-rescue-seven-people-amazing-stories/jim-cymbala/9780310351177/pd/351170?event=ESRCG">HERE</a><br />
<br />
I hope you check this book out. It's really, really good, and it's a quick read.<br />
I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review.<br />
<br />
Kerri http://www.blogger.com/profile/06070983658642888724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615877796681762684.post-52015974866277322512018-03-03T10:36:00.000-08:002018-03-03T10:36:46.470-08:00His Eye Is On The Sparrow<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdwcOWixnPgMQg-Ho7LJuTvKpTAuELw17-O2OPhhwn-9LJBx0AREUcvS07LdK42lLvC2WsgKT0LnMTQbDM-J0v_J8anoK1mup9flHbu-pJR1vBkrF8TcCHlUYZu3Ij43uBcJkIhyphenhyphenVxtQ/s1600/eye+on+sparrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdwcOWixnPgMQg-Ho7LJuTvKpTAuELw17-O2OPhhwn-9LJBx0AREUcvS07LdK42lLvC2WsgKT0LnMTQbDM-J0v_J8anoK1mup9flHbu-pJR1vBkrF8TcCHlUYZu3Ij43uBcJkIhyphenhyphenVxtQ/s320/eye+on+sparrow.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo courtesy of the spruce</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One of my favorite things about living in the
country is that we get to watch so many birds. Out the front living room
window we have a bird feeder and another one in the dining room window right
behind my chair. In the winter we put suet out front, and in the summer
we put out hummingbird feeders. A couple of years ago we even had Baltimore Orioles build a
nest in one of our pear trees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I lived in the city, about the only birds
I saw were sparrows and blackbirds, and sometimes a robin. Sparrows would
always build a nest behind our basketball hoop on the garage; it was the "safest"
place they could find.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Out <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">here...</i>there's
everything. We also have blue jays, (stay away from their babies!
They will take your head off!) bluebirds, which I had never even SEEN before,
sparrows, robins, and woodpeckers... and these giant things that LOOK like red-headed
woodpeckers, but are really red-bellied woodpeckers. They are about a foot tall and LOVE our
cedar trees out front. We have like 4 or 5 different kinds of woodpeckers. They are really cool. We also have nuthatches...they walk down the tree head first toward the feeder. It's hilarious!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the
tiny chickadees. They are so cute....and in the summer we have barn
swallows, which I love, and yellow finches.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But on
the birdfeeder outside our dining room window, we have a Mafia ring. One
little sparrow, who isn't even the biggest of the sparrows let alone the other
birds, is like the "Godfather". (Or would that be God-<i>feather</i>?)
Sorry, couldn't resist. Seriously though....this little bird will sit up
there and scare away anyone he doesn't want on the birdfeeder. He has
chased after other birds that didn't "listen", and makes a fuss when
other birds land, even BIG birds...and scares them away. It cracks me up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
have several pairs of cardinals this winter. The bright red birds in
contrast to the stark, naked branches and white snow is breathtaking. But
the males always get the attention because they are so bold. The females
however, at a distance, look drab and boring. But when you see them up
close, they are really beautiful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some people in this life have the male
Cardinal personality...like me. We tend to hog the attention because we
are bold and show up and say "HERE I AM!!!" There are many
however, like the female cardinal, that if you keep your eyes open, you see
their real, genuine, heart-stopping beauty. I'm sure we all know someone
like that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
best friend Linda was like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was
truly beautiful on the outside as well as the inside, but she never drew
attention to herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether she was
just content to let me have the spotlight, or just didn’t want to compete for
it, I don’t know. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Linda passed away just
over nine years ago. And my heart is still broken.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway. The other day I was watching dozens of
birds come and go, and even scratch on the ground like little chickens for the
seeds that have fallen out of the feeders. And I thought, “God is
watching these little sparrows. He takes care of them, He loves
them...and I KNOW He laughs at the God-feather.”<br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Matthew 10:28-30 it says, "<span class="woj">And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But
rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.</span><span class="text"><sup> </sup></span><span class="woj">Are not two sparrows sold
for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your
Father’s will.</span><span class="text"> </span><span class="woj">But the
very hairs of your head are all numbered.</span><span class="text"> <sup> </sup></span><span class="woj">Do not fear therefore; <i style="font-weight: bold;">you are of more value than many
sparrows." </i>(emphasis mine)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span class="woj">We don't need to be afraid of the things in our lives that we can’t
control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">want</i> to be like the little sparrow that kind of “controls” the
order of things. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I am not in control
of this life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has control, and I’m
very grateful for that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It means that I
don’t have to fear chronic illness.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span class="woj"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don't have to be afraid of that mean
boss who has it in for us. We don't have to worry about how we are going
to pay our bills; we don’t even have to worry about death!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God loves us, and takes care of us. If
God takes such good care of a sparrow, which were sold 2 for a penny, how much
more does He love and care for us? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether you believe in God or not, He
believes in you. He loves you. He wants to take care of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even more than the sparrows.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Here
are the lyrics to one of my favorite songs called, “His Eye Is On The Sparrow:”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Why
should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,<br />
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav’n and home,<br />
When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He:<br />
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;<br />
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,<br />
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,<br />
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;<br />
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;<br />
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;<br />
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Refrain:</span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,<br />
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,<br />
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,<br />
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;<br />
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">His eye
is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Refrain:</span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,<br />
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Kerri http://www.blogger.com/profile/06070983658642888724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615877796681762684.post-17793754362997567832018-03-02T15:35:00.000-08:002018-03-02T15:35:49.568-08:00Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children: A book review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhiaN_Vqhg9YqQfQvKL9GprMoODku1Sw6nVpouj4zfXM4bV8OAUMQtWrVVVgP5Fik07L55yoyCkkoBqcxXmq8QT16-ldsP1SekqekJbbKycwWODSQpUzQ9AGkqsU6HZqu058ZH-RnQivs/s1600/praying+scruptures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="281" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhiaN_Vqhg9YqQfQvKL9GprMoODku1Sw6nVpouj4zfXM4bV8OAUMQtWrVVVgP5Fik07L55yoyCkkoBqcxXmq8QT16-ldsP1SekqekJbbKycwWODSQpUzQ9AGkqsU6HZqu058ZH-RnQivs/s320/praying+scruptures.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
<br />
If you know me, you know that my son is not quite an adult yet (although he *thinks* he is sometimes!), but I figured it's never too early (or too late) to start praying Scripture over your child. I freak out a little (okay a lot) over thinking about Jacob as an adult, quite frankly. So I thought I better get started now.<br />
<br />
Jodie Berndt has a real winner here. In a practical, personal way, the author gives us varied situations in which we might need specific prayer for our adult children. These categories cover their health and well-being, their future relationships, jobs, and more. Ms. Berndt gives examples of praying Scripture, one of THE most powerful prayers anyone can pray over another. <br />
<br />
Because I have suffered from depression and anxiety, I can relate to praying for emotional and mental health both for myself and my family. A HUGE part of dealing with mental illness is dealing with the stigma of it. Sometimes it's very difficult to share with others the *real* reason we need prayer, whether it's for ourselves or others. But in chapter 13, for example, one of the author's prayer principles says this: "When you pray your child through a mental or emotional illness, don't let shame or fear keep you from enlisting trusted prayer partners to help carry your burden." pg 195, <i>Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children.</i><br />
<br />
Then you could specifically pray 2 Timothy 1:12 (paraphrased to fit your situation)..."When our family suffers, let us not be ashamed. Instead, let us be confident in your ability to guard whatever we entrust to you, including our child's emotional health." (pg. 205)<br />
<br />
When I got sick, my mom immediately started praying. She has a group of precious women she has been meeting with for nearly 30 years!! Whenever I needed prayer for *anything*, physical OR mental, I would call my mom and ask "her ladies" to pray. Never, ever underestimate the power of praying God's word!<br />
<br />
I would recommend this book for anyone with children in their teens or later. Although as I said, it's never too early to start praying over your children.<br />
<br />
You can purchase the book at Christianbook.com by clicking <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/praying-scriptures-adult-children-trusting-love/jodie-berndt/9780310348047/pd/348047?event=SHOP">here.</a><br />
Disclaimer: I received this book at no cost in exchange for my fair and honest review.Kerri http://www.blogger.com/profile/06070983658642888724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615877796681762684.post-23190094470358009002018-02-18T08:31:00.001-08:002018-02-18T08:32:12.547-08:00Redeemed<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFhu6wOJDGYXDEttI48SRstnDs4dDnjkuLPTF7RX2UTumfj2SET9CeYEUcXQebJgtCGlF16sECA0RYNdhx0_exX0u2FbOguLStvquq1C7w2TNZzerwzDKId76f44fFxavywYZJhVbJGs/s1600/redeemed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="154" data-original-width="328" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFhu6wOJDGYXDEttI48SRstnDs4dDnjkuLPTF7RX2UTumfj2SET9CeYEUcXQebJgtCGlF16sECA0RYNdhx0_exX0u2FbOguLStvquq1C7w2TNZzerwzDKId76f44fFxavywYZJhVbJGs/s320/redeemed.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo courtesy of Rock Church</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<span class="text"><sup><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></sup></span></div>
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<span class="text"><sup><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">18</span></span><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></sup></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For
you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you
were <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">redeemed</i> from the empty way of
life handed down to you from your ancestors,</span></span><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
<span class="text"><sup>19 </sup>but with <u>the precious blood of Christ,</u>
a lamb without blemish or defect.” 1 Peter 1:18-19 (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
New Living Translation of 1 Peter 1:18-19 uses the word “ransomed” instead of
redeemed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<sup>18 </sup>For you
know that God paid a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ransom </b>to save
you…<sup>19 </sup>It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless,
spotless Lamb of God.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="text"><u><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></u></span>
<span class="text"><u><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Ransom:</span></u></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Price</span></b></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">.</span></b></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Penalty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Payment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Redemption.</span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20.0pt;">Rescue.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Did
you know that you were rescued by God before you were ever born? That He loved
you so much He was willing to sacrifice His One and Only Son?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His <b>Child.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Think
about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean really, really THINK
about that….<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">When
is the last time you felt worthy of dying for?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m not sure I’ve EVER felt that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When is the last time you thought that Someone, anyone, would be beaten
and punished and murdered so YOU could have a better life?<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Well,
it happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a feedbox in
Bethlehem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the road to
Gethsemane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At a place called
Golgotha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jesus,
the One and Only, the Son of the One, True God, came to earth and lived and
died so that YOU could be rescued; so that I could be redeemed.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
know that I am guilty of talking “down” to myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, Kerri, that was so stupid!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can’t believe how dumb I am.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m such a loser.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Are
you willing to admit to any of those sounding familiar?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I say to you, and to myself:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>STOP. Just stop<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stop demoralizing the person
that Jesus bled and</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">died for!</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">What an insult to the Lamb of God!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">If
YOU paid a million dollars for something you thought was flawless, priceless,
and worthy to be paid for, how would you feel if <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">anyone</i> came by and treated it like trash? Would YOU take that
million dollar possession and slam it to the ground and break it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Of
course you wouldn’t.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Then
stop doing it to yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to
start realizing that we are not our own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were BOUGHT and paid for by the God of the Universe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And He hears our every thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows how we feel about ourselves, and
what we say to ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">And
He probably weeps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Let’s
start valuing ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s start
appreciating each other! Jesus died for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He died for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He died for your
worst enemy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "footlight mt light" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Let’s
not make it for nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text"><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">How
Deep The Father’s Love For Us<o:p></o:p></span></u></span><br />
<br />
©1995 Kingsway's Thank you Music <br />
Words and Music by Stuart Townend<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">How deep the Father's love for us <br />
How vast beyond all measure <br />
That He would give His only Son <br />
To make a wretch His treasure <br />
<br />
How great the pain of searing loss <br />
The Father turns His face away <br />
As wounds which mar the chosen One <br />
Bring many sons to glory <br />
<br />
Behold the Man upon a cross <br />
My guilt upon His shoulders <br />
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice <br />
Call out among the scoffers <br />
<br />
It was my sin that held Him there <br />
Until it was accomplished <br />
His dying breath has brought me life <br />
I know that it is finished <br />
</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">I will not boast in anything </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">
No gifts, no powr's, no wisdom <br />
But I will boast in Jesus Christ <br />
His death and resurrection <br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Why should I gain from His reward? <br />
I cannot give an answer <o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">But
this I know with all my heart <br />
His wounds have paid my ransom. <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />Kerri http://www.blogger.com/profile/06070983658642888724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615877796681762684.post-48163117020324328252018-02-13T14:35:00.000-08:002018-02-13T14:35:15.663-08:00Being Thankful On Purpose<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlEEoyxUQalfvPGSkT1HT9dKCBhT8OksgFC6WD57yQHlHW8g7ZPY7b9eBOJyuRxHX5_NSEwJZCOCHs_2XEhAgMbOeiaitBQfXLjZycANPjAsO_818BS4SNLgw3m4ZN_hyYmRizx50v-U/s1600/Being+Thankful+on+Purpose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1532" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlEEoyxUQalfvPGSkT1HT9dKCBhT8OksgFC6WD57yQHlHW8g7ZPY7b9eBOJyuRxHX5_NSEwJZCOCHs_2XEhAgMbOeiaitBQfXLjZycANPjAsO_818BS4SNLgw3m4ZN_hyYmRizx50v-U/s320/Being+Thankful+on+Purpose.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are times in everyone's lives when you just plain have a bad day. Even if things are going well, and you're feeling good... sometimes you still have a crappy attitude. (And when I say "you" I mean "me" too!) So I'm challenging myself, and you, to be thankful on purpose. I have SO much to be thankful for, that sometimes I need to remind myself. </span><br />
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1. I am thankful that God's mercies are new every morning. NO matter how badly
I screw up, He will forgive, <u>truly </u>forget, and start every new day with
a clean slate. That needs to be number one on EVERYONE'S thankful list.<br />
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2. I am thankful that we have a wood burner, and don't have to pay almost
$4.00 a <u>gallon</u> for fuel oil to heat our house. I'm thankful we have
woods all around us and don't have to pay for wood. I am thankful that Doug is
able to get all the wood we need for winter without paying someone else to get it. Praise God!<br />
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3. I am thankful that my husband is a Christian man, has a good job, is hard
working, faithful, trustworthy, loving, a wonderful provider and a great dad.
(He's awfully cute too!)<br />
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4. I am thankful I have a beautiful, healthy, smart, loving, busy, crazy,
amazing, gregarious, precocious, full-of-life son, when I thought I
never could. Miracles happen, folks. I'm living proof.<br />
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5. I am thankful for the friends that I have that I know I can count on for
WHATever, WHENever. Thank you for letting me know that I can depend on you,
call you in the middle of the night (only for an emergency, I promise!)…I love
you and appreciate you more than you can know.<br />
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6. I am thankful I have a computer, and internet, because it allows me to keep
in touch with everyone I love.<br />
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7. I am thankful for music. It moves me like nothing else can.<br />
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8. I am thankful that although I have health issues, I can see and hear. I can
walk, and talk, maybe not perfectly, but I can. I'm so, so, so thankful for the IonCleanse. It has given me my life back. Thank you, Lord!!<br />
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9. I am thankful that this life is not all we have. That when the time comes, I
will be in the presence of God Almighty, and I long to hear "Well done,
good and faithful servant." I will be whole again. There will be no more
night. No more pain. No more tears. Hallelujah! I will be reunited with those
gone before, and meet fellow Christian friends I have not had the privilege to
meet in this lifetime.<br />
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10. I am thankful for YOU, yes you! The one who is taking the time to read my
words. I am thankful you read this, and I want you to know you are loved.<br />
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May we all find something we are thankful for today. I'd love to hear what YOU'RE
thankful for...leave a comment! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="text"><sup>1 </sup></span><span class="text">Come, let us
sing for joy to the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text">;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">let
us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.</span><br />
<span class="text"><sup>2 </sup>Let us come before him with thanksgiving</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">and
extol him with music and song.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="text"><sup>3 </sup></span><span class="text">For the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"> is the great
God,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">the
great King above all gods.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="text">Psalm
95:1-3</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Kerri http://www.blogger.com/profile/06070983658642888724noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615877796681762684.post-22835844789994214482018-02-09T13:38:00.001-08:002018-02-09T13:38:11.176-08:00Today is Monumental!!<span style="font-family: inherit;">Why, you ask? Well, it's Martin Luther's birthday. (No, not Martin Luther King, just Martin Luther. If you don't know who that is, ask a Calvinist. LOL) That's lovely, but that's not why this day means SO much. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And, on this day in 1943, <span style="color: #3e454d;">Japanese troops evacuated Guadalcanal, which ended the epic WWII battle on the Solomon Islands in the Pacific. But that's not it either. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #3e454d;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #3e454d;">On February 9, 1951, the St. Louis Browns signed pitcher Satchel Paige, aged 45.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #3e454d;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #3e454d;">But what is REALLY significant, in MY life, on THIS day??</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #3e454d;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3e454d;">It has been ONE YEAR since my last plasmapheresis treatment!!!!</span></span><br />
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Now if some of you don't know what plasmapheresis is, let me tell you. (Warning, if you're squeamish, skip to the next paragraph!) I used to have to go to the hospital two times, a day apart, every four weeks to have pheresis. They would stick a large bore needle (like the size of a fork tine) into each arm. Out of one needle they would draw out 150% of my blood volume, and run it through a machine (like a fancy centrifuge), spin out my plasma, add albumin synthesized from human plasma, and put my blood back into my body. I have had this procedure done over ONE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED times in the last 17+ years. Yes, 1,400! If you're never had this, or dialysis, or anything like this, it's truly hard to imagine how hard this process is on your body. And I had to have it that often just to *function*.<br />
You can read more about plasmapheresis <a href="http://sickofmg.blogspot.com/search?q=plasmapheresis">HERE</a>. (At the time of the post I could go *maybe* up to six weeks, but my function would decline.)<br />
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So how on earth have I managed to go an entire year, when normally I would have had at LEAST 26 of these treatments, you ask? Let me tell you!!! I was blessed, absolutely, 100% BLESSED to be part of a small, private, *INFORMAL* study by Debbie Norman with a machine called the IonCleanse by AMD. (Click <a href="http://womenwithmg.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/WWMG-Study-Whitepaper-IonCleanse-by-AMD.pdf">HERE</a> to see the results of the study.) Debbie asked ME to be part of this study. The Lord led her to ask me, I just know it. Well, I DO know, because I had the chance to meet her and ask her why! Jacob said, "So we're going to meet the lady who gave you the keys to the lock to open the door to the rest of your life?" Sigh. I LOVE that boy. <br />
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I thank God every single day for this machine that has transformed my life. My miracle. I cannot thank Debbie enough for listening to God's whispers when it came time to find participants for the study. God is GOOD.<br />
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So what is the IonCleanse by AMD you ask? Well, it is an ionic footbath. Mmmm-hm. That's what I said. A foot bath. You put your feet in a tub filled with good ol' tap water, put something called an array in the tub, connect it to the computer (machine) and plug it in. YES, we're talking water and electricity here. That is why I can ONLY recommend the IonCleanse by AMD. It has a 100% safety record, and it has been tested, and tested, and tested. You can buy a knock off made in China for a LOT less money, but there is NO oversight, NO testing, NO safety record, and it's basically a glorified battery charger.<br />
<br />
I. have. gotten. my. life. back.<br />
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Did you get that?? I got my life back! What dollar amount do you put on getting your life back??? I would have paid 10 times the amount!! I can drive to an appointment an hour away, with Jacob, go to the appointment, drive an hour home, and still be okay. For many of my 20 years with Myasthenia Gravis I could not drive at all.<br />
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I can walk on the treadmill for 10 minutes and not get out of breath. I used to get out of breath going to the bathroom.<br />
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I can do laundry. (Aren't you excited for me?!?) I can vacuum. The whole house. I can take off and put on sheets on my queen size bed. BY MYSELF!!!! These may be trivial, monotonous chores for most folks, but if you couldn't do any of that for over 15 years??? Not even put one load of clothing in the washer? You would understand what a big deal this is for me.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last summer, for the *first* time since my son was born over 11 years ago, I looked at him and asked him where he wanted to go to do something just for fun. I had NEVER been able to do that before in HIS entire life. My eyes tear up just writing this. I've always wanted to be a mom...Always. And I struggled raising him. I struggled every. day. of. his. life. </span><br />
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Until the IonCleanse. <a href="https://www.amajordifference.com/shop/ioncleanse-solo/15-ion-cleanse-solo-system.html">HERE </a>is the link where you can find out more information. I'll tell you right upfront it's expensive. It's about $2000. They have a 60 day, 100% money back guarantee if you're not absolutely enamored with this machine. I noticed after about 6 weeks (well within the 60 day guarantee) how much better my depression was! I had a teeny tiny hope that the IonCleanse would help with that, but I was resigned to having horrible depression my whole life. That's a whole separate post, and I WILL post more about this, but I don't want this to become a book. (Not right now anyway 😏 )<br />
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There is also a payment program that you can sign up for when you call IonCleanse by AMD.... It's kind of like rent-to-own. The people at AMD are amazingly helpful, and they all speak English!! AMD (A Major Difference) is an American company. Just one MORE reason they are awesome! It's not like you call and get "Bob" from Pakistan to help you. You may even talk to the President of the company!<br />
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Anyway. I just wanted to share my amazing, happy news, that I have been able to go an entire year without the traumatic experience of getting all of my blood sucked out and put back in my body. I am prayerfully hopeful that I will never need it again.<br />
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Thanks for reading and sharing in my joy. God is GOOD!<br />
<br />Kerri http://www.blogger.com/profile/06070983658642888724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615877796681762684.post-2155889450073491272018-02-08T13:32:00.000-08:002018-02-08T13:32:31.043-08:00Becoming Real (repost)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcpj7cs-JlTuLoFAAKJFi165QIgTZTT-1wSESv7f_NyRJRBhyphenhyphentMjnSVgH_zituPW5POqUrsWmC6fOvsY6zhemXCD13GFYKEgm_vR-quKE5Wnx7LHlMWkpFpYMOCNYfTb0unkE7Jv8dx2U/s1600/Becoming+Real.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcpj7cs-JlTuLoFAAKJFi165QIgTZTT-1wSESv7f_NyRJRBhyphenhyphentMjnSVgH_zituPW5POqUrsWmC6fOvsY6zhemXCD13GFYKEgm_vR-quKE5Wnx7LHlMWkpFpYMOCNYfTb0unkE7Jv8dx2U/s320/Becoming+Real.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"It doesn't happen all at
once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's
why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or
who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of
your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the
joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you
are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> - <i>The</i> <i>Velveteen
Rabbit by Margery Williams</i></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I was not as familiar with this
story as I am with other “children’s” stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But when I read this, the ears of my heart stood at attention. My
eyes filled with tears. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's like God
whispered right to me, as I read this, that sometimes, it takes losing your
hair, or getting your joints messed up, or getting sick, or having to live in
pain, or with a trach.... to become REAL.</span><span style="font-family: "Footlight MT Light","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A message from the Lord of Hosts from a children’s book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always thought I was “real” before Myasthenia
Gravis (MG).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prided myself on being
genuine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then I got sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lost lots of friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lost most of my independence. I had to
depend on others for almost everything I needed, even the most basic of daily
tasks. It was horrible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yet it was wonderful. I learned that
dependence was not a bad thing; especially dependence on God.<br />
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I'm telling you I am not the same person I was before this disease. I am
Real <u>now.</u> I don't mince words. I don't flatter people if I
don't mean it. I used to just about panic over the smallest things that
went wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, I don't freak out about
the little things in life that aren't going to matter a week from now let alone
a year from now.<br />
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I value life. I value friendships. Because I know how delicate they
can be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know how easily they can go
away. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love more deeply. I love
more freely. I trust much. Maybe too much. But I'd rather be
that way than all skeptical and critical inside.<br />
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Sometimes it takes getting a little shabby, having your "hair loved
off", and going through the wringer of life's washing machine a time or
two to become real. God will take anything you have to set before Him,
and make from your offering someone beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Real.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“ ‘Does
it hurt?’ asked the Rabbit.<br />
‘Sometimes,’ said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "</span><i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-The Velveteen Rabbit<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And it <u>does </u>hurt. But
once you are Real, you don't want to go back, even though you may face further
pain. Because it's so much better to be Real. And <i>"once you
are REAL, you <u>can't</u> be ugly, except to people who don't
understand."</i><br />
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And you know what? There will always be people who don't understand. And
that's okay. Because ugly is on the INSIDE, and Real is through and
through. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Real is better, because
Real doesn't happen to people who are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">easily
broken.</i> <br />
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Real is strong. And I am Real</span><span style="font-family: "Footlight MT Light","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="text"><sup><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“</span></sup></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">But
he said to me, </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“My grace is sufficient for you, for
my power is made perfect in weakness.”</span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> Therefore I
will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may
rest on me.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">
<span class="text"><sup>10 </sup>That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight
in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">For when I am weak, then I am strong</i>.” 2
Corinthians 12:9-10</span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Kerri http://www.blogger.com/profile/06070983658642888724noreply@blogger.com0