tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36579562686205433872024-03-13T11:48:18.433-05:00Brown IdeasThoughts. Laughter. Truth. Boldness.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167424929785711838noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657956268620543387.post-60401477978332252162016-04-14T15:51:00.000-05:002016-04-14T15:56:22.669-05:00The day I trusted human grace.<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioa1t8BleGXr8ze0i1nU6_ddPPT6Dsj7opqPZHD2yuzzxkjW1DbP4RUWVsMRicnLGkhH9lCg6X2M9Tvm1BZxocn8SoX8kQlK6cQFiExJ8II6gW1HqMDOaM91FLsNIE3wc_sfIrlpAG2kw/s1600/If+only....jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioa1t8BleGXr8ze0i1nU6_ddPPT6Dsj7opqPZHD2yuzzxkjW1DbP4RUWVsMRicnLGkhH9lCg6X2M9Tvm1BZxocn8SoX8kQlK6cQFiExJ8II6gW1HqMDOaM91FLsNIE3wc_sfIrlpAG2kw/s320/If+only....jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">This
has been a difficult season. One consisting
of way more downs than it has ups. Some of them far beyond my control, and yet some
I formed with my own hands, words, or actions. The ones that are my own doing-
well they bring a special sort of angst. If only I had kept my mouth shut. If
only I had said this instead of that. If only I had used my brain before I acted.
If only I had thought about them before me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">If
only… </span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 150%;">If only</span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">… </span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 150%;">If only.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I’m
in an interesting place in my spiritual journey because I feel like I’m <i>finally</i> getting better at believing God
forgives- the biggest and the “smallest” of sins... And realizing there is no
such ranking in His eyes. I’m <i>finally</i>
starting to quote Scripture to fight the enemy’s attack that I’ve messed up far
too greatly and frequently for God to forgive. I’m <i>finally</i> starting to overcome that fear and live in the daily grace
God gives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Yet one day,</span></b><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">not so long ago, <b>the grace that God gives wasn’t quite enough.
</b>Not actually of course- we know God’s grace covers all. But mentally, emotionally, and even
spiritually, I needed human grace. You
see, I had sinned against a human. Not just God. My sinful words hadn’t only
hurt God, they had hurt a dear friend. </span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">As
God commands us to, I had asked forgiveness of Him and them, and had mercifully
received it from both God and man. </span><b style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">But…. </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">I</span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">couldn’t </span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">believe in the human form of grace. </span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">I
couldn’t</span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> let it go. </span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">I couldn’t</span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">
trust that a person meant the words “I forgive you.” </span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">I
couldn’t</span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> show them the real depth
of my sorrow. </span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">I couldn’t tell</span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> them enough how sorry I was. </span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">I couldn’t </span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">stop
dwelling on it until they verbalized what I “<i>just knew”</i> they were actually thinking “You messed up big time. I’m
not sure our friendship can recover from this.”
</span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Because</span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">that’s what I
deserved.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">When
I had was exhausted from the mental sumo wrestling war with my
self-condemnation, God’s grace showed up by letting me read Romans 8:6 in my
quiet time. It says “<i>For to set the mind
on the flesh is death. But to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” </i>In
that moment, God whispered to me, <b>“Holly,
you are trusting their flesh. Instead, start trusting My Spirit inside of them.”<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">In
that moment, I caught a glimpse of the freedom found in this truth. A Christian brother or sister has the same
Holy Spirit working in them as I have working in me. So then, just as I am
commanded to forgive, even the vilest of offenses, so are they. When I am
trusting in their flesh, their “natural” state, of course it brings death!
Death of a friendship at the least! Instead,
I’m called to trust in something </span><b><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%;">far</span></b><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> greater. I am
called to trust the Holy Spirit’s work in their life, and when I do that, then
I am setting my mind on the Spirit…. And setting my mind on the Spirit brings </span><b><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%;">life and peace</span></b><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">So,
I started being obedient. I started trusting the Spirit every time I wanted to
trust the flesh. You know what I discovered?
It works. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I
started </span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">believing in the human
form of grace. </span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I started</span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">
letting my past go. </span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I started </span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">trusting that a person meant the words “I forgive you.” </span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I
started</span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> to walk in the freedom of
forgiveness. </span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I started </span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">dwelling on my friend’s wonderful qualities instead of
my inadequacies. I </span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">started</span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> forgiving others more freely. </span><span style="font-family: DokChampa, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">All because </span><span style="font-family: DokChampa, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">grace transforms.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">As
I was contemplating the peace that grace brings, I suddenly understood…. There
are not two forms of grace- human and Divine:
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">It’s
</span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">all</span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">
divine grace just like it’s </span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">all</span><span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> God’s forgiveness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "dokchampa" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">He
simply invites us partake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167424929785711838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657956268620543387.post-43520431632130361282016-04-08T23:27:00.001-05:002016-04-08T23:28:37.044-05:00Some big lessons....<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's been a while since posting due to some big news that I'll talk more about soon! (No, not pregnant.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've been thinking a lot about past lessons that I've learned with God- largely due to the fact that I'm having to re-learn quite a few of them it would seem. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So, I thought that I would post some of the links from some of the blogs that have been most meaningful to me along the way. If you are anything like me, sometimes we need a refresher on what God has taught us and a reminder that He is teaching us still.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://everydayboldness.blogspot.com/2015/03/i-roar.html" target="_blank">I roar.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've struggled with accepting my personality for years.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://everydayboldness.blogspot.com/2015/02/ginger-black.html" target="_blank">Ginger | Black.</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'm a red-head. My husband is African American. Racism and the effects of it will forever be part of our lives.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://everydayboldness.blogspot.com/2015/09/i-am-insecure_22.html" target="_blank">I am insecure.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Not in every area. Probably not even in the areas you would expect.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://everydayboldness.blogspot.com/2014/10/man-truths.html" target="_blank">Man Truths.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hints are worthless. Every single time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://everydayboldness.blogspot.com/2014/08/shocked.html">Shocked.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I started to grasp how many teen girls are struggling with this... (not suitable for children).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://everydayboldness.blogspot.com/2015/01/what-no-one-ever-talks-about.html"><br /></a></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://everydayboldness.blogspot.com/2015/01/what-no-one-ever-talks-about.html">What no one ever talks about</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Depression isn't talked about. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If any of those topics relate to you, please let me know! Also, i</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">f you have some blog suggestions- leave me a comment so I can check them out!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167424929785711838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657956268620543387.post-33515838894902083052016-02-24T16:52:00.006-06:002016-02-25T10:04:46.778-06:007 Thoughts of a Woman During a Marital Fight<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Sometimes
you fight in marriage {or <i>life</i>}. There are some things that you just <b>never </b></span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">ever</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">think, say, or do in the
heat of the battle- despite what romantic comedies, Pinterest, or any other
romantic notion you had as a 17-year-old girl tells you. BUT there are
also things that you typically <b><i>always</i></b> think, say, or do in the
midst of the battle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">For
women, those two extreme reactions often happen back to back. In the same fight.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">So
to close out the Love Month, here’s a chronologically- ordered tribute to
fighting with your spouse. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">1. Do NOT even THINK about kissing me right
now.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHl7dBFH2yQ53MZmZ0usxxG5mb7a5ZTv3Q-K3tIapEyX9mpZ-QnChV8831qHd3053bRbrh-WoT74PYohKwDDbCVSmgSPGj8yK3J8WHImRaWnKzYpulneGhORjnmY0XzKbI7GXHqBw7JE/s1600/Jim+and+Pam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHl7dBFH2yQ53MZmZ0usxxG5mb7a5ZTv3Q-K3tIapEyX9mpZ-QnChV8831qHd3053bRbrh-WoT74PYohKwDDbCVSmgSPGj8yK3J8WHImRaWnKzYpulneGhORjnmY0XzKbI7GXHqBw7JE/s640/Jim+and+Pam.jpg" width="248" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">All those scenes in movies where a couple decides to forget everything they are
intensely arguing about and suddenly start showing copious amounts of affection
is </span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">FALSE</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">. I’m pretty sure I’ve literally thought: <i>“I would be so mad if he tried to kiss me
right now. Clearly the screen writers of those scenes have NEVER been in a
serious relationship.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">3.7 seconds later…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">2. All I want is a HUG right now. Why won’t
he just hug me?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Forget
about the fact that my previous point was do not even think about kissing me- I
don’t understand why it’s so confusing that sometimes I just need a hug? Clearly
the look on my face is screaming <i>“I need
physical touch- but only in this very specific and exact way!”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">4.2 seconds later…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">3. How
can he joke at a time like this? Does he not know we are in the middle of a FIGHT?
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">There
is absolutely nothing funny enough to deserve a smile right now, much less a
laugh. I guess that shows how trivial this is to him. So now we’re just fighting for laughs…. I see
how it is. …. Actually… what are we
fighting about again? Shoot. I can’t let him know that I forgot why I’m mad. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">2.6 seconds later…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">4.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> <b>Why won’t he laugh at my joke? Does he not
know that I’m trying to lighten the mood?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Goodness,
he’s certainly in a very dark place right now. He can’t even smile. I guess me poking fun wasn’t what he wanted
to hear </span><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">{never
mind it was </span></i><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">at</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">him}.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Last time we fought, he said he tries to
make jokes to lighten the mood. But when I do it, it just worsens the
mood. He needs to make up his mind!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">7.9 seconds later….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">5.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> <b>I just want him to understand what I’m
really saying.</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Let’s
be real, <i>if he actually understood me,</i>
</span><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">he
would agree with me.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">How can you hear my arguments and not
see the validity in my points? He <b><u>clearly</u></b>
isn’t listening. Maybe I should repeat
myself again- to the 10<sup>th</sup> power.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">Literally 1 second later…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">6. Is he pacifying me?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><i>I don’t want him to just agree
with me! </i>Why won’t he tell me what he’s really thinking? He knows he can
disagree with me and that I value his opinion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">And then to finish the
fight…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">7. Why doesn’t he apologize? I just said
nothing was wrong!!! <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I
really don’t understand why men think women are that complicated… </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167424929785711838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657956268620543387.post-91959095259837801992016-02-09T10:51:00.003-06:002016-02-09T21:06:24.167-06:00The Day I Murdered My Friend<div class="WordSection1">
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<span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I’ll never
forget the night I was talking with my friend about her upcoming deadlines and
projects. As she was telling me her plans, I responded with something like, <i>“Well that was dumb planning. You know you
never get through things as fast as you think you will.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDjYQMjgqDQ376SCPzTj5zPPoP-_NfjhsmM1wZIZObPxh_JrVQn-LVtp0LGen6LOwHq5uEFQptQRT_Tq2jiUqW-ReSy6neCTQclz1FckgLACNsxDCab1rAXqxH-ziUMB7m4Rap9XzNdU/s1600/recite-vflf28.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDjYQMjgqDQ376SCPzTj5zPPoP-_NfjhsmM1wZIZObPxh_JrVQn-LVtp0LGen6LOwHq5uEFQptQRT_Tq2jiUqW-ReSy6neCTQclz1FckgLACNsxDCab1rAXqxH-ziUMB7m4Rap9XzNdU/s320/recite-vflf28.png" width="246" /></a></div>
<span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">As soon as the
words finished charging out of my mouth, I could see her expression change into
one of surprise, hurt, and then deep disappointment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I tried to
back-pedal as my mind frantically searched for new words that could replace the
horrible ones that I had just uttered. But, as we all know, once words are
spoken, there are no take-backs. It was as if I had just taken a shot at my
friend and now I was trying to put the bullet back in the gun. Useless and
absurd.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The
conversation died after that. And a little part of our friendship did too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">All because of
my words. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">A particular
proverb in the Bible is hauntingly accurate on this topic:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "MV Boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: Gungsuh;">The tongue can bring death
or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Proverbs 18:21<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">The past few weeks I’ve been reminded of the cold
brutality- the murder- that words bring.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #fdfeff; font-family: "berlin sans fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: auto;" />
</span>
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<span style="background: #fdfeff; font-family: "berlin sans fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The murder of hopes and dreams:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">No …..
<b>|
</b>You
can’t….</span><span style="background: #fdfeff; font-family: "berlin sans fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #fdfeff; font-family: "berlin sans fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The murder of relationships:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">You
never…. <b>| </b> You always ….</span></div>
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<span style="background: #fdfeff; font-family: "berlin sans fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The murder of our self-confidence:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Did
you really think… <b>|</b> You’re
not…. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #fdfeff; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: auto;" />
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<span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">If I asked you
if you could think of a time that you were deeply hurt by words, you could
probably think of numerous times within mere seconds. Why? Because Solomon had
it right when he said: </span><i><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Gungsuh;">The words of the reckless pierce
like swords</span></i><i><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">…</span></i><span style="background: #fdfeff; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Maybe not
physically, but certainly emotionally, mentally, or psychologically. We all
know that childhood saying: “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words
will never hurt me” isn’t true. If we were being honest with kids, we would
teach them: <i>“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will end up killing
me!”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">However</span><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"> deadly
as words can be, here is the paradox. Words also bring life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Gungsuh;">The tongue can bring
death </span></i><i><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Gungsuh;">or life; </span></i><i><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Gungsuh;">those who love to talk will reap the
consequences. Proverbs 18:21<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Gungsuh;">The words of the
reckless pierce like swords </span></i><i><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Gungsuh;">but the tongue of the
wise brings healing</span></i><i><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Gungsuh;">. Proverbs 12:18<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Why don’t we let
that sink in- what exactly our words can bring.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><span style="background: #fdfeff; font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Healing</span><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">… </span><span style="background: #fdfeff; font-family: "poor richard" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Joy…</span><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><span style="background: #fdfeff; font-family: "bauhaus 93"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Smiles…</span><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><span style="background: #fdfeff; font-family: "algerian"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Laughter…</span><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><span style="background: #fdfeff; font-family: "bradley hand itc"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Forgiveness…</span><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><span style="background: #fdfeff; font-family: "bodoni mt black" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Courage…</span><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><b><span style="background: #fdfeff; font-family: "mistral"; font-size: 26.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Life. </span></b><b><span style="background: #fdfeff; font-family: "mistral"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">My words can
inspire in the same areas they used to kill.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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</span>
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<span style="background: #fdfeff; font-family: "berlin sans fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The inspiration of hopes and
dreams:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: #FDFEFF; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></b><span style="background: #FDFEFF; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">You can … <b>| </b>Yes…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #fdfeff; font-family: "berlin sans fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The inspiration of
relationships:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #FDFEFF; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">I care… <b>| </b>I love…
<b>| </b>I appreciate… <b>| </b>I
forgive… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: "berlin sans fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">The inspiration of confidence:</span></div>
<div class="WordSection6">
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<span style="background: #FDFEFF; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">I’m
proud… <b>| </b>I
trust… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="background: #fdfeff; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: auto;" />
</span>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">So, in closing,
let me ask you the same question that I had to wrestle with- <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Which side of the verse do
you land? Are you speaking death or life?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Or to put it
more realistically:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Are you a word-murderer?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Regardless of whatever you think the answer is, </span><b><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">listen
to yourself speak the next few days </span></b><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">to your husband, your child, your friend. If you will honestly weigh the words against
the Biblical standard, you will see where your words fall. </span><b><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">But fear not</span></b><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"> if you’re a word-murderer like me, God can change us. Read His life-giving words to us:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<i><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Gungsuh;">But if we confess our sins to
him, <b>he is faithful</b> and just <b>to forgive</b> us our sins and to cleanse
us from all wickedness.* {Furthermore} Nothing can separate us from God’s love.
Neither <b>death nor life {or the words we
speak}…</b> neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow… indeed,
nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God
that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.** And I {Jesus} will ask the Father,
and <b>he will give you another Advocate,</b>
who will never leave you. He is the Holy
Spirit, who leads into all truth. … But
you know him, <b>because he lives with you
now</b> and later will be in you.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">*1 John 1:9 **Romans 8:38-39 *** John 14:16-17<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">God can
resurrect your deadly mouth into a life-giving one. After all, resurrection is His
specialty.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167424929785711838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657956268620543387.post-5400666436035387402016-01-12T11:11:00.000-06:002016-01-12T11:37:26.043-06:00He is NOT a threat.<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Women
pulled their purses tighter when he walked by. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">At 2:30 in the afternoon. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">In a
popular department store.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My
husband evidently was viewed as threatening.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwudfCmE1H0sS4CpfQyN6BXKAlkHPKg7UjDpYNR8xBaotC7IaHPJw0oHMpJOukDFSV2aANnT51I9zBGJ7hz7nCaf-KQo8WUMvu5smNzx8lSZ5vVJgIAGOhqvCe9QiBszAhfy-FZqoOPhc/s1600/DSC00019copy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwudfCmE1H0sS4CpfQyN6BXKAlkHPKg7UjDpYNR8xBaotC7IaHPJw0oHMpJOukDFSV2aANnT51I9zBGJ7hz7nCaf-KQo8WUMvu5smNzx8lSZ5vVJgIAGOhqvCe9QiBszAhfy-FZqoOPhc/s320/DSC00019copy2.jpg" width="245" /></a><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
mere thought that the man who loves me, protects me, honors me, and cares for
me, was being perceived as potentially dangerous <b>would be laughable if </b>it wasn’t actually thought. Actually
considered. Actually believed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
women had no basis for this belief for he neither said anything nor did
anything to them or around them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">He <b>simply walked by</b> them as he shopped for
clothes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">He,
the man whom I have seen help total strangers time and time again, <b>simply walked by</b> them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">He,
<a href="http://everydayboldness.blogspot.com/2015/02/ginger-black.html?q=ginger" target="_blank">my black husband</a>, <b>simply walked by</b>
them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I
know it’s a seemingly small and subtle form of racism that is not newsworthy
but this one hit home for me. The </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">absurdity
of such a bogus reaction </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">simply because he has
a beautifully dark skin tone was </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">hurtful</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">. As he told me the
story, there was no anger in his voice or disgust in his temperament- it was
more incredulous. He was dumbfounded that it happened. He almost found it interesting, initially.
Almost. <i>Until it kept happening. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">As
I heard the story, I, on the other hand went from incredulousness, to anger, to
frustration, to despair, to bewilderment and back to anger again. In about 1.78
seconds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It’s
been a little while now since it happened, and I still experience all those
emotions every time I think about it. I
think I’ve landed in heartache, however.
There’s something </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">especially painful</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> at having the person you love and respect more than any
other, be so </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">horrifically misjudged.</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> I wish I could
believe that 2016 will be the year of no racism. No microagressions. No hatred.
No subtle prejudice or blatant bias.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">But
the reality is that we aren’t there yet. Our country, our state, our city
simply isn’t there yet. Your state, your
city simply isn’t there yet. To deny
that there is still racism is to only add to the problem. To deny that there
isn’t racism within the church is to only break the heart of God. To deny that
there isn’t bias within my own heart is to only help the dividedness instead of
the healing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbF_M5iOUGUPkadOn5eS55gGYSN5q7TmK_JC0wmqIdOI0CuefZR796DOgXnw5ltbrPsLhCE9WyDK3uJg3QzcoUC-Un6VA2ZwO1TBuzgYTV71rYX2TPlvjJTpwddNU8FF9bp-cCsNtoSvM/s1600/Psalm+51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbF_M5iOUGUPkadOn5eS55gGYSN5q7TmK_JC0wmqIdOI0CuefZR796DOgXnw5ltbrPsLhCE9WyDK3uJg3QzcoUC-Un6VA2ZwO1TBuzgYTV71rYX2TPlvjJTpwddNU8FF9bp-cCsNtoSvM/s320/Psalm+51.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">You
see friends, as much as I wanted to give those women a piece of my mind, I was
rebuked in my spirit. God reminded me that I too am guilty of prejudice. </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Of horribly misinformed stereotypes.</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> Of bias. They might look different than clutching my purse
as a black man walks by, but they are just as serious and just as wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I know I’m not alone.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Maybe
you judged someone who wore a <b>Muslim</b>
<b>dress</b>. Maybe the <b>Indian woman</b> in her sari. Maybe the <b>white man</b> with sagging jeans. Maybe the
<b>Asian woman</b> who didn’t speak English
fluently. Maybe the Taco Bell <b>employee</b>. The Target <b>cashier</b>. The anorexic <b>girl</b>. The <b>heavyset</b> boy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Should
I continue?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I’d
ask for you to consider doing </span><b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">two things</span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">.
Two things that I have been doing myself. If we all committed to these
two things, we would see our city start to change. Then our state. Then our country.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">1) </span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Ask God to show us our
own areas of bias and racism.</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Spend time asking for His
forgiveness and grace to change.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">2) Start speaking truth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Start telling your friend who makes
the racists jokes that they aren’t funny.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Start explaining to your parents why
you disagree with their view of people with a different ethnic background.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Start reminding your siblings that
the person they are making fun of was created in the image of God and they have
no place to mock that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Start engaging your coworkers in
conversations about the beauty in diversity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Start researching the subjects you
don’t understand so that you can speak truth instead of fiction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">As
much as I wish I could, I can’t change the women’s minds in the store that day.
But I can let God change me. And that’s enough to change the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167424929785711838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657956268620543387.post-79672476639714701512015-12-08T20:13:00.001-06:002015-12-08T20:48:03.560-06:00A Beautiful Weight<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Every time the scale goes up, my
beauty goes down.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCbgLifGq04QdMb4mcoH6ZUCD_waGpROTp3KCvIVwYtG92ef0t9l2g-5DKSN9cwGozTAlBczO3NcesgdA8boUoMB76nAjmVqPg2lecUOfSyopUaRNF44SuGCX1FO8bOrvnF2vihjJOMw/s1600/otherAppsImage.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCbgLifGq04QdMb4mcoH6ZUCD_waGpROTp3KCvIVwYtG92ef0t9l2g-5DKSN9cwGozTAlBczO3NcesgdA8boUoMB76nAjmVqPg2lecUOfSyopUaRNF44SuGCX1FO8bOrvnF2vihjJOMw/s320/otherAppsImage.jpg" width="320" /></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">That’s what, if many of us were
being honest, we would have to admit that we believe, isn’t it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I’ve been in a staring contest
with that false reality for months now. To
be honest, I’ve blinked and lost. <b>More than once.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9A4sdwxTH3U-xEvUs9L7boJY45kzxghUvq-ULVhFc5bSgbhCMA2_WUGL1UYpSKijUQepa04D-bvmE4j4MM-OlxCvtjvCGygsOUtwAPW_CzsMmzReF9h8IqQE2USrNfYUIBuTTZ4ZgOk/s1600/File+Dec+08%252C+4+09+01+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9A4sdwxTH3U-xEvUs9L7boJY45kzxghUvq-ULVhFc5bSgbhCMA2_WUGL1UYpSKijUQepa04D-bvmE4j4MM-OlxCvtjvCGygsOUtwAPW_CzsMmzReF9h8IqQE2USrNfYUIBuTTZ4ZgOk/s200/File+Dec+08%252C+4+09+01+PM.jpeg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">If only</span></span><span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> we grow into
self-confidence the same way we do our shoe size- automatically and without thought. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">If only</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">we believed our family,
friends, husbands, and God when they tell us our unique beauty is beautiful.
It’s not conditional nor is it based on our current jean size.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I believe </span></span><span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">that for others- I
sincerely do. I just don’t allow myself to believe it for my own body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">I think most of us fight to
hold onto the truth that our value isn’t based on our bodies. We know that our
worth as women (or men) goes far deeper than our weight. Many of us lose the
battle, however, when the fight is whether our actual </span><i><span style="font-size: large;">beauty</span></i><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> is defined by our
body’s shape or weight.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">My struggle keeps taking me back to Proverbs 31:30: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><i>Charm is
deceptive, and beauty is <b>fleeting</b>;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The root of the Hebrew word for
“<i>fleeting</i>” in that verse means transitory and
unsatisfactory. Solomon spoke truth to the women of his world hundreds of years ago- chasing beauty is
chasing something that is ever changing. </span><span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;">As I reflected on that, I
realized how true it is, even now. Especially now. The world’s standard of beauty is always
changing. </span><span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Be boyishly skinny. </span></span><span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Be slender with a nice butt.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;">Be curvy. </span><span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Have
straight long hair. </span></span><span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Have a short angular bob. </span></span><span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Have beach waves.</span></span><span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;">Be proud of
your body.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Change your body.</span></span><span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">S</span></span><span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ize 6 is perfect.</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Size 4 is the new 6. </span></span><i style="font-family: 'bodoni mt', serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;">(Devil
Wears Prada </i><span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;">anyone?!</span><i style="font-family: 'bodoni mt', serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;">)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I’ve fallen victim to all of those beauty stages and I’m not even that old! Truly, chasing beauty is chasing a constantly shifting standard. </span><span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;">I’m </span><span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>not</b></span></span><span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;"> saying we give up on
trying to better ourselves to become healthy, or to never care an iota about
our appearance. I am eating better and exercising more than I have in a long time! I wear make-up and love getting new clothes! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">But I am</span></b><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> saying that there is a balance to </span><b style="font-size: 13pt;">fight</b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">
for. It’s not worth giving up my “life” to chase an unattainable standard of beauty that
</span><b><span style="font-size: large;">limits</span></b><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> living. What I mean by that is this:<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I don’t want to never eat a
cookie with my husband again for fear of the calories. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I don’t want to ignore
my friend’s effort in making a home-cooked dinner by being consumed with
calorie consumption. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I don’t want to pretend I don’t like my mom’s homemade
cinnamon rolls at family holidays because I have to fit into my too small
pants. </span><span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;">Ladies- I get the struggle. The
fight to lose weight while not losing our identity to our jean size is painfully difficult. The fight
to believe the truth of God telling us our beauty is not changed by the number
on our scale is uphill. The tension to be healthy while still enjoying life is constant. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">There’s no shortcut. There
isn’t a formula. There's no 3 step process to success in this area.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">It’s a mental battle. An
internal fight to change our thought process. A fierce contest to hold onto the
truth. </span><span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">But the </span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">truth</span></b><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> is… I am
beautiful </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">in every size </span></b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">of clothing I wear. And so are you.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "bodoni mt" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The truth is as beautifully simple as that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167424929785711838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657956268620543387.post-908466807523201002015-11-16T23:28:00.000-06:002015-11-16T23:28:30.977-06:00Popping my bubble<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>“I’m
finding that most Christians find it easier to ask my testimony than deal with
my current reality.”</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">As
the young woman sitting across from me said that, I found myself soberly realizing
the weight of the truth that one sentence carried.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My
mind quickly flooded itself with examples of issues that all too often the
American Christian community has deemed it easier to ignore as reality than
come to grips with the brutal truth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJELxV4Ga1HsdeJ6F9SFj9TH3GfEZh2aScAQqtc2ppZ3UvImxVcszEjfhyphenhyphenHLSN9pOaOkn17nyApIQjUK7S14tvHF3U_qglOVtyp2epTnaAcZLK2L2_BRqO8BBQS7jFgEN3icTmEz6yXI/s1600/Issues+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJELxV4Ga1HsdeJ6F9SFj9TH3GfEZh2aScAQqtc2ppZ3UvImxVcszEjfhyphenhyphenHLSN9pOaOkn17nyApIQjUK7S14tvHF3U_qglOVtyp2epTnaAcZLK2L2_BRqO8BBQS7jFgEN3icTmEz6yXI/s320/Issues+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Racism. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It
exists. In subtle and not so subtle ways. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Mental disorders.
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">They’re
real. They’re becoming common.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Domestic</span></b><span style="font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> <b>abuse</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It
happens more than most care to admit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Christian
persecution. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Brothers
and sisters are dying all around the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Syrian refugees. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">They
need a place to call home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I’m
beginning to admit that <b>all too often I
like my bubble too much to let it be popped by the reality of pain that so many
people are living in.</b> But it’s time I realized, believed, and consequently
acted upon the truth that sacrificing my personal comfort or comfort zone brings
about a greater good. It’s also time to
realize that Christ was serious when He said to follow Him meant picking up a
cross. (Luke 9:23)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My
cross in America isn’t going to be the one fleeing for my life. <b>Maybe my cross is the one standing up for
those who are.</b> Not because of anything I can do individually. But because
of the power of Christ in me. The more I
research issues stemming from places of hatred, <i>the more I understand why I have a cross to bear</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: right;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">†</span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> People being dismissed as
less valuable because God blessed them with a gorgeous skin tone that happens
to be different than mine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: right;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">†</span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> People being turned away
from safety because we’re afraid that we’ll run out of room, resources, or
comfort with more refugees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: right;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">†</span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> People being dismissed as
dramatic rather than hurting because they have a mental disorder instead of a
physical one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">†</span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> People being told pain is
God’s will because it happens to come from the hand of a husband instead of a
stranger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGeyxuizWvm2ZE9cpfnLy15imP_2xcuzyrBO7TRdHtPQwiRM67hqM8lwTEkqPc1JFWNmociNZkSbs1alz5ecEke4mdHzvXCYyVNzECDNiHJfOhNE7NV6YzXNKVEj39InrzhwgV7mYzrJQ/s1600/jesus-wallpaper-cross-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGeyxuizWvm2ZE9cpfnLy15imP_2xcuzyrBO7TRdHtPQwiRM67hqM8lwTEkqPc1JFWNmociNZkSbs1alz5ecEke4mdHzvXCYyVNzECDNiHJfOhNE7NV6YzXNKVEj39InrzhwgV7mYzrJQ/s200/jesus-wallpaper-cross-4.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I,
for one, am tired. <i>Tired of choosing
myself over my world</i>. Jesus chose
the world when he picked up His cross. <b>It’s
time that I choose the world and pick up mine.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Maybe that means…
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">that I start partnering with local organizations to learn
about racism and work together to end it. And <span style="color: purple;">maybe </span>I start <b>confronting </b>that
friend who crosses the line. And <b>educating </b>that friend who makes well-intentioned
but ignorant statements.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Maybe that means…
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">that I educate myself on resources for people struggling
with mental disorders so that I can partner with hurting people <i>instead of
being scared, pious, put out, or uncomfortable </i>around them. And <span style="color: purple;">maybe </span>that <i>I
don’t instruct that friend to pray their way out </i>of depression and instead I
just listen to the pain they’re living in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Maybe that means…
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">that I realize domestic abuse is a real and terrifying reality
for many women in church-going homes across this country and I research ways to
actually help or pray for women in that situation. And <span style="color: purple;">maybe </span><b>instead of joking
about spousal abuse,</b> I start to invest my time helping agencies who help women.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Maybe that means…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> that <i>I start
sacrificially giving to organizations </i>that are helping underground churches
around the world so that my brothers and sisters who are fighting for their
lives will receive some support from a family across the ocean. And <span style="color: purple;">maybe </span>I
start with something as simple as supporting a child in need through a reputable
organization.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Maybe that means …<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKEjOugCCm8GUosiaeBqku326wG5bkBxJyZReEJb_9ZwcrICD49AIbXZcdFZAYcpyC7m9CTAufoykWmc299bs_2fJJu6t0LPtGbTM-0vpeaKJZIIO50XrZhfs6hQQiMRyiZkSFPOUMJGM/s1600/new-syrian-refugees-map.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKEjOugCCm8GUosiaeBqku326wG5bkBxJyZReEJb_9ZwcrICD49AIbXZcdFZAYcpyC7m9CTAufoykWmc299bs_2fJJu6t0LPtGbTM-0vpeaKJZIIO50XrZhfs6hQQiMRyiZkSFPOUMJGM/s320/new-syrian-refugees-map.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">that I <b>contact </b>my congressmen and senators that I’m
<b>deeply saddened</b> that they have decided we have no room in our state for those
running for their lives. <i>Especially given the fact that we’re closing in on the
Christmas season. </i>And <span style="color: purple;">maybe </span>I find out what organizations in my city or state
are working to help refugees and I consider going on a mission trip or opening
up my home to help them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><b><span style="font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So then, that means…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">That one day, I’ll wake up and see a difference in my
world, and know that it came from a <i>single small step of obedience </i>that God
blessed into an unimaginably wondrous answer to prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167424929785711838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657956268620543387.post-47318957397010623542015-10-20T17:09:00.002-05:002015-10-20T21:56:46.511-05:003 Life Lessons from Another Generation<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">As
much as I hate to admit this, I’m not really a “young adult” anymore. I’ve been out of college <b>*cough*</b> years, and
so although I’m not a “middle-aged” person, it pains me to admit that some
might say I’m closer to that life stage than I am the college life stage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And
yet, as I <strike>age</strike> grow-up, I am realizing how badly I want to keep a student’s heart! Why? Because this younger generation is inspiring. And I don't mean in the
fluffy “you can be whatever you want” type of way but in the reality that "life can be rough" type of way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Forte; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: red;">1. Giving free forgiveness</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It’s
unbelievable to me to see how much students have been hurt. In ridiculous and
sometimes horrible ways. I’ve sat
through conversation after conversation in the past few months / years,
listening to girls stories and finding out deep wounds that would leave most
shaken and destroyed. But much to my
shock, not only are these young people standing stronger in their faith than
before, they are walking in grace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I’ve
seen the practical obedience to the hard commands to love enemies and forgive
brothers as they’ve said things like:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“She
wasn’t trying to be like that. She was just ignorant.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“It’s
ok. God’s grace is deeper.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“I
can’t judge them- I’ve made mistakes in my past too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tempus Sans ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“I
don’t understand it. I’m hurt by it. But I don’t want to stay in this place.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Their
statements are eerily similar to Jesus’ words:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tempus Sans ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Judge
not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned;
forgive, and you will be forgiven; * But I say to you who hear, Love your
enemies, do good to those who hate you; ** Father forgive them. They don’t know
what they are doing.” ***</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I
can’t help but ask myself, when was the last time I sounded just like Jesus
especially in an area as hard as forgiveness?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Forte; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: red;">2. Crying S.O.S.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">If
you’ve texted with someone under the age of 30 recently, then you may have
noticed that the SOS signal is the commonly used abbreviation for HELP in
texting. We won’t discuss whether or not
I think SOS is a warranted cry when the text is that they need to borrow a
pencil… but I do understand the distress signal for say, chocolate chip
cookies!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Regardless,
students have no issue with sending the SOS flare.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tempus Sans ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SOS!
I need a flat iron!</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcrMfz4LknWalz4E9BLq3alruUK-Aehwol4pJ2bWwqhl2ecGox9J6XFYCYt3hXeqcqSuy8jJghWet_BgxmkOxBYwL16t3L9ZvPioN1UQ11rjtE6RYDUuq24SbFutVzzDno_yvNnj64FE/s1600/sos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcrMfz4LknWalz4E9BLq3alruUK-Aehwol4pJ2bWwqhl2ecGox9J6XFYCYt3hXeqcqSuy8jJghWet_BgxmkOxBYwL16t3L9ZvPioN1UQ11rjtE6RYDUuq24SbFutVzzDno_yvNnj64FE/s1600/sos.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">SOS!
That cute boy from math class said hi!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">SOS!
I can’t understand Bio!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">SOS!
My parents are getting divorced.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">SOS!
I don’t understand why God allowed this to happen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tempus Sans ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SOS!
My heart is breaking for my friend.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
cries range in heaviness but all are real. All are genuine needs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">At
what point in my life did I transition from feeling like I can ask for help for
</span><span style="font-family: "Tempus Sans ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">any</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">of life’s situations into the
unrealistic belief that I have to be perfectly put together and never admit I
need anything? Maybe even more important than asking the when is to ask the </span><span style="font-family: "Tempus Sans ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">why</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Why
do we not send the SOS flare when life takes a screeching turn in a direction
we never saw coming? Why do we pretend that we’re not shaken, bruised, and
distraught?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">When
was the last time I was genuine enough to ask for help?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Forte; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: red;">3. Living fully</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Somewhere
along the road of “adulthood,” you learn a secret shortcut… you learn to stop
thinking introspectively. It requires too much energy. Instead, <s>you</s> { I } just go with the
flow. We do what we need to do in order to be successful at our jobs, a good
member of our family, and an active church member. Rarely do we stop to
creatively think of ways to improve ourselves, our relationships, and our
spiritual walk. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It’s
as if we are settling for surviving instead of living. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Yet
as I have conversations with students, rarely are they content to survive.
Instead they want to glean every memory, every experience from their
lives. They want to change in order to
better themselves instead of focusing on how to better others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Now
I get that, realistically, as we age we lose some of that energy, but yet we
also supposedly gain wisdom. So why don’t apply that wisdom to pick which areas
of my life to still exert the most energy so that I can get the most return?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">What
do I mean? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 150%;">Why do I spend so much energy
on obsessing over the little things in my job instead of praying over the
people I work with?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 150%;">Why
do I spend so much energy on trying to meet the world’s fleeting view of beauty instead
of spending time investing in my eternal relationship with Christ?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 150%;">Why
do I get caught up in drama when I could be studying wisdom?</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tempus Sans ITC"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: red;">So
now what….</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I’m learning <b>to
learn</b> from those younger than me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: right; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">To be a bit <b>more humble</b> when it comes to life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I’m learning that <b>instead of discounting the younger generation</b> because they haven’t
made it to my life stage yet, <b>maybe I
should be acquiring</b> their qualities. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .5in; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">To <b>not be so quick to judge</b>. So quick to fix things alone. So quick to
survive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I’m learning that maybe the younger ones have an
outlook <b>that actually looks more like
Jesus’ than my own.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">*Lk 6:37<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">**Lk 6:27<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">*** Lk 22:34<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167424929785711838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657956268620543387.post-31226753809583065682015-09-22T23:27:00.001-05:002015-09-22T23:44:15.646-05:00I am insecure.<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWWgK7IZ-fLlDTRxj1Nvqd3Mh9LyDlhDE6iOVsr-vBQrfO2fd4zlfQmIGKhp9iS_CzhyRlwet0TML6adriPosHXyk4Pv0EIR51uOuS2JEYJAozJkzgTn1Q93LC99oDeZJi1CY1Hh-hSE/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWWgK7IZ-fLlDTRxj1Nvqd3Mh9LyDlhDE6iOVsr-vBQrfO2fd4zlfQmIGKhp9iS_CzhyRlwet0TML6adriPosHXyk4Pv0EIR51uOuS2JEYJAozJkzgTn1Q93LC99oDeZJi1CY1Hh-hSE/s320/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" width="233" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I
am insecure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It’s
difficult to write those words, but <i>even
harder to admit them</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It’s
not in every area. Probably not even in the areas you would expect. It’s in the areas that I myself would not
expect because there isn’t any reason for me to be uncertain in them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I
came to this epiphany late one night rather recently. I was reflecting on a
conversation that I had with someone very close to me. It was truly a “light
bulb” moment for me because in that quiet moment of reflection, I saw the
conversation for what it really was: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A manipulative way
for me to have my status of importance affirmed by someone else- someone whose
approval meant a great deal to me.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It
wasn’t an intentional manipulation- for most of us, it never is. But it was manipulative nonetheless. As I
realized the cold reality of my motivation in that conversation, I started to
think back to other scenarios’ with other people, and to my chagrin and slight
horror, I began to see a repetitive pattern that has thread its way through my
relationships.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">You
see- despite being an introvert, I’m secure on most public fronts. I enjoy
speaking in public. I usually have no problems voicing a dissenting opinion to
a group. Often, I <i><a href="http://everydayboldness.blogspot.com/2015/03/i-roar.html" target="_blank">roar</a></i> as I’ve stated on this blog before. So you can imagine my surprise when I came to
terms with the fact that there is an entirely different side of me when it
comes to my valuable people- family and friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It seems as though there are times where
my roar struggles to come out as anything more than a whimper.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Sound
familiar? I don’t know that I’m alone in the struggle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
thread I saw weaving itself through my relationships look something like the
following:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Questions I ask that force someone else to either affirm
their love for me or sound like a jerk.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Conversations where I discuss how they’ve hurt me without
allowing for or even caring for an explanation of their actions.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Much less a chance for them to explain how
I’ve hurt them.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Times that I have “tested” those I care about to see if
they respond “correctly.”</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">As
I reflected on the awkward position that I put my <b>loved</b> <b>ones</b> in at times,
I realized that not only was insecurity running the show, but I also was being <b>anything BUT loving</b> in those moments- totally
conflicting to my purpose of trying to feel more loved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Some
might remember a lesson I learned and shared a while back about how love should
be <i><a href="http://everydayboldness.blogspot.com/2014/02/fearless.html?q=fearless" target="_blank">fearless</a></i>. 1 John 4:18 says “There
is no <b>fear</b> in love, but perfect love
casts out <b>fear</b>. For <b>fear</b> has to do with punishment, and
whoever <b>fear</b> has not been perfected
in love.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">When
I put someone to the “test” to see if they genuinely care for me, I am giving
them a reason to <b>fear</b>. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">The
Greek root for the word “</span><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">fear</b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">” in
that verse has a meaning of “fleeing because feeling inadequate”.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Nobody
enjoys having the friend that says every 5.4 seconds “I’m so ugly. You’re so
pretty. I’m so fat. You’re so skinny. I’m so boring. You’re so cool.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Why?
It makes you want to flee! Her continual statements of self-doubt show you that
no matter what you say, you can’t convince her otherwise…. Or in other words, <i>you feel like fleeing because you are
inadequate of changing her mind.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Ding-Ding-Ding. I Get It.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We
all have continual doubts we battle and some of us then “test” with our loved
ones. Doubts on whether or not:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">my best friend will love me through that mistake,<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIwonI_0b4pTklsShdzVBh46ggYs3ISKWvp6mCcC77w1HiRiSzi268ZMDjfX4LSWb9ceyxusUbc2FMPO5ZiOYCdoxaJ3WfHsCPLmHuCuCGUZL5JNu_9_7HEmZdJ8pLvfJrGWvBANkeR0/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIwonI_0b4pTklsShdzVBh46ggYs3ISKWvp6mCcC77w1HiRiSzi268ZMDjfX4LSWb9ceyxusUbc2FMPO5ZiOYCdoxaJ3WfHsCPLmHuCuCGUZL5JNu_9_7HEmZdJ8pLvfJrGWvBANkeR0/s400/FullSizeRender+%25282%2529.jpg" width="396" /></a></div>
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">I’m worth spending time with,</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">my parents will forgive me no matter what,</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">my siblings will accept my flaws,</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">my husband will always love me- quirks and all,</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">my friends still value my friendship even when hanging
out with other friends,</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">my beauty isn’t determined by the scale,</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">my impact on others will be long-lasting,</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">my mistake doesn’t change God’s love.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">By
showing our refusal to believe their words the first, second, hundredth,
thousandth time(s), we are in essence telling them that they are unable to
persuade us otherwise, and</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">their promises are nice but worthless</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Which of course would
cause most people fearful that they will never change our minds! </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">No
wonder there is no place for <b>fear</b> in
love! It destroys relationships!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So.
The new goal is to fight the urge to ask
the manipulative question, while reminding myself that I love them enough to
keep them from fearing me! But I would be lying if I didn’t also say that I </span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">know</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">there will still be
days when I need affirmation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So
on those days instead of testing the person I’m with so that when they answer
correctly I feel better about myself, <b>why
don’t I own the security?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Hey-
I know this is not true, but I’m really struggling with _________________
today. Will you pray for me?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Maybe
instead of them judging me, they’ll pray with me. Maybe they’ll appreciate my
honesty and feel like they can be honest back. Maybe they’ll remember that the
next time they feel insecure, and they’ll have courage to own it too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">If each woman, young or old, starts owning her
insecurities, <br />
we <b>just might</b> find that <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>we’re all more alike than we realize. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We <b>just might</b>
find that someone else has battled and overcome the same security we are
currently fighting. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We <b>just might</b>
find that the insecurity doesn’t hold the same power over our mind when we’ve
voiced it to someone else. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">[After all, there is power in numbers.]<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: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We <b>just might</b>
find that we can give and receive love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">With<b>OUT</b> Fear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167424929785711838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657956268620543387.post-74008019954157221722015-09-07T22:58:00.003-05:002015-09-07T23:09:25.441-05:00Newlywed Season OVER!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTf9JDydl-jkE-3URbbX3SbppZ2o4owzZc3tnrjfawi8tLd0BCxidn1UmSVlsC4k4lec36PgSXKNZGNID1PzQz55iBvVKAGreHfRJWV703Rc0UTVz05658BvE0djgrtAXG7ud1l-lkOQ/s1600/Year+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTf9JDydl-jkE-3URbbX3SbppZ2o4owzZc3tnrjfawi8tLd0BCxidn1UmSVlsC4k4lec36PgSXKNZGNID1PzQz55iBvVKAGreHfRJWV703Rc0UTVz05658BvE0djgrtAXG7ud1l-lkOQ/s400/Year+2.jpg" width="148" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">That’s right… our newlywed season
is officially in the past! We are 1 day into the “rest of our marriage” which
means it’s time for my semi-annual marriage post. Lessons learned from my marriage.
#round2 #2ndanniversary<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">You might remember some
previous ones. I’ve heard from quite a few of you that it has <b><i>forever</i></b>
changed your approach to <a href="http://www.everydayboldness.blogspot.com/search?q=marriage#!http://everydayboldness.blogspot.com/2014/02/marriage-truths-ha.html" target="_blank"><i>loading the silverware in the dishwasher.</i> </a> (Aaron
still holds that over my head.) I was also reminded just this weekend how vital
it is to<b> <a href="http://everydayboldness.blogspot.com/2014/10/man-truths.html?q=marriage" target="_blank">never leave hints.</a></b><a href="http://everydayboldness.blogspot.com/2014/10/man-truths.html?q=marriage" target="_blank"> Always be blunt. As blunt as possible. Everytime.</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">As I’ve been reflecting on
marriage and the lessons learned now that we’re ending the “newlywed” phase,
there are some new lessons that are taking priority right now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: purple;">1. Compromise saves marriages...
probably even the world </span></span><span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>#likeforreal</b></span><span style="font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If you do not want to learn
every possible way to roll your eyes at your spouse for breaking into song
every 1.5 minutes on a 9 hour road trip, compromise.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If you want to spend your
tax-return money on Coach purses, and he wants to spend it on a 1,000 inch television,
compromise.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If you want to lay in bed
and watch hours of movies with his shoulder as your pillow, and his shirt as
your Kleenex, compromise.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If you’re not sure that you
want your in-laws to live with you 11.75 months out of the year, compromise.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Are you getting the point?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Compromise is not something
I like to do. I like to have my way. All. The. Time. But, I’m learning
compromise makes life more enjoyable and less stressful in the long-run. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Here’s some of the areas we’ve
learned to compromise in …</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKr9iLL4UThfmXi5plXesx7Kx_svasuW745RDKPYpviN3qDZT6wdU6_YBbVNq-hPWHQeEalcdgVR85JJcRmqRW5l2Xs5KVINUHy3H8R57tGf7YIInYKtSzSTvUjuAuPzhQQQblxcKgcQ/s1600/Compromise+quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKr9iLL4UThfmXi5plXesx7Kx_svasuW745RDKPYpviN3qDZT6wdU6_YBbVNq-hPWHQeEalcdgVR85JJcRmqRW5l2Xs5KVINUHy3H8R57tGf7YIInYKtSzSTvUjuAuPzhQQQblxcKgcQ/s400/Compromise+quote.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Aaron likes to burst into song… loudly (some might
even say obnoxiously) So the compromise is that he gets to sing his heart out for
one/two/three songs, and then I at some point get to chime in and say “That’s
it! Sing it inside!” Which he then
finishes the song in his head, complete with hand motions, choreography, and
facial expressions… but no noise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">When I get
in the mood to be lazy, he knows I’m going to basically be worthless for a lot
of hours. And it’s typically at the same time that he’s in the mood to “be
productive”. So, I’m learning to “be productive” for one or two projects…and
then go in a different room and be lazy guilt-free, but without him, while he
can continue scurrying around accomplishing all sorts of goals and
achievements.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Don’t misunderstand me, there
are some things to never compromise. Don’t compromise on your values and
morals. Compromise on the daily tasks, the quirky habits, the eccentric
tendencies that can drive the other person nuts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">But discuss your values.
Talk about your morals. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Compromise on preferences
not on sin.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7xSmOCmsZHnu03m3oZ1ne_tdxCSEcetgQL7Yh1sVIYv34hKO5ohYYMz8-4OXsmlp3wHCUteKeFPUS76yP-n30wnH4MbrDeZoTdjBWCZXtW1BEuweOeBBdggmkBbcpN96GY17TwUlFNg/s1600/406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7xSmOCmsZHnu03m3oZ1ne_tdxCSEcetgQL7Yh1sVIYv34hKO5ohYYMz8-4OXsmlp3wHCUteKeFPUS76yP-n30wnH4MbrDeZoTdjBWCZXtW1BEuweOeBBdggmkBbcpN96GY17TwUlFNg/s200/406.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: purple;">2. Accept the reality that your
spouse is not the leading role in a chick-flick.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>#dropmyexpectations #ain’tnobodyflawless</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"> ·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Aaron does not read my
mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"> ·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Aaron does not wake up
with good breath.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"> ·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Aaron does not stare
into my eyes for hours on end getting lost in their “unfathomable depths.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe Print'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Who has time for that?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Similarly…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfATbhTNPkrSJ15s9UPSz__mjAOswX-S6DcWAzMZ_LBs9iB7JdNWHz03qKTndNB6JbDwrEwJxc4iC2j9gyNleQpQ29rqgUGZPGabp0a-VptCfo1vrBYXnPcwODTjJaC2_EXCkIM57wh-A/s1600/382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfATbhTNPkrSJ15s9UPSz__mjAOswX-S6DcWAzMZ_LBs9iB7JdNWHz03qKTndNB6JbDwrEwJxc4iC2j9gyNleQpQ29rqgUGZPGabp0a-VptCfo1vrBYXnPcwODTjJaC2_EXCkIM57wh-A/s200/382.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">I do not read Aaron’s
mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">I do not wake up with
good breath. Or good hair. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">I do not have perfect
hair, make-up, & accessories every time we go out</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe Print'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Who has time for that?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The truth is it’s easy to convince yourself that “he
should know __________ !” when in all reality, unless he’s watch 897 chick-flicks
and been able to string together which ones you personally identify, he would
have absolutely no idea that when you say you don’t like getting flowers, you
mean that 99.8% of the time, but that .2% when you do is for the situation that you
are going through RIGHT NOW, which obviously calls for flowers!!!! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My life will never look like a romantic comedy. Some days
might slightly echo it. But most days it’s far too “real” for that. So instead, let me learn to celebrate my man’s
strengths and see the godliness reflected in his character. Let me embrace the
reality of living forever with someone and all the fights, silliness, scars,
ups and downs that come with that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: purple;">3. Live by these words: <a href="http://www.everydayboldness.blogspot.com/search?q=oreo#!http://everydayboldness.blogspot.com/2014/08/oreos-life-lessons.html" target="_blank">Never get a puppy. </a> Just Kidding!</span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>#notreally #justsayno</b></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Actually…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: purple;">4. Live by these words… </span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Most important of all, continue to show deep love for
each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. {1 Peter 4:8} </span><span style="font-family: 'Maiandra GD', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>#onlywaytosurvive #lovecovers</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When
he’s wronged me. {</span><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Love</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">}
It covers the sin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When
I’ve wronged him. {</span><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Love</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">} It
covers the sin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When
we’ve both been wrong. {</span><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Love</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">} It
covers the sin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m going to be honest. Some days I’m awful at this. I
hold onto the sin. I bring up the failure. I carry the grudge. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And all it does is create deeper wounds. Bigger scars.
Harsher fights.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But when I allow love to cover the sin- it envelopes the
offense so that I can look through a lens of healing instead bitterness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Yes, there’s still hurt. There’s still a wound. There
might even be stitches. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">{But it heals.}<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> It doesn’t
fester. It doesn’t get worse. It doesn’t spread.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">{It’s restored.}<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To my surprise, I’m realizing that the lessons learned
in marriage are actually beneficial to my other relationships. #shocker </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This stuff isn’t just for my marriage. It’s for my
sister. My brothers. My parents. My friends. My co-workers. My staff.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Am I living and loving well? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">1 John 4:19 We love each
other because God loved us first.</span><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167424929785711838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657956268620543387.post-67144777293301183652015-08-11T21:36:00.001-05:002015-08-11T21:43:30.306-05:00Life in 288 square feet. <span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Life in 288 square feet.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">My husband, puppy Oreo, and
I are in “transition” which is code for the fact that 3 of us, 2 people and a
puppy, are sharing <b>a</b> bedroom and <b>a</b> bathroom with a grand total of less
than 300 square feet. Not surprisingly, the puppy seems to be thrilled! She’s
never had this much <b><i><u>constant</u></i></b> access to us before. Well, we’ve actually never
had this much constant access to each other before either!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Earlier this summer, we
watched one of those HGTV shows that highlighted a couple deciding to move into
a “tiny house.” We thought they were crazy.
And yet here we are. Not quite a house but just as tiny. I’ve learned
some valuable lessons in this tiny space, some that will probably stay with me
a while.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .25in;">
</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">No
matter how much you “puppy proof” a room, you’ll always miss something. And
they will always locate it. And then devour it. And then spit it out. And then
look at you with that cute but guilty and devilish look as you clean it up.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Packing
while in a large house for a tiny space isn’t effective. You really aren’t in
the zone. Like at all. Although it made sense at the time to have a different
bag for every type of item or clothing, now you’re living with stacks of
suitcases </span><s style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">surrounding</s><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> falling onto you. </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Why did I think it was a good idea to have a
bag just for t-shirts? </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Why do I even
have enough t-shirts to fill a bag??</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Zig
Ziglar was right when he said “</span><i style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Your
attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.”</i><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">But he failed to mention that it </span><b style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><u>will not</u></b><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> determine the size of your
living area.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLS_Vcjwf5wXb-3YnA9mwUz-5HNnGWMC8KWI7FiAXkXLphwI6LRZabWbYFV6COok87wIXwhWHmeOWaYeFpwz9mwIvuEIf6P-nicp4Lr-tvFtuVIZ9KPXMEshBEEvWRu8KJ9YPTQ2KXhPo/s1600/288+feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLS_Vcjwf5wXb-3YnA9mwUz-5HNnGWMC8KWI7FiAXkXLphwI6LRZabWbYFV6COok87wIXwhWHmeOWaYeFpwz9mwIvuEIf6P-nicp4Lr-tvFtuVIZ9KPXMEshBEEvWRu8KJ9YPTQ2KXhPo/s320/288+feet.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">In this temporary place, I’m
constantly noticing that our life is transitioning. To new places, new normals,
new routines. But before we get to experience all those exciting outcomes, however,
I’m learning that I must first be reminded of the reality of life. The reality
of relationships. The reality of faith. Only then do I really appreciate the
new life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">So, today I thanked God for
the chance to be <b>here</b>. Yes, <b>here</b>, in this 288 square feet room with
questions swirling, a puppy panting, and a husband studying. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Because <b>here</b> tells me that God cares. He cares so much <b>more</b>….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">More</span></b><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> about my character
than my happiness.</span></li>
<li><b style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">More</span></b><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> about teaching me what’s
actually important in my life than providing me with all of life’s walk-in
closets and double vanities.</span></li>
<li><b style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">More</span></b><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> about appreciating that
my husband is leading us to walk in faith and not comfort. </span></li>
<li><b style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">More</span></b><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> about understanding
that God is faithful to provide. Always.</span></li>
<li><b style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">More</span></b><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> about learning that
God’s provision are best for me even if they don’t align to exactly what I
ask and when I ask for it.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">So, with that in mind, I’m
trying to appreciate the <b>here</b>. One
day, when we’re <b>there</b>, I’ll be reminded
of how grateful I was for the lessons in the <b>here</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">In the meantime, I have to go
find out what my puppy just did. She has that “look” again. Excuse my chanting…. They do say repetition
leads to retention after all….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Be grateful for the here...
</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Be grateful for the here…</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Be
grateful for the here…</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Be grateful for the here… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167424929785711838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657956268620543387.post-57374477181965573302015-06-11T22:04:00.001-05:002015-06-11T22:25:58.515-05:00If Jesus is enough...<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Please Note: This
blog is not suitable for young children due to the topic discussed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">If Jesus is enough,
then </span><b><span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">why</span></b><span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">…. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Have</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">6% of all U.S. high school students had sexual
intercourse before age 13. *</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Malgun Gothic";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 12.75pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Are</span></b><span style="color: #4a3527; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><span style="color: #4a3527; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">5% of 12-year-olds, 10% of 13-year-olds and 20% of 14-year-olds sexually
active. ** <i>(When you consider that less
than half of 12- to 14-year-olds have ever been on a date, these numbers are
staggering. **)</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Have</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #4a3527; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">10% of girls
said they would have sex to satisfy curiosity, and another 10% said they would
have sex to satisfy sexual desires.**</span><span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Do</span></b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">almost 615,000 U.S. women aged 15–19
become pregnant each year. ***</span><span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Do</span></b> <span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"> 76% of 18-30 year old women say they view pornography
at least once a month.****</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Are</span></b><span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">65% of girls are
sexually active by their senior year.</span><span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It would seem that
at least in America, our teenage girls do not believe <br />that Jesus is actually
enough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I’ve been asked many
times, “Why do you teach so many lessons on relationships? Isn’t teaching the girls “Jesus”, enough? He’s all that we need, so why try to address
the relationship topic. Clearly the issue is that girls need to love Jesus
more.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Maybe it’s because
<a href="http://everydayboldness.blogspot.com/2014/08/shocked.html" target="_blank">I’ve seen way too many</a> great girls date a mistake. Maybe it’s because I’ve seen
10 too many girls cry over a romantic decision that cost far more than they
ever wanted to pay. Maybe it’s because I’ve seen heartbreak after heartbreak
after heartbreak.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Maybe it’s because
it’s taken me this long to be brave enough to be honest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">But no, in regards
to the way you’re asking the question, for most of our teenage girls, “Jesus”
isn’t enough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Here’s what I mean
by that: If a girl doesn’t know how to
transform theology into practicality, then the reality is, <i>for her</i>, Jesus is not enough. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Instead, she turns
to a boy to fill the lonely void in her heart that has never been filled.<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypC9GzoG5zcXfuyCmTQlNnlbsxbZy69yBRiNzooj1vSwdazk56t3m6YC-q8gu5GELk26Zc0S-nPZ431v-0movgp5PMz5gqYvyx2tyHKyy-sKY3W3vnFTkxzrKAmYKZCcdn85dFg8Lhk4/s1600/beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypC9GzoG5zcXfuyCmTQlNnlbsxbZy69yBRiNzooj1vSwdazk56t3m6YC-q8gu5GELk26Zc0S-nPZ431v-0movgp5PMz5gqYvyx2tyHKyy-sKY3W3vnFTkxzrKAmYKZCcdn85dFg8Lhk4/s200/beach.jpg" width="132" /></a><span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Most of us don’t
have the smallest idea of what these teenage girls battle on a regular basis,
but we think we do and we think by telling them “Jesus is enough” they will
magically no longer want a boyfriend, no longer desire sexual attention, no
longer make a decision that they will later regret.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">But the brutal and
harsh reality is this:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It’s not that
simple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Jesus won’t be
enough for these girls until they know who Jesus is and why He is worth the
loneliness, heartache, and feelings of rejection. So many times, we’re actually
telling girls that a total stranger is “enough”. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The only way that Jesus becomes enough is
when we, the moms, sisters, mentors, girls ministers, introduce them <b>and</b> enable them to get to know
Jesus. The deeper-than-Sunday-school
version of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The Jesus that has
held me while I cried.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The Jesus that has
promised me a life worthy of living.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The Jesus that has
walked with me through days that no one else has been present for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The Jesus that has
made the Bible come alive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The Jesus that
became my best friend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Then and only then
we will find ourselves hearing girls say to other girls “Jesus is enough. I
know that doesn’t make sense now, and may not even be true for you. But let me tell you
how it became true for me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">In the meantime, for
the girls who haven’t yet learned that Jesus is enough, I will keep warning girls about bad relationships.
<a href="http://everydayboldness.blogspot.com/2014/08/shocked.html" target="_blank">I will keep telling moms</a> the severity of sexual activity in junior high and
high school. I will keep fighting the battle that is the foremost reason girls
make life-changing mistakes: the battle of relationships.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And I will use <i>that</i> platform to show the girls that the simple yet confusing truth
is that Jesus <b><i>can</i></b> be enough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">If you are in the Houston area, please click <a href="http://www.sagemontchurch.org/event/tbh-girls-bible-study/" target="_blank">here </a>for information about my upcoming event at Sagemont Church on this topic.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Malgun Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5IfJzU1yoN_xZew-II-E6xBm507zKpOAf6klrdEMlSY54Ygdsrp74Yo-OXQFl9sPddxbc8bN5iRvLye4lJ6UGxtgY55yenUc1j8kaGAmGu_ShhBDJ2F7Cwyq4sS6PoI_e1K5eJTP0rxk/s1600/Jesus+is+enough+quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5IfJzU1yoN_xZew-II-E6xBm507zKpOAf6klrdEMlSY54Ygdsrp74Yo-OXQFl9sPddxbc8bN5iRvLye4lJ6UGxtgY55yenUc1j8kaGAmGu_ShhBDJ2F7Cwyq4sS6PoI_e1K5eJTP0rxk/s640/Jesus+is+enough+quote.jpg" width="488" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Malgun Gothic";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Malgun Gothic";">*http://advocatesforyouth.org/storage/advfy/documents/adolescent-sexual-behavior-demographics.pdf<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Malgun Gothic";">**http://www.citizenlink.com/2010/06/17/teen-sexual-behavior-quick-facts/<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Malgun Gothic";">***</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <a href="http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/FB-ATSRH.html">http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/FB-ATSRH.html</a></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Malgun Gothic";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
****2015-porn-stats-covenant-eyes.pdfAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167424929785711838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657956268620543387.post-56878132197649644512015-05-20T17:21:00.002-05:002015-05-20T21:43:35.094-05:00Done with the Devil<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m on the phone with my sister one night and hear my
niece come into her room crying. Kara tells me to hold on and I hear the
following conversation:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Honey,
what’s wrong?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(Through tears) Mom, I just can’t handle living with
the devil anymore!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What
are you talking about? Why can’t you handle it?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(Through more tears) He makes me forget to brush my
teeth and brush my hair! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Well
honey, he’s not going anywhere, so remember that Jesus is greater than the
devil. And… you’ll have to figure out how to remember to do those things. Now
go get ready for bed.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Footsteps and muffled tears…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FLpNu8tXv0Svjbf_iT-cTu7YUi35T5gszWhr2H4OOj0RzGAM4OBXlQKVlTnCF9bvP8KW3tfVZ0ZWMlwm-8DGrpsWmhOA02PLIuP7HKem9A791Iamrv928d4Zv6EB3gU3Ct-eVzZ1_rU/s1600/H+%2526+C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FLpNu8tXv0Svjbf_iT-cTu7YUi35T5gszWhr2H4OOj0RzGAM4OBXlQKVlTnCF9bvP8KW3tfVZ0ZWMlwm-8DGrpsWmhOA02PLIuP7HKem9A791Iamrv928d4Zv6EB3gU3Ct-eVzZ1_rU/s320/H+%2526+C.jpg" width="320" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Hey
sis- I’m back. Did you hear that?”<br />
</span></i><span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Much
laughter later, we continued our conversation…..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I still smile when I think of that conversation. If
only you could have heard the pitiful voice of my niece expressing her
frustration with the devil, you would still be chuckling too! (She’s a 9 year
old believer who feels like she’s seen it all!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But as I think more about that conversation, I can’t
help but admit that Carolina admitted what I feel on so many days. Total
despair and frustration with the devil and how he has affected my world. And the reality that some days I, too, think… <i>I just can’t take it anymore. </i> Maybe it’s not over something as “childish” as
brushing my teeth… or maybe, just maybe it is.
As much as I’d like to pretend I only get overwhelmed when I’m making
decisions that affect hundreds of lives, the genuine awful truth is I get
overwhelmed. Sometimes over monumental tasks
and sometimes over miniscule tasks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In those moments, <b>I must become like a child</b>… like my sweet genuine niece and go to
the Lord…. “Dad, I just can’t handle living with the devil anymore! I’m so
heartbroken, and he’s telling me to doubt everything!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And my heavenly father soothes… “Holly, he’s not going anywhere for a while.
But remember, I am in you, and I am always greater than him.” *<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Some of you might be asking, really? You remember
that Jesus lives in your heart and it makes it all better? Well, no, not always. <b><i>But it could if I would let
it.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What do I mean by that? It’s like the difference
between when I was scared as a single woman versus being scared as a married woman.
When I “heard” something when I lived alone, there was nothing to alleviate the
fear. I just had to try to pretend I didn’t hear it and fall asleep before
anything else spooked me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When I “hear” something as a married woman, I tell my
husband I heard something, and then fall sleep knowing there is someone there
to protect me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">My fear is gone because I have someone to protect
me.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Californian FB', serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;">If only I would apply that same truth to my spiritual
life. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Californian FB', serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;">On the darkest days, let’s start allowing the Father’s
presence to alleviate the fears and frustrations that often come from living life. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Let’s start realizing that on some days, <i>overcoming
the devil might be </i>brushing your teeth. Combing your hair. Getting dressed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b style="font-family: 'Californian FB', serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;">And
for that day, that is enough.</b></span></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>On other days, </i>it might be setting slaves free.
Overcoming your addiction. Running for office. Teaching a Bible study. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b style="font-family: 'Californian FB', serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;">And for
that day, that is enough.</b></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0EQJBPOIfrV1X3xoGON5P4HBSaDw08x-j6IQy_AsARKO74UCNYG-J9yJwjp8bPYh1q57rxGBlYUgubMEu_k2pHhzsDsrAuh_c1k1SDQmztY2UA2pFed53f5d7RR3SLN71Dw5dcXMnVM/s1600/1+Jn+verse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0EQJBPOIfrV1X3xoGON5P4HBSaDw08x-j6IQy_AsARKO74UCNYG-J9yJwjp8bPYh1q57rxGBlYUgubMEu_k2pHhzsDsrAuh_c1k1SDQmztY2UA2pFed53f5d7RR3SLN71Dw5dcXMnVM/s320/1+Jn+verse.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But then one day God will say</span><br />
<b style="font-family: 'Californian FB', serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: 'Californian FB', serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"> “That is Enough.” </b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Californian FB', serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Californian FB', serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;">And
we will live in a beautiful place for the rest of eternity.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i> With no devil. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">No forgetting brushing of teeth and hair.<br /> No frustrations. No pain. No cancer.
No abuse. No bad days. No anxious nights.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As C.S. Lewis put it, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: MV Boli;"><span style="font-size: 18.6666660308838px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;">"Joy is the serious business of heaven."</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Californian FB', serif; line-height: 19.9333343505859px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*1 John 4:4 </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Californian FB","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167424929785711838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657956268620543387.post-10247295220705331262015-04-30T16:03:00.000-05:002015-04-30T16:07:38.775-05:00Fitting out<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We’ve all felt
it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Walking into a room</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> and thinking “I don’t belong here. | I’m way
underdressed. | Definitely don’t know anyone. AwKwArD. | I wish I hadn’t of
come.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Maybe the thoughts
come <b><i>after
leaving the room</i>.</b> “Well that was miserable. |<br />
I wish I could get into that group- they seem so fun. | Why did I go? It always
turns out to be uncomfortable!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Recently I heard it
put this way in the movie <i>Home</i> (which
is amazing!):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: grey; font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;">I don’t fit
in. I fit out.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Up9Y7_fk-51VLuE_sqxuvZAwo_30NXWOxFGFi7WUTVsZTrra6TH8RJQZndxB3I6ZQGwUYdijiZKg1zjVvF0M_b1yZAHHhLIKVjLeJ1plDRKM7W42isPCTnK2xPViJhseaceaa9hFmDw/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Up9Y7_fk-51VLuE_sqxuvZAwo_30NXWOxFGFi7WUTVsZTrra6TH8RJQZndxB3I6ZQGwUYdijiZKg1zjVvF0M_b1yZAHHhLIKVjLeJ1plDRKM7W42isPCTnK2xPViJhseaceaa9hFmDw/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="320" width="313" /></a><span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">When I heard that
line I thought, “Wow. <b>That describes it
perfectly</b>.” How many of us think that as we walk into school every morning?
Or into church every Sunday? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I know I certainly
have. The struggle of feeling on the </span><span style="color: grey; font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;">out</span><span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> instead of the </span><span style="color: grey; font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;">in</span><span style="color: grey; font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">is more common than
we like to confess. While we’re being transparent, women would have to admit
feeling this as well. We like to play it off as a teenage struggle- constantly
feeling the tension to fit in and not fit out. But it’s not something that goes
away when you turn 20. It is one that unexpectedly follows us into adulthood leaving
us to wonder what is wrong with us that we could never find our niche. It has truly
been a journey of surprise to discover that women of all ages, 10-92, fight this
expectation of acceptance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I offer you 3 things I am learning in this
battle. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Hopefully they will
bring some degree of relief if you find yourself in the same position as I.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">1) Don’t
stop trying.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For some, this is
easy and obvious. For me, it’s torture and confusing. I’m an introvert.
Introverts typically use the “run and hide” technique when faced with trying to
find a group to belong to rather than the “face the battle’ technique.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I am learning,
however, that there are many women who want to belong somewhere as desperately
as I do. If no one ever tries to make those connections, however, we really
will be left isolated and lonely.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I’m also learning to
initiate “trying”. What I mean by that is this: with the women I felt that
connection with, I ask them to lunch; I coordinate a girl’s night; I make the phone
call. Is it awkward? Yes! But is it
worth it? Absolutely.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">2) Accept your season.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Although I just said
don’t stop trying to find friends, also learn to adjust your expectations to
your season of life. In college, I had a constant friend group. After college,
I had a constant friendship with loneliness. There are different seasons in life, and
different levels of community for each season.
If you are new to a church, job, stage of life, or city, you more than
likely will be in a lonelier season than before. Learn to walk the path of your
season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">3) Don’t be picky. Do be yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It’s easy for us to
spot an established group of friends and decide that’s where we belong. So we
then do anything and everything we can to put ourselves into that friend group;
often even changing ourselves a little bit. The times in my life when I have stopped being
picky, arrogant, and close-minded, I have found friends in places I would least
expect! The groups that I used to want desperately to be a part of are now
groups that I realize I don’t click with. Nothing against them or me, I’m finally honest
enough to be myself. And find a group that fits me- not the me I think I want
to be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I get that there’s
no easy answer to the feeling of </span><span style="color: grey; font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;">fitting</span><span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="color: grey; font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;">out</span><span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> instead of </span><span style="color: grey; font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;">fitting</span><span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="color: grey; font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;">in.</span><span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> But I’m
realizing more and more that maybe </span><span style="color: grey; font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;">fitting out</span><span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> is where I’m supposed to be. Maybe, just maybe…
the </span><span style="color: grey; font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;">in crowd</span><span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> isn’t fit for me!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCCpUmU-19DsmwpTcSFaiel2OmUNES39J24wFo6G2rKGlJSGcjLzStebbu6nKIyv8Oo13duEJpg2iCuzLfOEuC1cmE-dk7aknGFPIlFx0NUeXBoRcWg7zKOhLRbiYddl58Qjf0DyE_BA/s1600/having-an-online-business-is-all-about-standing-out-from-the-crowd-and-people-remembering-you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCCpUmU-19DsmwpTcSFaiel2OmUNES39J24wFo6G2rKGlJSGcjLzStebbu6nKIyv8Oo13duEJpg2iCuzLfOEuC1cmE-dk7aknGFPIlFx0NUeXBoRcWg7zKOhLRbiYddl58Qjf0DyE_BA/s1600/having-an-online-business-is-all-about-standing-out-from-the-crowd-and-people-remembering-you.jpg" height="400" width="302" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;">In Him,</span></b></div>
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</div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b><span style="color: yellow; font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; font-size: small; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;">Holly</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167424929785711838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657956268620543387.post-29975769380207541932015-04-06T13:08:00.002-05:002015-04-06T21:43:05.864-05:00Just wait<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Eyes widened. Little hands covered
her eyes. <span style="font-family: "MV Boli";">“Daddy, I’m scared.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "MV Boli";"><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Watching her reaction pierced my
core. Because in all honesty, her reaction was the appropriate one to the scene
that was unfolding before us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
And yet for me, I didn't react. <span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Perhaps
because I’d seen it before. </span>But
as I watched the little girl retreat into her dad’s arms, my heart started
turning. I became increasingly more
thankful that I knew the end to this story because if not, then fear and
despair would be overwhelming. And right.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br></div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_7-nkxZE_G6d_MyDrEarb4PS0NivhmeLwEkHK61r5bzlY7bUrrks88vBUtNezZNcfJI8x7dtic7tUDEg-hROlpyblOK3pPRyhrV8J2bJQCfY6SYDLbAu-BcI4NhJ7MB0fUAyPEUyeRE/s1600/Little+girl+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_7-nkxZE_G6d_MyDrEarb4PS0NivhmeLwEkHK61r5bzlY7bUrrks88vBUtNezZNcfJI8x7dtic7tUDEg-hROlpyblOK3pPRyhrV8J2bJQCfY6SYDLbAu-BcI4NhJ7MB0fUAyPEUyeRE/s1600/Little+girl+(3).jpg" height="320" width="400"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
What was the scene that caused such
a response? The crucifixion of my Savior.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
For my fellow believers, put
yourself for just a moment in the mind of someone who is watching the story of
Jesus for the first time. Go back to the
time of your childhood as you watch the Man who was also fully God, live a
humble and beautiful life. He healed the sick, restored the broken, provided
for the hungry. He proclaimed with humble certainty <span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"<span style="line-height: 150%;">I am the way, the truth, and the life*…
I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even
though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”**</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The One who lived a perfect,
sin-less life only to be betrayed by a friend, denied by a best friend, and tried
as a criminal. Although the human judge believed His innocence, he was too
cowardly to stand up to the mob of bullies, and so he turned over this precious
Man’s life to the Cross.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When the little girl muttered her
fear and horror, we were watching the Man carry his own Cross to the crucifixion
spot. T<span style="line-height: 150%;">he scene only
grew darker as the soldiers stretched out His severely beaten body in order
to pound nails into His hands and feet. The Father forsook His only beloved Son. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
girl recoiled.</span> <b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The
soldiers did not.</span></b><span style="font-family: Britannic Bold, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Britannic Bold","sans-serif";"><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
We watched Him die. And His mother
weep. And despair settle.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "MV Boli";">“Why
Daddy? Why did He have to die?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "MV Boli";"><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "MV Boli";">“Just
wait honey… just wait!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "MV Boli";"><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
We watched 3 horrific days pass... <b>BUT THEN...</b> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The girl’s eyes opened wide.</span> <span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Confusion and excitement covered her face. Joy
replaced the fear. Smiles replaced the frowns.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
I watched her discover the Son of God’s tomb was empty<b> </b>as He triumphantly proclaimed victory over evil in this world and beyond!Jesus <span style="font-family: "Britannic Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>IS</b></span>
alive! We <span style="font-family: "Britannic Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>HAVE</b></span> reason to hope! We <span style="font-family: "Britannic Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>HAVE</b></span> salvation! Her excitement stirred my heart and birthed a prayer:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe Script', sans-serif; text-align: center;">Father, let me always be as a little girl hearing the story for the first time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1au6oepPKcTU1mjImeKkEi5hg3x_AL-iQcu1NZQWT5zNRU4uUeI0Jd6jmNJg6mc768_O_T9qa4ToAuFSODuLk33OWGBRbIfYpmiWaeoUxCmyUJJVBcPGgxlyoV0uWcA69u6u0kJXg9_Y/s1600/Cross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1au6oepPKcTU1mjImeKkEi5hg3x_AL-iQcu1NZQWT5zNRU4uUeI0Jd6jmNJg6mc768_O_T9qa4ToAuFSODuLk33OWGBRbIfYpmiWaeoUxCmyUJJVBcPGgxlyoV0uWcA69u6u0kJXg9_Y/s1600/Cross.jpg" height="198" width="200"></a><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br></span></b></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When
the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with
immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has
been swallowed up in victory." Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O
death, is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is
the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus
Christ. ***</span></b><span style="font-family: Britannic Bold, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="https://youtu.be/xWgL7hE307E" target="_blank">Death has died and love has won!</a> This video of the song Mercy Tree so beautifully depicts the Easter story- take a minute to watch!</span><br>
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br></span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">… And for those who might not know…</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><br></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For
all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. <i>Romans 3:23</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For
the punishment of sin is death, but the gift of God (salvation) is eternal life
in Jesus our Lord! <i>Romans 6:23</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">But
God shows His love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Jesus died for
us. <i>Romans 5:8</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">If
you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that
God raised Him from the dead, <b>you will
be saved!</b> For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the
mouth one confesses and is saved! <i>Romans 10:9-10 </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Receiving
salvation is as simple as praying these truths back to God and accepting His
love and offer of salvation.</span><span style="font-size: 16px;">You can pray something as simple as:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "MV Boli";">God,
I know that I am a sinner. I know that I deserve the consequences of my sin.
However, I am trusting in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I believe that His death
and resurrection gives me forgiveness and covers my sin. I trust in Jesus and
Jesus alone as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you Lord, for saving me and
forgiving me! Amen!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "MV Boli";"><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Let
me know if you do- I’d love to rejoice with you!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">*Jn 14:6;**Jn 11:25-26;*** 1 Cor
15:55-57<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167424929785711838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657956268620543387.post-39711371979162688472015-03-24T12:05:00.001-05:002015-03-24T15:21:23.509-05:00I roar. <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">I’ve
</span><span style="font-family: 'MV Boli'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">struggled</span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; line-height: 150%;">
</span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">with accepting my personality for
years. As so many of you know, </span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">I’m </span><b style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;">not</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">the
woman who is known for her gentle spirit and sweet tendencies. I’m the woman
known for telling it like it is, and being boldly honest when answering
questions.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">But
so many days I’ve wished I was different. Kinder. Less opinionated. Gentler.
More soft-spoken. Less argumentative. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I
remember someone telling me my senior year in high school that it would take a
special man to marry me because of my strong-willed nature. They maybe meant it
nicer than it sounds, but it certainly didn’t seem like it in the moment… or
the years afterwards. If anything, it furthered cemented the thought that had
already surfaced in my mind:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Being a
strong-willed woman was not something to be proud of.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">In
college, I remember cringing every time I heard the word </span><i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">“intimidating”</span></i><span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">because I knew
that was just another reason a guy would have to <b><u>NOT</u></b> date me. My personality and sarcasm didn’t exactly
scream “alluring bachelorette,” but try as I did, I could never completely hide
my true self. It’s as if the part of me that spoke the truth- even when it
didn’t want to be heard - refused to buckle to the pressure of being an agreeable
single woman. Consequently, as odd as this might sound, I stayed true to myself
but not necessarily because I wanted to.
More because I tried to change me and just couldn’t.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">
</span><br />
<hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;">Now, more than 10 years later, I can finally say that I’m learning
to ignore that voice from the past and <br /><b>embrace the way God wired my personality
to roar instead of purr.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJ5xTKm1Qm6Bayk_ufcsIO59dXJZITuRUvZLVMvE0Si8abRsMfHPJwIslVK8YHimRPlSYM_dV2RFGTwCQkmGrSlcUYIoKejqLSXsDEvwlh_W1kJhOD9rIFZnhQiFvgGb93uBLlyRaGaw/s1600/roaring-lioness-animal-hd-wallpaper-2560x1600-1235+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJ5xTKm1Qm6Bayk_ufcsIO59dXJZITuRUvZLVMvE0Si8abRsMfHPJwIslVK8YHimRPlSYM_dV2RFGTwCQkmGrSlcUYIoKejqLSXsDEvwlh_W1kJhOD9rIFZnhQiFvgGb93uBLlyRaGaw/s1600/roaring-lioness-animal-hd-wallpaper-2560x1600-1235+(2).jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b><span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;"><b></b></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A
huge part of this is watching and learning from other strong-natured women- my
primary examples being my mom and sister. You see, I came by my personality honestly-
it runs in all the girls in my family… on both sides!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">What
do I mean? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;">Let me tell
you a little bit about my mom</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">…. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipe9VXM4MNTsLfS6sLe8BdsrJTJVD4mYdfXV-9b_Lp-lXythTgfu0jGuJ9JXypItkPBauJb2qaZL88xz5lZi8ArlmTzHcJWb0g551jcWxpPiFAk0bJMjZbW3tXktU-4GvGhu5FcTqglMI/s1600/Mom+and+Holly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipe9VXM4MNTsLfS6sLe8BdsrJTJVD4mYdfXV-9b_Lp-lXythTgfu0jGuJ9JXypItkPBauJb2qaZL88xz5lZi8ArlmTzHcJWb0g551jcWxpPiFAk0bJMjZbW3tXktU-4GvGhu5FcTqglMI/s1600/Mom+and+Holly.jpg" height="320" width="196" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Maybe I should start with this: She homeschooled all 4 of us from Kinder to 12<sup>th</sup>
grade. What else needs to be said to show her strength?! </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">But
it doesn’t stop there…:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I’ve
seen my mom stand up for her beliefs when it was anything but popular. I’ve watched
her carry the heavy burdens of friends and loved ones. I’ve been on the
receiving end of her bold truth-telling personality and have come to be
thankful for it. I have asked her to hold me accountable only to find out that
she really does. I’ve heard from countless women on how my mom has impacted not
only their lives but indirectly their children’s lives because of her Bible
teaching and challenge to live righteously. I’ve been helped by her through my
depression, anxiety, and disability. And
the list goes on and on and on…. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdpl6gDyK96NN99b5-xheEiwrx9MdreFKTDUzGT5hzD7J-h70aLNGsw8lRsLDmH0NTOtgHMIEHIonFSi27p8QVygzD_2LvRbJUB7eqq3uRZr3Rwra2hI-9H7KTNtelEtGVBpeFetppis/s1600/Holly+and+Kara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdpl6gDyK96NN99b5-xheEiwrx9MdreFKTDUzGT5hzD7J-h70aLNGsw8lRsLDmH0NTOtgHMIEHIonFSi27p8QVygzD_2LvRbJUB7eqq3uRZr3Rwra2hI-9H7KTNtelEtGVBpeFetppis/s1600/Holly+and+Kara.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;">Then there is
my <a href="http://everydayboldness.blogspot.com/2014/01/frozen-sisterhood-welts-and-laughter.html" target="_blank">sister</a></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://everydayboldness.blogspot.com/2014/01/frozen-sisterhood-welts-and-laughter.html" target="_blank"> </a>who is five years
older than I am, and has been a role model for much of my life. Although she is
a creative day-dreamer and I am a practical realist, I’ve always been drawn to
her strengths. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Growing
up, she was always practicing hair and make-up on me so that my forehead was
littered with curling iron burns, and my nose was continually covered in her
saliva as she licked her thumb and rubbed out her make-up mistakes. I wish I
was kidding. She still does it to this day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> Her heart for the Lord goes as far back as my
memories. For example, one <b><u>winter</u></b> night when she was a
teenager, she made us sleep with the window OPEN so we could better empathize
with the persecuted Christians in China.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">As
a woman, however, I’ve seen her tackle single motherhood…a feat that is
exhausting and terrifying, but she has done so with wisdom, grace, love, and
strength. I’ve seen her walk through a season in life with a shattered arm and
broken wrist making her incapable of movement in her arms. I’ve seen her march
through periods of dismal news and little resources, yet she stays clinging to
Christ more tightly than most can fathom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;">As I reflect
on these two women</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">, I can’t help but
believe that if not for their tenacity, their boldness, or their strong-wills,
they wouldn’t have overcome the trials they have. God gave them the tools they
needed, one of which being their personality, to serve His purpose on the
earth.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">…
So, many years later in my quest for acceptance, I’m realizing there is both a reason
AND a need for the loud and bold women as well as the sweet and quiet
women. God equips us with the
personality we need to work through the trials we face. Our temperament is one
of the ways He takes care of us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">If
I believe that God <a href="http://everydayboldness.blogspot.com/2013/11/mirror-mirror.html" target="_blank">created </a>me in my mother’s womb and found it delightful to
pick out my eye color, hair color, and body type, then I must also believe that
he joyfully wired my personality to be as He wanted as well. (Psalm 139).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Stop</span></b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">trying to be
bold if you’re gentle; loud if you’re quiet; mild if you’re strong; timid if
you’re fearless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
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<span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Be the woman God equipped you to be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">There’s a reason for your personality. Fulfill it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Oh
and if anyone is wondering…. Yes, the <a href="http://everydayboldness.blogspot.com/2014/02/fearless.html" target="_blank">man </a>I married is special indeed. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #502800; font-family: 'Segoe Script', sans-serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 40px;">In Him,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #502800; font-family: 'Segoe Script', sans-serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 40px;">Holly</span></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167424929785711838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657956268620543387.post-44382039075815839372015-02-21T17:47:00.000-06:002015-02-22T21:45:40.320-06:00Ginger | Black<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Ginger</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">|</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> Black.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I’m sure many of you
are familiar with <i><span style="color: #c00000;">ginger jokes</span></i>… the “belief”, that I, a red-head, <i><u>actually have no soul due to the color of
my hair</u></i>? If that’s your first
time hearing the jokes, lucky for you! But yes, there’s a wide-range of jokes I
have heard about that. It became a popular term and joke though a tv show back
around ten years ago. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">When having an honest
conversation with anyone, I can’t believe that someone would actually argue
that I have no soul due to the color of my hair. And if that person does exist, they have enough
other problems, so this debate isn’t worth having with them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We can all agree that
<span style="color: #c00000;">ginger jokes</span>- although possibly funny- are
completely ridiculous. My hair is simply the accessory to my scalp- it has no
bearing on my worth (or my soul).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So then, why</span></b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">do so many
believe that the shade of a person’s skin… a genetic characteristic, just like
hair color, determines their worth, their intelligence, or their behavior?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Racism and the
effects of it will be a forever part of our family.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FlKpNbLnKiTvdtJDUS0JPc65ZWUQy2vj_qT4pazKRXgXhRGJIXD0Ng3PHJ7rUzZ_x3sN6efAFhsyRAL4KZ4vFm9BxZ6QdkJy9KCZXoUB1wyCoYc03dGRBiJ_c2R-YEz8Fyc10Zr7OZQ/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FlKpNbLnKiTvdtJDUS0JPc65ZWUQy2vj_qT4pazKRXgXhRGJIXD0Ng3PHJ7rUzZ_x3sN6efAFhsyRAL4KZ4vFm9BxZ6QdkJy9KCZXoUB1wyCoYc03dGRBiJ_c2R-YEz8Fyc10Zr7OZQ/s1600/007.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Because
you see, for those who don’t know, Aaron is African-American, and I am as pale of
Caucasian as they come (and a ginger). Our
children will one day deal with being bi-racial and most-likely looking
different than many of their friends. As much as we hope and believe that our
children will be living in a time where skin differences are normal and
beautiful, we are not naïve to think it will be accepted anywhere and
everywhere God might take us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Please allow me, a
freckle-faced ginger, to walk you through my life of learning to </span><b><span style="font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">live
not color-blindly, but colorfully</span></b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">.
I don’t want to miss out on the beauty of God’s rainbow of races, I want to
learn to appreciate and enjoy the beauty that each race brings to this world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">2 ½ years ago I
started dating my now husband. Aaron is
the most hard-working, noble, loyal, honorable man I know. To say I got quite
the catch is an understatement… but that’s been mentioned on this blog before! In
one of our pre-marital counseling sessions, we were talking about our family
backgrounds and heritages, and then we crossed over to the subject of our
races. I remember the counselor asking us a question that shed light on
the different way Aaron and I viewed this element of our relationship. When
asked how I would deal with someone who had an issue with an inter-racial
couple, I remember saying something more tactful but basically <i>“Well, they can
deal with it.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Aaron was then asked
the same question, and as usual, his wisdom far surpassed mine. He replied, </span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Holly should never
question how proud I am to be with her, but I am also aware that in some
places, with some people, it is necessary to be extremely cautious and aware of
our surroundings.</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack" style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></a><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Then adding, “We are blessed
to be living in an area where inter-racial couples are widely seen and
accepted, but I’m very much aware that in some towns, the opposite is true.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The counselor then
looked at me and lovingly but firmly said, “Holly- you need to take a lesson
from your fiancé. Your mindset could
cause unnecessary heartache one day if you don’t learn to use discernment in
this area. Yes, you and Aaron should be proud of each other, and use your
inter-racial relationship as a way to further show the world a testimony of
God’s love and equality, but not everyone in the world knows, believes, or
chooses to accept truth. You must walk in wisdom, not naïve foolishness.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">His words have stayed with me. But
my journey in this area continued… <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSiO46y84OxpTc3s8uCFc9nIcHLoZupCAoNtiN__HendvasQyjikxN7s8-Hq0g0S_iaEyfzbNS9gvTIpldO3-BATv1oThAELt6IV28lVfUBLMIjiXVrhPG8Lo3qwyFyyGIM4j1C9BhE8/s1600/memphis+show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSiO46y84OxpTc3s8uCFc9nIcHLoZupCAoNtiN__HendvasQyjikxN7s8-Hq0g0S_iaEyfzbNS9gvTIpldO3-BATv1oThAELt6IV28lVfUBLMIjiXVrhPG8Lo3qwyFyyGIM4j1C9BhE8/s1600/memphis+show.jpg" height="200" width="130" /></a><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I remember later on
in our engagement watching the musical <i>Memphis</i>
which is a love-story between a Caucasian man and African-American woman set in
the 1950’s. Eventually, they break-up because of the pressures of the
color-minded world wreaking havoc in their lives. I remember tears falling down
my cheeks as I realized that if I had lived a mere 60 years ago, my </span><b><span style="font-family: "AR ESSENCE"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">marriage</span></b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> to Aaron would still be </span><b><span style="font-family: "AR ESSENCE"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">illegal</span></b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">in some
states.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And that stayed with me. But my journey
in this area continued… <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6JK29Sj1E5RW8uCa9x2AbgpUrw0dNSN_J93do-X2fpT0RmX9KBxMMGFA0Yhwd0xLvRl-5Zb7Etzesep86O3_FTreaOzoEToJp5PaFGUPnSrXFbkciDvs8Jh8ORsMyXskbboQ-SQ_KZw/s1600/cinderella+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6JK29Sj1E5RW8uCa9x2AbgpUrw0dNSN_J93do-X2fpT0RmX9KBxMMGFA0Yhwd0xLvRl-5Zb7Etzesep86O3_FTreaOzoEToJp5PaFGUPnSrXFbkciDvs8Jh8ORsMyXskbboQ-SQ_KZw/s1600/cinderella+2.png" height="162" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Over Thanksgiving, we
had the opportunity to go to NYC, and while there we watched the play “Cinderella”
on Broadway. This Cinderella was the first-ever African American lead. As we walked into the theater, I was
surrounded by little girls of all different races, and it began to occur to me
that they were seeing themselves as a princess on a stage…perhaps for the first
time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">As the show began, I
thought, <i>this is awesome, but surely they
could have still related with a white princess on stage. </i>And in one sense,
they could… Just as I had related with Pocahontas’
and Mulan’s strong personalities, regardless of their Indian and Asian races.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">But not until we were
back in Houston, and we were talking about the show, <i>did I stop and remember the first time I saw a girl with freckles in a
magazine.</i> Not a few perfect freckles
that were obviously photo-shopped on her nose, but freckles that actually covered
her face. <b>Just. Like. mine.</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZU-ditOdXtkFPkEq43HqUhH7_4iiTA7hwJLfzIoEt2ncTvSu7KaF8cHM67pQYIZlQB2v0CZb_BRFZNVBiy6hNjp_1TK-q6lwIPEYzXXNTjtg15hKgeuajE8dh9lePIeV3b3wJ6K2P1mQ/s1600/cinderella+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZU-ditOdXtkFPkEq43HqUhH7_4iiTA7hwJLfzIoEt2ncTvSu7KaF8cHM67pQYIZlQB2v0CZb_BRFZNVBiy6hNjp_1TK-q6lwIPEYzXXNTjtg15hKgeuajE8dh9lePIeV3b3wJ6K2P1mQ/s1600/cinderella+shot.jpg" height="130" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">And I remember what that felt like: <i>To finally see someone who looked like me</i>,
and who was considered beautiful on a universal scale… there aren’t words to
describe what springs up in a young woman or little girl’s heart. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b><i>There is something special about the confidence that creeps into your
soul when you discover that there is a place for your kind of beauty in this
world.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I realized that I had
been given a glimpse of the excitement that a woman just like me, but African
American instead of Caucasian, must have held while witnessing a black Cinderella
on Broadway. For now, when she told her
daughter that her skin color <b><u>is</u></b>
princess-worthy, there was another voice to back that up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And that stayed with me. But my journey
in this area continued… <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">All these thoughts
and beliefs finally came together with a powerfully bright, light-bulb moment …
after I had the chance to go to Africa last month.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">While there, I was
given the opportunity to work with a table of African women as they made jewelry
for a week. On the first day there, these beautiful ladies asked me questions
about America and Americans. And then, as I discovered, African women are no different
than American women because they started talking about men! At one point, one of the younger, more
out-going women, asked me… “So what are white men like?” I laughed and asked
what she meant… when I realized she meant in terms of a relationship, I told
her, “Girl, I don’t know…I’m married to a black man!” The shock on her face was
priceless and hilarious. She then translated that to the rest of the table, and
they all burst into frantic, shocked, and excited conversations. I pulled my
phone out to show a picture and “prove” it to them, and as they passed around
the phone, they literally, burst into smiles and started CLAPPING. Yes.
Clapping. I laughed so hard in the moment and throughout the week as it came
back up. It was amusing to me to see the excitement my marriage caused!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">When I came home and
saw the racial tension consuming American news, and my own Facebook feeds,
however, I became conscious that the simple truth of my inter-racial marriage
had created a bond for me with those African women that I never could have
forged on my own. I realized with a
sobering reality that in their world, equality was still being fought for.
Maybe not legally, but certainly socially. What was, for me, a temporary news
story, and a week of Facebook newsfeeds, was their everyday life. And although America
is much more progressive in this subject than my friends’ home in Kibera,
Africa, America still has a long way to go as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP9DKOyT73SQPfxam7WLJKsCaDKbl_XBPXQTl64CNF4Jfz973fw_-61xJe4rLWo76_tgISeiWxM0Vf5JgoBI0mzA6xaipaKrwmmWLpIZj3S3_kiOL3HqYcAcYxhBOCshkpVDfjUXvGRdE/s1600/shot1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP9DKOyT73SQPfxam7WLJKsCaDKbl_XBPXQTl64CNF4Jfz973fw_-61xJe4rLWo76_tgISeiWxM0Vf5JgoBI0mzA6xaipaKrwmmWLpIZj3S3_kiOL3HqYcAcYxhBOCshkpVDfjUXvGRdE/s1600/shot1.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I began to understand
why my love for my husband and his love for me resonated with my African
sisters in a way that my words would never be able to. Our house has chosen to
be Black</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> <b>&</b> </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">White. Not Black </span><b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">VS</span></b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> White.
Those beautiful African women were every bit my sisters in Christ as my
beautiful white sisters. They are every bit equal to me in worth, significance,
and intelligence. But they have been
told otherwise for so long that a white woman’s marriage to a black man was
still a shock. Yet, it was also a stake of hope. Hope that the rest of the
world will see colors of skin a thing to be celebrated and valued instead of
judged and hated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So my friends, my African sisters
will always stay in my heart, for a multitude of reasons. But my journey in
this area will still continue…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And now, when I see
the news stories, and read the Facebook comments, I find myself asking…<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I can’t help but wonder how much God
hurts when…<b><o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">He sees His children
blatantly ignoring Romans 12:10- </span>Love one another with
brotherly affection. <b>Outdo one another
in showing honor.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">When I assume the
best or the worst of a person because as something as shallow and literally
outwardly as their skin color, how am I showing her honor? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I can’t help but wonder how much God
hurts when…<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We tell little white
girls or little black girls that verses like Psalm 139:13-14 are written for
them…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">You made all the delicate,
inner parts of my body<br />
<span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"> and
knit me together in my mother’s womb.<br />
<span id="en-NLT-16230" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">14 Thank you for making me so
wonderfully complex!<br />
<span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"> Your
workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We say to live freely
knowing that God created them in their mom’s tummy and hand-picked each of
their characteristics… that they are beautiful and perfect in God’s eyes. </span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Yet </b>as they are in our
homes, we also teach our little girls that Asian, Arab, and Indian girls are
less intelligent…less worthy… or less beautiful than they are. Maybe we don’t
say that in direct ways, but in our indirect conversations about “them” or “those
people”… or perhaps our complaints about “that culture”.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I can’t help but wonder how much God
hurts when…<b><o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We read Peter’s words
to us in Acts 10:34-35 </span><span style="font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“…Truly I
understand that <b>God shows no
partiality</b>, 35 but <b>in
every nation</b> <b>anyone who fears him
and does what is right is acceptable to him,” </b></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">and yet we assume that no partiality means not
caring if someone’s hair is purple and pink instead of blonde or brunette. We
have come to believe that doing what is right in the eyes of God is publicly
denouncing races or cultures because of the behavior of one man or woman. How
do we place the entire race of God’s people at a lesser value and think that we
are being found acceptable in the eyes of the Creator of that entire race we
just condemned? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Maybe for you</span></b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> the battle isn’t <b>Black</b> vs. </span><b><span style="font-family: Riesling; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">White</span></b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">. Maybe it’s <b>Black</b> vs. </span><b><span style="font-family: "AR ESSENCE"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Asian</span></b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">. Maybe </span><span style="font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aharoni; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Indian</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">
vs. </span><b><span style="font-family: Riesling; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">White</span></b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">. Maybe </span><b><span style="font-family: BatangChe; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Middle Eastern</span></b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">
vs. </span><b><span style="font-family: Riesling; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">White</span></b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">. Maybe </span><span style="font-family: Riesling; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Northerners </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">vs. </span><span style="font-family: Harrington; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Southerners</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Whatever it might be….please
reconsider your words. Your actions. Your thoughts because the colorful life is
a much more joyful place to be than the color-less or colorblind one. Celebrating our differences brings greater
happiness than condemning them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_h28C1F0w3v2xJxVdCRSIXIaZ1fDKuxK-Z4AFYvdN7gTxDYtaCvEO3x5Y6Yfu7dynWjWbQBB7bQLECNakHC9c8HuIin0_1R4tQG03uuhHPCxWZwAmtWvF9amKxXHPiTOFgYp31koTUg/s1600/099A7959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_h28C1F0w3v2xJxVdCRSIXIaZ1fDKuxK-Z4AFYvdN7gTxDYtaCvEO3x5Y6Yfu7dynWjWbQBB7bQLECNakHC9c8HuIin0_1R4tQG03uuhHPCxWZwAmtWvF9amKxXHPiTOFgYp31koTUg/s1600/099A7959.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167424929785711838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657956268620543387.post-64376398230117825542015-01-07T17:32:00.000-06:002015-07-15T16:58:02.939-05:00What no one ever talks about....<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It seems like an unspoken understanding that we
should avoid this topic. Not sure why. I’ve never been told not to address it
or share my story involving it, but I’ve assumed people don’t want to hear
about it. Perhaps because it’s
controversial. But the longer I serve and minister the more I find out that
most everything is controversial in today’s world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I guess it’s also awkward. For example… how do you “non-awkwardly”
but honestly answer the question when someone asks how you’re doing: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgMfKH5yAlMPnccMhzxzt0IPWhCbybgwWXo5Vd0rm7qGpNeFOCOV_HYUg-WLSp7L_QMwF1L9R8lHz6uwtXa1ZVgoYzEhpnbRZSo_Vr-V3cd3qvgdw7IrSm4NnVx_mKYO8xkgMT4qBK5o/s1600/Shh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgMfKH5yAlMPnccMhzxzt0IPWhCbybgwWXo5Vd0rm7qGpNeFOCOV_HYUg-WLSp7L_QMwF1L9R8lHz6uwtXa1ZVgoYzEhpnbRZSo_Vr-V3cd3qvgdw7IrSm4NnVx_mKYO8xkgMT4qBK5o/s1600/Shh.jpg" width="320" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Well I started going to counseling because I’m overwhelmed with my life…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> so that’s new.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Or maybe…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Well I started taking anti-depressants because I’ve been diagnosed with
depression… so that’s new.</span></i><b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: center 3.25in left 318.75pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Or maybe…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My doctor diagnosed me with SAD- Seasonal Affective Disorder- which
causes extreme exhaustion and depression-like symptoms… so that’s new.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Depression isn’t easy. Depression isn’t fun.
Depression isn’t talked about. I know good people… good <i>Christian</i> people who have suffered from and are suffering through
depression, but many feel they that must do so with silence and with solitude.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For me, however, depression isn’t a new term.
Someone close to me in junior high and high school suffered from “something”.
Her parents tried everything: praying with her every night, taking her to
spiritual counseling, finding an exercise plan, but nothing seemed to be able
to snap her out. Finally, they took her to a doctor. He diagnosed Hannah with
having something called depression- the medical kind. Not something derived
from a spiritual issue like an unconfessed sin, but the kind that is caused by
something within your brain- the kind that is caused by your brain’s
interaction or lack thereof with certain chemicals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I’m not a doctor, so I’m not going to attempt a
more specific explanation. If you want one, talk to your own doctor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Regardless, Hannah told me what her doctor told her
those many years ago, and it’s something that neither she nor I have ever
forgotten.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">He said, “Hannah, going on medication for
depression isn’t something to be embarrassed about or question. Just as if you
would take medicine for pneumonia to improve your condition, you can take
medicine for this type of depression to improve your condition. <b>The medicine won’t change who you are, it
will allow you to become who you were meant to be</b>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Years later, I studied psychology in college. One
of my professors did a series on psychology and spirituality. His point was
that all truth is God’s truth, and although we wouldn’t go to our pastors to
diagnose our bronchitis or staph infection, so often we expect our pastors to diagnose
mental illnesses. I thought back to what Hannah’s doctor had said. Her depression
was a physical condition that happened to be a mental one as well. But therein
is the controversy. How do you know when you need to see a counselor? How do
you know when you need to talk to a pastor? How do you know when you need to
see a doctor? What about the people trying to avoid admitting to their
spiritual sin (that is causing depression) and so they start taking medicine to
keep their lifestyle of sinful choices?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I don’t know all the answers. I can tell you that
most of us aren’t equipped to make those judgment calls about other people. Or
maybe even ourselves. Perhaps the simplest advice I've heard, but also the best, is to start with the Lord and work out from there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My journey for help began when I finally admitted
to myself that I was different. Easy things in life had become overwhelming.
Comments that I would have previously laughed off now caused me great tears and
heartache. More tears came out of my ducts than I knew existed. I was
exhausted. All. Day. Long. No matter how much sleep I got.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I convinced myself it was just stress. I’ve never
handled stress well. I told myself I was the only one noticing anything. And I
was just paranoid. Overreacting. Exaggerating.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Then one day I finally broke down and talked to my
mom about how overwhelmed I was. She said gently “Holly, this isn’t you. You
used to be able to cope. I think it’s time you talked to someone.” My fiancé (yes, this was all during my
engagement) very tenderly agreed when I told him our conversation later that
night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So I made an appointment with a Christian counselor
and went the next week. And have thanked the Lord for that day so many times.
This counselor eased my fears and paranoia. She confirmed that my reaction and
lack of coping ability wasn’t due to some weakness of my personality. She asked
my questions about my life and my spiritual walk. She gently gathered if there might be any sin I was engaging in but refusing to confess.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">After filling out extensive background info and talking
for over an hour, she directed me towards a doctor. She explained to me that on
the basis of my answers regarding my faith, my life, and loved ones, it sounded
like I was battling a medical form of depression often triggered by major life
changes, of which I had quite a few in a short period of time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For the first time, hope burgeoned inside me about
my situation. I wasn’t crazy. I really was going through a hard time. It won’t be forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">But I then began to worry about her suggestion. On
the one hand, <i>I clung to the possibility
that there could be a way to help me cope.</i> But on the other hand- <b><i>I’m
engaged.</i></b> <i>Is going on
anti-depressants going to mess up my whole world? What will my fiancé think?</i>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">That night we talked. And he was completely on
board with whatever I wanted to do or felt comfortable with. He just wanted me to feel like myself again. I
was so thankful and relieved, but still needed to talk to one more person.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I called my friend Hannah. I knew she would give it
to me straight. She did. “Holly, you
keep telling yourself that you can work through this on your own. That when the
stress of wedding-planning is over, you’ll bounce back.<b> Holly, life will always
be stressful. Being a newlywed is awesome, but stressful. Being in ministry is
stressful. Life. Is. Stressful. </b></span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Try the medicine- if it does work, you’ll be in a
much better place on your wedding day. </span><b style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">And
don’t you want that?</b><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Her words were the final blow. So I went to the
doctor who agreed with the counselor. I started taking an anti-depressant. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And I
became myself again.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> I began to cope. To be able to focus for long-periods of time. To
find laughter in little things. To not be overwhelmed by life for most of my
day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Am I saying that every person who has depression-like symptoms should be
on medicine? No. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Am I saying that every person who is depressed has a medical condition?
No. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Am I saying that we as Christians need to stop hiding this issue in our
worlds? Yes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Bookman Old Style, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Am I saying that as a Christian, I </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">benefited</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> from counseling and from
medicine, both separately and simultaneously? Yes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Am I saying that I believe some can suffer from depression caused
through spiritual issues and some through physical issues? Yes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So why do I tell you this story? <br />Why keep quiet for
so long and then break the silence now?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Because over the past few months, I have met,
talked to, and cried with so many of you. <b><i>So many who are fighting a battle bigger
than themselves.</i></b> And you feel like you must fight it alone. And have
been doing so for months. Weeks. Years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And many of you, like me, just keep telling
yourself, I’ll get through this. I just got to get through the next 3 months
and then life will slow down. Besides, if my family finds out, they’ll think
I’m being ridiculous. If my friends find
out, they’ll think I’m a psycho. I could never go to a “shrink”- my life isn’t
that bad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Sisters, hear me. If that is you- if you read my
story and your heart resonated with my words, reach out for help. Let this
year, this month, begin differently. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It might be that confessing your sin to God and to a mentor is what’s necessary
for you to connect with God and find joy again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It might be that telling your mom will be enough to lift the weight. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It might be that talking to a counselor for a few weeks will be enough
to change the direction of 2015 from dismal to joyous. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It might be that talking to a doctor will give you the chance to become
yourself again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">You may not know which path will lead you to your
answer-but reach out anyways. <b>This battle is not meant to be fought alone.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Don’t you want that hope? That peace? That relief?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Talk to someone. Keep talking until you find
answers. I did. And found hope.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">You can too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #502800; font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">In Him,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #502800; font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Holly<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167424929785711838noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657956268620543387.post-32459023666971383272014-12-15T14:24:00.000-06:002014-12-15T14:24:06.346-06:00Un-Merry Christmas<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: FangSong;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For the past couple of weeks, </span><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">I've</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> been
reminded almost daily that although the world is shouting </span></span><span style="color: #00b050; font-family: Harrington; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">Happy Holidays</span><span style="color: #00b050; font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">and the radio sings “</span><span style="color: #00b050; font-family: Harrington; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">It’s the most
wonderful time of the year</span><i><span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">,</span></i><span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">” for many of us, Christmas time does
not mean a merry time. For some, in fact, quite the opposite rings true.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For in this period, it seems natural and
automatic even to expect life to be awesome. Plans to go perfectly. Storms to
wait until the spring. And loneliness to disappear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">But. It. Doesn't.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Rather- plans explode. Storms crash.
Loneliness rages. Life hurts</span><span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmF1kLlxp-UTVZabC_auJSo9ZU_i8Ok9tJuDPvWBnGw_3dnZv58IJit6bjenVFac1DVqJy0oqz9UWWT6a-84Cu0GUamsnR9-NudYaSYOc1fZkPzgIokMF0o6YV4NhQ-inBPds8paI-7Y/s1600/Grinch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmF1kLlxp-UTVZabC_auJSo9ZU_i8Ok9tJuDPvWBnGw_3dnZv58IJit6bjenVFac1DVqJy0oqz9UWWT6a-84Cu0GUamsnR9-NudYaSYOc1fZkPzgIokMF0o6YV4NhQ-inBPds8paI-7Y/s1600/Grinch.jpg" height="200" width="169" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What do we do now? Although some days I seriously want the option of
painting my face green and hanging a sign above my door “</span><b><span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aharoni;">Just call me Grinch</span></b><span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,” or curling into
a fetal position and pulling a blanket over my head until January 5<sup>th</sup>,
neither of those possibilities are actually feasible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">There’s a Christmas song in which the
lyrics struck me deeply last week as I was seeking answers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">“</span><span style="background: white; color: #d48a06; font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Light your world, </span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">let the love of God shine through</span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">In the little
things you do, <span style="color: #d48a06;">light your world</span></span><span style="color: #d48a06;"><br />
</span><span style="background: white;">And though your
light may be</span><br />
</span><b><span style="background: white; font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Reaching
only two or three, <span style="color: #d48a06;">light your world</span></span></b><span style="background: white; color: #d48a06; font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="outline: 0px;">…”</span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">By the grace of God, (truly) I was able
to witness this first-hand this past week.
It’s been a tough week. A lot of ups and downs of all different sizes
and varieties, but this week, my husband decided that his “<b><span style="color: #d48a06;">light</span></b>” would reach <i>my </i>world. And
as he went above and beyond to extend the love and the grace of Jesus to me, living
out Matthew 5:16*, I then found that my <b><span style="color: #d48a06;">light</span></b><span style="color: #d48a06;"> </span>began
to grow stronger. I glorified the Father because of my husband.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Lucida Calligraphy';">*Matthew 5:16 Let your </span><b><span style="background: white; color: #d48a06; font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">light</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #d48a06; font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Lucida Calligraphy';">so shine before men,
that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Lucida Calligraphy';"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Towards the end of the week, God gave me
the grace to extend my <b><span style="color: #d48a06;">light</span></b><span style="color: #d48a06;"> </span>to a
sweet elderly widow who lives in the midst of a very difficult time herself. She
lives alone, in a small apartment where her visitors are rare. She used to cook
and laugh with a sparkle and spunk, but the heartache of being forgotten has
dulled the sparkle and halted the spunk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Her happiness from my visit paled,</span><span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"> </span><span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">however,</span><span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> in comparison
to my gratefulness that God let me be the one who was able to bring her such joy.</span><span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> And a realization dawned- m</span><span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">y difficulties hadn’t lessened. The
hardships and trials were still staring me down, but for the first time that
week, I chose not to stare back. Instead, I looked around them to find ways to
help this widow laugh.</span><span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s amazing how
much joy your own heart discovers when you’re </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">on the hunt to find joy for
someone else.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">As I drove away, I listened to that
Christmas song again and thought “No wonder we are called to let our light
shine! In helping someone else, she was encouraged, I was blessed, and God was
glorified." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: FangSong;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sometimes I don't have the </span><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">strength</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> to light <i><u>the</u> </i>world. But this week I learned that I can light <i><u>a</u></i> world. And that was enough.</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: FangSong;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: FangSong;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: 'Lucida Calligraphy'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333320617676px;">And though your light may be</span>… <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: 'Lucida Calligraphy'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8666667938232px;">Reaching only two or three, <span style="color: #d48a06; font-weight: bold;">light your world</span></span><span style="outline: 0px;"><span style="background: white; color: #d48a06; font-family: 'Lucida Calligraphy'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333320617676px;">…</span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #d48a06; font-family: 'Lucida Calligraphy'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8666667938232px; padding: 0in;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: FangSong; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Lucida Calligraphy';">John 8:12 Then spoke
Jesus again to them, saying, </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Lucida Calligraphy';"><b>I am the </b></span><b><span style="background: white; color: #d48a06; font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">light </span></b><b><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Lucida Calligraphy';">of the world</span></b><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Lucida Calligraphy';">: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness,<br /> but shall
have the </span><b><span style="background: white; color: #d48a06; font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">light</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #d48a06; font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Lucida Calligraphy';">of life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Lucida Calligraphy';"><br /></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTd88xos_p_N__78RD9g6QqKT9P8RavtHz7MpxrVEKAuikZe1ZnPXwg79QnVgo44kktoA48cEDBxU8ih2QV1eqtoq2Fujk2JpvXWGcVlBQFzDuty-lD8S0WuRjEW4-3_IS1xYj6wr5ys/s1600/candle-2_med_hr.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTd88xos_p_N__78RD9g6QqKT9P8RavtHz7MpxrVEKAuikZe1ZnPXwg79QnVgo44kktoA48cEDBxU8ih2QV1eqtoq2Fujk2JpvXWGcVlBQFzDuty-lD8S0WuRjEW4-3_IS1xYj6wr5ys/s1600/candle-2_med_hr.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167424929785711838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657956268620543387.post-7297062330458886622014-12-06T15:41:00.000-06:002014-12-06T15:48:55.888-06:00How NYC stole my Christmas magic:<h2>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Every Thanksgiving morning:</span></span></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I wake up, literally run downstairs, make sure the TV is
turned on with <span style="color: red; font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span> coming through loud and clear,
and then head to the kitchen to ice my mom’s homemade cinnamon roll.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It’s been that same morning every Thanksgiving for as long as
I can remember. Every time I’m home on Thanksgiving, that is what happens. It’s
like there’s something </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">magical</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> about the
Macy’s Parade.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsoi1mGpa5AP8CUXN2iV5hyInmMBIV9-S3Ms7TSV513Hv5_EoQcVpUWki_Uy_Yv9w59BlnseGkrkeyA6Y9F4SCFZWoV8aHblAF-9O_OxfGQgIHop18v2K0GSY-_P-QeDn_JPiAXIE3v4/s1600/Macy's.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsoi1mGpa5AP8CUXN2iV5hyInmMBIV9-S3Ms7TSV513Hv5_EoQcVpUWki_Uy_Yv9w59BlnseGkrkeyA6Y9F4SCFZWoV8aHblAF-9O_OxfGQgIHop18v2K0GSY-_P-QeDn_JPiAXIE3v4/s1600/Macy's.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So this year, when my husband and I realized we had two free
SW flights in our reward account, we started working on our vacation budget….
And much to my shock and overwhelming EXCITEMENT…. We booked flights to NYC for
Thanksgiving Week so we could see the Macy’s Parade (and NYC in
general)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Magical.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">That’s what I expected every second
to be. Because that’s what every Christmas movie in NYC declares as reality.
The soft snow flittering down, the street-corner shops filled with hot
chocolate and cupcakes; the skating rinks with happy couples swirling around;
and yes, the parade goers laughing and smiling joyfully as the camera scans the
crowd.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aharoni; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Freezing.
Raining. Puddles. Disrespectful Crowds. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aharoni; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Teeth-chattering, bones aching, frost-biting
cold.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">That’s what we encountered.
</span><span style="font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Magical</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> was not in
the word bank.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Don’t get me wrong, part of our week was beautiful with sunny
skies and beautiful weather. But the parade: the life-long tradition of magic,
Macy’s Parade was most definitely not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">When the parade started, I kept waiting… waiting for that </span><span style="font-family: "Felix Titling"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">magic</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> feeling of warmth and Christmas and Holiday Cheer to
spread over me. We left the parade and I
still was waiting. It never came.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWxKvw_HO5-lys0KAbO6MzTaRa1MWubpolHmvLbkQ28K2kWjoLaGMwUYlk44PlGdPuel-zyp-3aCWtX6P93gRluGWbSFXT7AmzjaWx5D0xcbWxrG5wmFt3nRWayDE-WEGWZefuhDj1SQ/s1600/Spidy+us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWxKvw_HO5-lys0KAbO6MzTaRa1MWubpolHmvLbkQ28K2kWjoLaGMwUYlk44PlGdPuel-zyp-3aCWtX6P93gRluGWbSFXT7AmzjaWx5D0xcbWxrG5wmFt3nRWayDE-WEGWZefuhDj1SQ/s1600/Spidy+us.jpg" height="320" width="284" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">As we headed back to Texas, I began feeling disappointed and
frustrated. What was wrong with me that I wasn’t on top of the world back
there?!?! I was in NYC for 4 days and watching the Parade on Thanksgiving morning!!!
It was a life-long dream come true. But there were moments, minutes, hours
even, that it didn’t feel like I was living my dream. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And I began to realize…..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">As an adult, Christmas will never be as </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">magical</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> as it was a child- even when I desperately wish it to
be. Life, in fact, will never hold the same </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">magic</span> as it did
as a 7 year old girl. </div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And this trip taught me that is ok. Because even though the
holiday magic</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> never
swept over me, when I stopped bemoaning that fact, I realized something far
greater was already in my heart that would never need a magical</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> fuzzy to accompany it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Why? I had </span><b><span style="color: #00b050; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Joy</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span><b><span style="color: #00b050; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Joy</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> over the true cause for celebration: Jesus’ birth! It’s
the only time of year where the world still acknowledges there is a reason for
celebration that is far greater than any sense of “magic” the human race can
come up with.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 115%;">Because the truth is, magic can’t sustain reality, but </span><b><span style="color: #00b050; font-family: 'Champagne & Limousines', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">joy</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><i> can
transcend it.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">You see, I had expected my time in NYC to be as perfect as
every holiday romantic comedy I’d watched or as beautiful as every photo-shopped
magazine picture I had ever seen, and that’s the problem. I’m basing my dreams of
this enchanted season from a world that will never be real, and therefore will
never be magical.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">But, if I learn to base my expectations and dream my dreams
based on the </span><b><span style="color: #00b050; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">joy</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> of what Christmas is actually about- celebrating the birth
of my glorious Savior, Jesus Christ, then</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> my <u>season will never be magical but
will always be real</u>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">If I’m offered a magical make-believe world or a joy-filled,
grace-infused, love-abundant reality, I choose the </span><b><span style="color: #00b050; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">joyful</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> reality. Every day. </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And in doing so, I’m finding that real Christmas </span><b><span style="color: #00b050; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">joy</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> is
overflowing from my heart far more than any amount of “magic” ever could.</span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">**Luke 2:10-14</span><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"> : </span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, </span><b><span style="font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I
bring you good news of great</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><b><span style="color: #00b050; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">joy</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is
born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And
this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths
and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of
the heavenly host praising God and saying, </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">14 “</span><b><span style="color: #00b050; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Glory to God</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> in the highest, and on earth peace among those with
whom he is pleased!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_CJxg4mkP9FmH6lVweXN1oFvsPKAgr_oN7qoaMHfkb2pRx4-8NUf5tLau3gTqYYMjokdgax6iFwcM_s5ht0McrC1F1VR78MNuVaatBu9xyxaVu3HbZXSd3l-9VjeaEDRsbtAXuV59zJg/s1600/quotescover-JPG-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_CJxg4mkP9FmH6lVweXN1oFvsPKAgr_oN7qoaMHfkb2pRx4-8NUf5tLau3gTqYYMjokdgax6iFwcM_s5ht0McrC1F1VR78MNuVaatBu9xyxaVu3HbZXSd3l-9VjeaEDRsbtAXuV59zJg/s1600/quotescover-JPG-22.jpg" height="147" width="400" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167424929785711838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657956268620543387.post-90571923673213070932014-11-17T12:26:00.001-06:002014-11-17T12:28:50.252-06:00Depinned: Why #Flawless Creates Flaws<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC'; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 150%;">Flawless</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">It’s everywhere. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5PJqtFTh9nSpnyiq-o6krw7YvSioFEx90e4ld-UAIFy2-PO1gcbh8uP3dezff4kmBiYIWInYpghtFlDDyAJJ0-A8gi7HBETc6zd6nLf_Z11hvBV8qAF23fEem5TPzrr6XIxTNoW4dRIk/s1600/flawless.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5PJqtFTh9nSpnyiq-o6krw7YvSioFEx90e4ld-UAIFy2-PO1gcbh8uP3dezff4kmBiYIWInYpghtFlDDyAJJ0-A8gi7HBETc6zd6nLf_Z11hvBV8qAF23fEem5TPzrr6XIxTNoW4dRIk/s1600/flawless.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 26px; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 26px; text-align: start;">Between Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, <br />I can’t get away from these phrases:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">| Girl- you’re flawless. | I woke up like
this. #flawless | <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">| You’re so pretty. You’re perf! |<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">There are over </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">6 million</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;"> hashtags
on Instagram for </span><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;"><b>flawless</b></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">. Over </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">2 million </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">for </span><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;"><b>perf</b></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">. Over </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">35 million </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">for </span><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;"><b>perfection</b></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">So, for week two of Pinterest De-pinned, we're looking at Flawless.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">I'm not even starting on the whole concept that “God is the only
flawless and perfect being in existence,” because that's longer than a blog. So let’s look at the <u>practicality </u>of
what this compliment actually does to a woman. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">So let’s say someone comments on an Insta pic of mine: Flawless!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;"><b>Here’s what that does to me:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;"> 1) makes me smile. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;"><b><u>AND then</u></b> helps me think a <b><i><u>literally
impossible </u></i></b>standard of beauty is <i>actually achievable</i>. </span><span style="font-family: "Futura Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">#doomedforfailure<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Futura Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;"> 2) makes me look at my
picture again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;"><b><u>AND then</u></b>
causes me to scrutinize it for the 37<sup>th</sup> time. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;">Which leads to either an arrogant view of myself, </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">or,</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;"> the more probable version, leads me to
raise my standards for myself and the future pics that I will post. If people
think I’m that pretty… that means future pictures must measure up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Futura Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">#mustkeepup</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Futura Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;"> 3) makes me remember
what the picture looked like without the filter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;"><b><u>AND then</u></b> Am I as pretty without the filter? Maybe… Who am I
kidding? No. Look at my skin tones. My zits. My big nose. I wonder if I’ll ever
like a natural (no filter) picture of myself again. </span><span style="font-family: "Futura Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">#notflawlessbutdon’ttell<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;"><b>Here’s what it does to the friend:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;"> 1) she’s so beautiful!
</span><span style="font-family: "Futura Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">#idon’tlooklikethat<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;"> 2) I’ll never look
like that! </span><span style="font-family: "Futura Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">#whyherandnotme?</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;"> 3) If only I my
_________ was smaller. </span><span style="font-family: "Futura Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">#flawed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;"> 4) Girl- you’re so #perf.
</span><span style="font-family: "Futura Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">#jealous<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;"><b>And the random girl reading the comments:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;"> 1) She has a ton of
likes! </span><span style="font-family: "Futura Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">#i’veneverhadsomany<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">2) I don’t know if I’d call her flawless…. Her
nose is a little small. Her eyes a little big. (Criticism begins….most likely a
defense mechanism to keep herself from feeling horrible about herself and her
appearance.) </span><span style="font-family: "Futura Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">#she’sprettynotbeautiful<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">OR<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">2) Yeah,
I mean look at her. She is gorgeous. I’ll never have those eyes or that nose. </span><span style="font-family: "Futura Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">#somegirlshaveitall<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">3) I’ll comment too- “tbh we don’t know each other but you’re
perf!” </span><span style="font-family: "Futura Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">#jealous<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">So to summarize #flawless creates:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">For the girl: <o:p></o:p></span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 26px; text-align: center;">#doomedforfailure </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">#mustkeepup </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">#notflawlessbutdon’ttell</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">For the friend: </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">#idon’tlooklikethat </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">#whyherandnotme? </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">#flawed </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">#jealous</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">For the reader: </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">#i’veneverhadsomany </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">#she’sprettynotbeautiful </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">#somegirlshaveitall </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">#jealous</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">So #flawless creates all sorts of self-doubts and scrutiny into our
flaws. Hmmm....</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxL8lQ4AN4JK4idEl7s_Oh237HHo0un2J4r_Lui5f48M2vU0yA92ZWjzfR5knilYEnPjENt7dsrK31HuQSzcGzZPmjAwmt9osjMRmmjgse9N59YE7JBwD4P4akkY5GVAbHbeuoHPE9fR8/s1600/Photoshop+quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxL8lQ4AN4JK4idEl7s_Oh237HHo0un2J4r_Lui5f48M2vU0yA92ZWjzfR5knilYEnPjENt7dsrK31HuQSzcGzZPmjAwmt9osjMRmmjgse9N59YE7JBwD4P4akkY5GVAbHbeuoHPE9fR8/s1600/Photoshop+quote.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;"></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Question</span></b>: <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;">Can we go back to the reality that each of us has flaws? No one is physically perfect without Photoshop,
and even then that’s subjective. To
continually tell each other that we are flawless is only pitting us against a
standard that we will always lose to. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">I’m </span><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">not</span></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">saying don’t compliment! I’m saying
compliment in a way that doesn’t create or add to pre-existing notions of
perfectionism or the idol of beauty in so many of our girls’, even our own
lives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;"><b>True beauty is real. It’s walked through the
difficulties of day to day living and rises the next morning to do it again.
True beauty involves a character that is loving and an integrity that is
spotless. True beauty brings laughter and love to lonely hearts. True beauty doesn’t have so much to do with the
size of the eyes as the size of the heart. True beauty is my Savior’s love
flowing through me.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">Women and girls:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;"> May we learn to compliment sincerely. Love without jealousy. And look without
coveting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Futura Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">#celebratedifferences #acceptflaws #commendtruebeauty<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: FangSong;">What do you think? Has #flawless ever created more hurt or more
awareness to flaws with you?</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167424929785711838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657956268620543387.post-7346807958626248992014-11-05T21:11:00.004-06:002014-11-06T09:48:36.355-06:00Pinterest De-pinned.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSy2vJ7u1Iq95wkAvpmtnSvKJZMEwYcawGK3UTKEABkK0ebsX29i7S_rWEauKsr0_uXBa1xbc0wTQ-QEigpRrx4ZlMz2zLMSzNlCIh6pXaWSJq3IhEgHCxh6T0chBMy0hz1PAGxaB4GvA/s1600/Reeces+Pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSy2vJ7u1Iq95wkAvpmtnSvKJZMEwYcawGK3UTKEABkK0ebsX29i7S_rWEauKsr0_uXBa1xbc0wTQ-QEigpRrx4ZlMz2zLMSzNlCIh6pXaWSJq3IhEgHCxh6T0chBMy0hz1PAGxaB4GvA/s1600/Reeces+Pie.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Every
woman I know has a love-hate relationship with Pinterest. Why? Because you love
all the amazing ideas you find…. Like Reese’s Chocolate Pie… or Caramel stuffed
Apples with ice cream on top….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">But
you hate it for the complete and total level of impossibility that lies within
it’s scrolling borders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FbySfWIlADEf3SkOmoQsK1-JaLG6rksf3mJtie5uPPa7pwTtWQVhwQ2bR6RfIl2iZ22Tu7XGQjpr3dP0wuPNd4lcfhP3VoNJcxccV5OGo8lssmhugNDLZ0hIEWaV-uHFhFHFpKf1L8s/s1600/Ryan+Gosling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FbySfWIlADEf3SkOmoQsK1-JaLG6rksf3mJtie5uPPa7pwTtWQVhwQ2bR6RfIl2iZ22Tu7XGQjpr3dP0wuPNd4lcfhP3VoNJcxccV5OGo8lssmhugNDLZ0hIEWaV-uHFhFHFpKf1L8s/s1600/Ryan+Gosling.jpg" height="200" width="121" /></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">You think that Ryan Gosling actually counted you twice?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">So I present to you: </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Pinterest De-Pinned.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">As I
stumble upon what I believe to be completely ludicrous pins, I will do my best
to de-pin them from your Pinterest boards. And minds everywhere.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72HePzazAuqqMAMyLO_gSIi-iSvtqu9BlgHcmY5CmSBzLxwb4L8GCR5N-hwYbLz0haqrdq3mKGywuZ4cgbankwv6lLOnsceq9ffmBA5naSoea4TdoY6XGKEJPtIlfo3j82HiGEkdoF8k/s1600/Million+Men.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72HePzazAuqqMAMyLO_gSIi-iSvtqu9BlgHcmY5CmSBzLxwb4L8GCR5N-hwYbLz0haqrdq3mKGywuZ4cgbankwv6lLOnsceq9ffmBA5naSoea4TdoY6XGKEJPtIlfo3j82HiGEkdoF8k/s1600/Million+Men.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bodoni MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Today
I want to </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">start with this gem:</span><span style="background: black; border: 1pt none black; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; padding: 0in;"> </span><span style="background: black; border: 1pt none black; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; padding: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">This
is </span><b style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">completely
false.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"> We’re talking 1,000% false. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">How do I know? I’m a woman!!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">(If
that’s not good enough for you, we’ve got a whole different issue to work on!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Now
don’t get me wrong, the only man that matters to me is my husband, and in that
one sense the board is true. <b>BUT</b>- I haven’t always been married. And even as a
married woman, words <b><i>can</i></b> still affect me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br />
<br />
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">If this pinned statement were true</span>:</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 150%;"></span><br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then
the number of <b>affairs</b> would be drastically LESS. <b><i>How
many women</i></b> have <b>strayed</b> because a man other
than her husband started complimenting her? Her hearing the words
led to her believing the words which led to her thinking about the words…
and on and on it goes….<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then
the number of <b>bad relationships</b> would be drastically
LESS. <b><i>How many girls</i></b> have <b>dated</b> the
wrong guy| the bad guy|the abusive guy because it started with compliments
like “You are so beautiful…” ?</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><u>Words impact.</u> To say that impact is <u>profound</u> is accurate. To say <u>life-long</u> is no exaggeration. To say it <u>affects
us</u> is truth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So brothers,
fathers, cousins, friends, with all that I have in me, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><i>I beg you</i>: <i>Consider your
words carefully. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><i>Consider the woman receiving your compliments even more so. </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">To the fathers and brothers:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Do </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">your job. Love your
girl. Praise her. Let her know that she has a beauty that is pronounced and
noticeable. Give her the compliments that other men should not be. Or not yet
at least. Let her know that her shape is
lovely and her face is gorgeous. If
those words intimidate you, practice on your wife. She’ll love you for it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">To the male friends of girls:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Do</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> YOUR job. Watch your
words. Your job is to build up your <b><i>friend</i></b>
as a <b><i>sister</i></b>…
But that is still a different relationship than a biological sibling. Because
you are not related to her, your words carry a different weight. Continual deep
compliments will not help your friendship; it will only complicate it for you
both. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Although
it doesn’t seem like a big deal, it is. Because at some point, your compliments
will lead to thoughts which lead to questions…. And then eventually you will
like her or she will like you. And it will get awkward or worse… one of you will
be hurt. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTdcpvxHXjPjHn4hop5ZuVUPUuxtG3OTCEZ_V75bwMcLK5QHq6ODvl3kJTZmBH6u2F0gAQdwZxENaXrp3HXpQlVPEkSE44TiupesF35ihyphenhyphenCG5dS9EOLy7eFdOadbKAISOsnrvsbEeLZc/s1600/Pin+quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTdcpvxHXjPjHn4hop5ZuVUPUuxtG3OTCEZ_V75bwMcLK5QHq6ODvl3kJTZmBH6u2F0gAQdwZxENaXrp3HXpQlVPEkSE44TiupesF35ihyphenhyphenCG5dS9EOLy7eFdOadbKAISOsnrvsbEeLZc/s1600/Pin+quote.jpg" height="233" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So
please, encourage, and yes, even compliment her- but within appropriate
boundaries and using appropriate words. She needs to know she’s valued but she shouldn’t
feel pursued when you’re not actually giving chase.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">To women:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We
must guard our hearts and our minds. Yes, we’ve heard that. But for many of us,
we haven’t lived it.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b><i>When
the wrong guy is saying all the right things, you must learn to forget the
compliment and leave the guy.</i></b> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Here’s
the last point I have to make before I close. And this one is so passionately
part of me, that I wish I could have started with it. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Men-
this also means the reverse is true.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">All the times you tell her she isn’t
beautiful-</span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> <br /><b><i>that hurts twice as deep.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">You have probably never said those words:</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> “You’re not beautiful.” But you’ve possibly said it in
other ways: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“You
certainly got a butt on you!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“Your
thighs are like tree trunks!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> “You’ve put on weight since last time I saw
you!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“No
guy would ever want to date you….. I’m just playin, just playin!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Or
maybe you know better than to joke like that, but maybe you don’t know that it’s
equally hard to hear men|boys|friends talk about how beautiful OTHER girls are. Or celebrities that are literally impossible (apart from
plastic surgery, Photoshop, and private trainers) to look like.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="line-height: 150%;">Husbands|Fathers:</b><span style="line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Know
that for you, this quote is true. When she knows you find her beautiful, she is
a woman on top of the world.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Girls:</b> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">You are Beautiful. You don’t need a million men to tell you that. Your heavenly
Father already has. And the man you will marry will remind you of that… for the
rest of your life.</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167424929785711838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657956268620543387.post-58678755057358214892014-10-28T17:53:00.002-05:002014-10-29T17:23:55.434-05:00Pots, Pans & Meltdowns<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<s><span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Sometimes</span></s><span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">. A lot of
times, I am overwhelmed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Sometimes
it’s for </span><b><span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">great</span></b><span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">reasons…. Like
having a project due for work and a really difficult deadline. Sometimes it’s for </span><b><span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">not great</span></b><span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">reasons…. Like
the time when Aaron and I were engaged and working on our registry, and in the
middle of the <b><u>cookware</u></b>
section at the store, <b><u>I had a total
meltdown</u></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpNN_V7pKy4fRHtZG3eE1byjJDOJ_3XMMwwb-82EaI85EVj2gE8JIie0v4CtdMIMz7WbA0zOcI-O_-qYHWCQPD3v3YoggrnW9dbdtj3V2UqB8-K9BG7Y8RNyCZP-Vu01QWx_FlBtuEeU/s1600/IMG_4021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpNN_V7pKy4fRHtZG3eE1byjJDOJ_3XMMwwb-82EaI85EVj2gE8JIie0v4CtdMIMz7WbA0zOcI-O_-qYHWCQPD3v3YoggrnW9dbdtj3V2UqB8-K9BG7Y8RNyCZP-Vu01QWx_FlBtuEeU/s1600/IMG_4021.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Yes…
the </span><b><i><u><span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">cookware section</span></u></i></b><span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">. Somehow the thought of choosing pots and pans was
a million miles beyond my mental capacity.
I remember words coming out of my mouth that went something like this… “But
everyone who ever comes to our home <b>will
judge me </b>based on which pan I’m cooking with…” Aaron also tells me that I was under the
belief that <b>picking the right cookware
was the foundation for our marriage. </b>Surely he’s mixing me up with another
crazy overwhelmed bride walking through the aisles that day…right???<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><i>I
only wish I was making that story up.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">But
the fact is regardless of whether the “I feel like I’m drowning” sensations are
coming from making earth-shattering decisions like the purchase of the right
soup pot, or whether they are coming from juggling 7 AP classes,
extra-curricular activities, and church involvement, the fact is no one wants
to feel like they’re <a href="http://everydayboldness.blogspot.com/2014/04/just-keep-swimming.html" target="_blank">drowning</a>. Ever. Not
in the ocean and not on dry land.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Here
are some things that I learned the hard way… maybe they can save you from the
cookware meltdown 3 months before your wedding.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">1. Admit you’re
drowning.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I
thought if I can just push through it, no one will notice that I’m struggling,
and I’ll convince myself that all this is pathetic and silly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Yeah…
<u>NO, YOU WON’T. NO, YOU WON’T. NO, YOU WON’T.</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">People
will notice- at least the people close to you- because </span><b><span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">a)</span></b><span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> your tears are not invisible <u>OR</u> if you’re
not a crier </span><b><span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">b)</span></b><span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">
you biting their heads off over something simple will be a major hint. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
fact is even if the situation is pathetic and silly… like the belief that
cookware is the foundation of my marriage… in that moment, you are “drowning”
because of everything else going on in your life. </span><i><span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Drowning people are rarely able to think logically.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It’s better to admit you’re sinking so you can
accept help, than to continue flailing around the ocean of your tears without
the ability to make it to “shore.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">2. Realize that help
might come in a form that you don’t like.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It’s
not going to work if you realize you are completely overwhelmed but you reject
all plans, ideas, and avenues suggested for helping you get to back to a state
of equilibrium. We <u>must</u> listen to
our mentors, parents, spouses, friends’ wisdom in this area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22pjll1Ts5YEeNy6Vux3oyB3spAEMp1JQiVz-z8B9YOoTRggpldSXdtp01ydWnYdu3jMkP4vbx411QpuIP_L1akKMx_hFJX7qZxT2vIn9z2eZhbNi3UlYQ17IoemF9Na2AGfrEJC6sKc/s1600/quote2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22pjll1Ts5YEeNy6Vux3oyB3spAEMp1JQiVz-z8B9YOoTRggpldSXdtp01ydWnYdu3jMkP4vbx411QpuIP_L1akKMx_hFJX7qZxT2vIn9z2eZhbNi3UlYQ17IoemF9Na2AGfrEJC6sKc/s1600/quote2.png" height="264" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Chances
are, you aren’t going to like the p<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>ath to normalcy. Why?
Because <b>we</b> overloaded <b>ourselves</b> which is why <b>we</b> now feel like <b>we</b> are <b>sinking</b>. So, if
we were all right with over-burdening our lives to get to the point of drowning,
it’s going to be very <i>difficult to admit</i>
that we need to UN-burden our lives <i>by removing some of the very things</i> we added to them to begin with.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Basically,
if you put 15 activities on your schedule, the way to stop drowning might be to
remove 7 of those 15 off your schedule. But who likes to go back and admit they
can’t do everything? Certainly not this red-head!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">But
we have to. Or we drown. I have to. Or I drown.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Sometimes,
however, it’s not that we over-burdened ourselves; we only have 2 things on our
plate to begin with… Maybe it’s that
there are other unresolved issues we need to face. Some of us might need to go
to counseling to work through it. Some of us might need to talk to a doctor
because it’s a medical issue. Some of us should talk to a pastor because it’s a
spiritual burden. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Bottom line: Be open to the
reality that help won’t always look the same for each person. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">3. Accept help. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I
remember at our wedding rehearsal, I was struggling. I was emotional, exhausted, excited, and
stressed. So guess what happened? Yes… tears started cascading down. Looking
back, maybe I should have reminded myself that we picked really good cookware! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Futura Book"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Futura Book"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Futura Book"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Futura Book"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Aaron
stepped in and took over. He directed the rehearsal; he told the group to ask
him or my mom questions but to leave me alone. He and my mother salvaged and
directed the next couple of hours. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Now,
honestly, part of me was so incredibly thankful. The other part of me was
slightly humiliated. Why couldn’t I handle my own wedding rehearsal? How
ridiculous must everyone think I am??<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">But
you know what? Aaron wasn’t <b>judging</b>
me because I was Niagara Falls. My mom didn’t <b>pull me aside</b> and tell me to pull myself together because I was the
bride. Our guests didn’t <b>heckle</b> me
as I entered the auditorium. </span><b><span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">No,</span></b><span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">instead my fiancé and family helped
me in the best possible way- they took the pressure off of me and onto
them. Our friends and extended family
either didn’t notice or were kind enough to not tell me they did… the evening
continued and was a success.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Sometimes
that is exactly what we need: to humble ourselves and accept the help.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>There’s no shame in being a human.</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We
</span><b><span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">all</span></b><span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">have our weak
moments, so thank the Lord that He gave us friends and loved ones to step in
and support us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I
know I’m always grateful when a friend or loved one is honest enough to be
transparent and vulnerable with me. Not that I’m glad they’re overwhelmed, but
I’m glad they trusted me enough to help them, encourage them, or just listen to
them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Shouldn’t I extend that same trust</span></i><span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> <i>when I’m the
one drowning?</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Maybe
if I would, that would prevent another break-down… this time in the silverware
aisle. </span></div>
<br />
<br />
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7xxr3YsRDoIdi3fD-TKrUkMCV6hQll5sw8CaX6ms5T9dX7qgPu_8rD6TB-3o9qBC6Ht1CSjIQqcQG45OSrBRsUrPfyCxjEbuElLaplwfHyFyJVD7Rxl232fr12H2xzKs7QEUvKWTlaM/s1600/IMG_4022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7xxr3YsRDoIdi3fD-TKrUkMCV6hQll5sw8CaX6ms5T9dX7qgPu_8rD6TB-3o9qBC6Ht1CSjIQqcQG45OSrBRsUrPfyCxjEbuElLaplwfHyFyJVD7Rxl232fr12H2xzKs7QEUvKWTlaM/s1600/IMG_4022.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167424929785711838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657956268620543387.post-21493006068476942932014-10-22T21:48:00.000-05:002014-10-22T22:09:17.547-05:00Mascara Running. Hands Clapping<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Earth Shattering.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Heavens Rejoicing.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Galaxies Smiling.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Mascara Running.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Praises Rising.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Hands Clapping.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Glory Shining.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Laughter Ringing.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Music Blaring.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Hugs Tightening.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Hearts Pumping.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Joy Overflowing.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Children Dancing.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Adults Shouting.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Orchestra Performing.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Angels Twirling.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Smiles Beaming.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Light Shining.<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-tYQ9ckQvyPcdxlmHlEe41KusbfrN4vKz2t33sZ5mo0oiAd_vdOcuT2VN7LaUBTq_JX7wGGk6WvgLeYQtzFnFN9cpSt10cbHtkDdTSmFapPe-CsQ9GQJneAOmxIYU_4yKRYrO1zVHmA/s1600/Heaven.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-tYQ9ckQvyPcdxlmHlEe41KusbfrN4vKz2t33sZ5mo0oiAd_vdOcuT2VN7LaUBTq_JX7wGGk6WvgLeYQtzFnFN9cpSt10cbHtkDdTSmFapPe-CsQ9GQJneAOmxIYU_4yKRYrO1zVHmA/s1600/Heaven.png" height="239" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This happens when </span><b><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 28.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 26.0pt;">one</span></b><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">,</span><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> just </span><b><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 28.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 26.0pt;">one</span></b><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 36.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">lost soul is redeemed by the saving grace of Jesus. Tonight we have
celebrated </span><b><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 28.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">21 lost souls finding salvation</span></b><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 28.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">through the</span><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"> blood of the Lamb!</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">O Glorious Day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">O Glorious Week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">O Glorious Savior.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">*If you ever have questions, please
comment or message me. I would love to share with you this life-changing,
forever gaining, glorious beautiful Love that has saved my soul. It's so simple. It's so loving. It's so grace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQo4gAMFvVxKoDWk9gTNdJV6dFkfZgBKL3TIKOMhVGHKrKvyw9VYJCOFEODFYsA9AEi4ETtIou0vX9UyFOJZ06eed3MaycrH-6ERcrd69HBH4dCe9Mq2WvTVezLoyewCmvKspEUP81Wg/s1600/romans-road1(pp_w860_h1118).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQo4gAMFvVxKoDWk9gTNdJV6dFkfZgBKL3TIKOMhVGHKrKvyw9VYJCOFEODFYsA9AEi4ETtIou0vX9UyFOJZ06eed3MaycrH-6ERcrd69HBH4dCe9Mq2WvTVezLoyewCmvKspEUP81Wg/s1600/romans-road1(pp_w860_h1118).jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167424929785711838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657956268620543387.post-36111931221675363452014-10-08T11:30:00.001-05:002014-10-08T11:30:57.916-05:00Man Truths<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZE4VpBwwRvxo13l65wHmKnOcU3EUqTodaHhoPrKFq6ORvvvIyMsmvpjUZA-7a_rZStRl0ixtJ1eFR-4bwlbo0h19nZbEDOp7I1tDN7Pxkk8rGzmuryoM0C3FnXE8-Yy3SyzxJFGXMOmw/s1600/9-7-14+Wedding+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZE4VpBwwRvxo13l65wHmKnOcU3EUqTodaHhoPrKFq6ORvvvIyMsmvpjUZA-7a_rZStRl0ixtJ1eFR-4bwlbo0h19nZbEDOp7I1tDN7Pxkk8rGzmuryoM0C3FnXE8-Yy3SyzxJFGXMOmw/s1600/9-7-14+Wedding+pic.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Goudy Old Style', serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;">I’ve been <a href="http://everydayboldness.blogspot.com/2014/02/marriage-truths-ha.html" target="_blank">married </a> 1 year,
1 month and 1 day. </span><span style="font-family: 'Goudy Old Style', serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">And in that 1 year, 1
month and 1 day, I have found that there is truth to what older wiser women
told me about <b>men</b>. Truth that I didn’t realize would save me some MAJOR
confusion in marriage (or friendships) if I would have simply trusted their
words. But </span><b><span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">today</span></b><span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">,
</span><span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">sisters</span><span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">, </span><b><u><span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">today</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I
believe</span><span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">them…which
is consequently transforming the way I approach relationships.</span><span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Here are the </span><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">3 Man Truths</span><span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">that have been confirmed in my
world. I’d love to hear in the comments below if they’ve been confirmed in
yours.</span><span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">#1 Hints are worthless. All of them. E.V.E.R.Y. time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Girls, we have all
heard it. And yet, we’ve all devoured enough chick flicks, and read enough
Nicholas Sparks novels that we choose to believe the fiction over the
facts. Fiction tells us that the
majority of men naturally pick up the ability to read your mind while
simultaneously ignoring your words (if needed). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">For example, when we
say: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“I think it’s so
sweet when men buy jewelry for their girls… </span><span style="font-family: 'Goudy Old Style', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 26px;">Oh my!</span><span style="font-family: 'Goudy Old Style', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 26px;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Goudy Old Style', serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;">You know, that necklace would go perfect with my leopard-print dress!
It’s soooooooooooo beautiful!!! I wish I had it!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">We feel as those are
practically <i>screaming</i> “Buy me the
necklace- it will show me you love me!!!! I WANT THE NECKLACE!!!!!!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">What he hears: “She
must <b>really</b> like the necklace… “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Some men might also add
on to that thought: If she likes it that
much, <b>she should just buy it</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">So what happens? He
says that to his girl, excited that he’s picked up on something… and is shocked
when she bursts into tears exclaiming “Oh, you just don’t get it!” and proceeds
to tell him she feels like he doesn’t care about her. He’s left shaking his
head wondering: <br />
“If she liked the necklace so much, why would buying it make her so mad? Where
did that backfire???”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Final conclusion: Hints
are worthless. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">#2 You must give them <u>“conversation codes”.</u> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Here’s something else
that we’ve all heard: Boys hear a problem and want to fix it, but girls just
want boys to listen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Goudy Old Style', serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;">Well we’ve all heard it
because guess what</span><span style="font-family: 'Goudy Old Style', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">- </span><span style="font-family: 'Goudy Old Style', serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%; text-decoration: underline;">it’s true!!!</span><span style="font-family: 'Goudy Old Style', serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Goudy Old Style', serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;">When I tell Aaron a
problem, his mind naturally and instantly processes: “If I solve this problem,
my wife will be happy again. Let me solve this problem.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Which, in all reality,
makes sense when we look at it “logically” like a guy does. But <b>why in the
world </b>would we do that?!?! We’re girls! In the midst of heartache, very rarely
do we want logic!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">So, I’ve learned to
help us both be “successful” in getting what we want, I now tell Aaron the </span><span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">code to success at the beginning</span><span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">: “Babe, this
is a conversation that I need you to listen. And after you listen, I need you
to reaffirm me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">He now knows- “The
solution in this instance to making my wife happy is not solving her problems
it’s encouraging her.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Now, he <s>probably</s> is thinking – “She’s crazy. If
she would just let me solve the problem, we wouldn’t have to have this same conversation
5 times.” But, he’s a sweet man, and keeps that thought to himself. Most of the
time. ;) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">In the end, <i>the code
solves both our problems</i>! He’s happy because he’s not upsetting me further, and
I’m happy because he’s not being logical when I need emotional!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">#3 Avoid using “</span><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Engravers MT","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">fine</span><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">.” It only destroys conversations.</span><span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I will admit- I’m 100%
stereotypical female in this particular way. I use “Fine” when I’m not actually
fine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">But here’s my perfectly
logical reasoning to why I say “</span><b><i><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">fine</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">” when I’m not….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">1) I’m actually really
annoyed, but I need to calm myself down before I tell you that I’m annoyed
because then I’ll overreact.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">2) I’m overreacting and
I know I’m overreacting, and so I’m saying that I’m fine because it <b>should</b> be true, and it <b>will</b> be true, <i>it’s just not true</i> at this <b>exact</b>
moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">3) It’s <b>fine</b>. It’s not awful; it’s not great… it’s
f.i.n.e.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">So those make total
sense right? Evidently to a man, not at all.
Here’s what a man hears…or so I’ve been told.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">1) She’s flat-out
<b>lying</b>. It’s obvious nothing about what I just said or asked is “</span><b><i><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">fine</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">2) She’s flat-out
<b>lying</b>. It’s obvious nothing about what I just said or asked is “</span><b><i><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">fine</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">3) Why would she say it’s
fine if she’s not pleased with it? Shouldn’t saying “</span><b><i><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">fine</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">”
actually mean that she finds it acceptable?..... So if she’s not pleased but
says she is… she’s flat-out <b>lying</b>. It’s obvious nothing about what I just said
or asked is actually an acceptable form of “</span><b><i><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">fine</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Whoa. <a href="http://everydayboldness.blogspot.com/2014/07/perspectives.html" target="_blank">Major differences in thought processes</a>. And I must admit, when my eyes were opened to the fact
that men feel like they are being lied to and then forced to figure out <i>on their own</i> why we are so unhappy… is
it any wonder that they get so frustrated with that answer?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Now, in our defense
ladies, our intent behind “fine” most of the time is actually a good thing!!
But I’m learning that for some men- they would rather have the emotional,
sometimes illogical, sometimes very upset truth, then to be left in the dark as
to what is actually going on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">So there’s my recently learned
</span><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Man Truths! </span><span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I’m
with you sisters- it would be SO MUCH EASIER if men could just get with the program
and read the female brain. But in the meantime, it’s all </span><b><i><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">fine </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">right?!?!
;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: 'Goudy Old Style', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 26px;">Please- if you have more to add- share below!!!</span></div>
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