tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13030898693709945862024-02-07T03:29:41.878-05:00Committing My Way..."One does not surrender a life in an instant. That which is lifelong can only be surrendered in a life time." J. ElliotJuliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290509761757441146noreply@blogger.comBlogger225125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303089869370994586.post-68541807110901318122019-01-07T23:14:00.001-05:002019-01-07T23:14:13.909-05:00New BlogHi friends!<br />
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If you are still here following me, I invite you to join me at my newly published blog - <a href="http://juliakyte.com/">JuliaKyte.com</a><br />
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I look forward to reconnecting with you!<br />
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Wishing you God's richest blessings in the New Year!<br />
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<br />Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290509761757441146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303089869370994586.post-54007416861289155522014-02-17T20:35:00.000-05:002014-02-17T20:35:00.221-05:00Reading Challenge 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Every year I like to participate in <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> reading challenge. I found this to be an excellent way to keep track of the books I have read and the books I hope to read in the future. Last year I failed miserably at my goal, but I am well on my way to completing mine for this year so I think I may increase it. This is also a great way to connect with your friends to see what they are reading.<br />
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So far I have read:<br />
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The Early and Later Delaware Baptists<br />
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Biblical Principles for Parenting by Pastor Larry Youngblood<br />
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The Burden Bearer by Paul Chappell<br />
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The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman<br />
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It's not too late to jump on the bandwagon! What are your reading goals for this year?<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"One characteristic common to every effective person is that they are avid readers." </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Michael LeBoeuf</span></div>
Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290509761757441146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303089869370994586.post-68476982793823916072014-02-13T20:14:00.000-05:002014-02-13T20:14:00.958-05:00Thoughtful Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>"Contentment should be the hallmark of the man or woman who has put his or her affairs in the hands of God."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">~Phillip Keller</span></div>
Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290509761757441146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303089869370994586.post-27728043946065395972014-02-06T02:00:00.000-05:002014-02-06T02:00:06.545-05:00Thoughtful Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Real joy comes not from ease or riches or from the praise of men, but from doing something worthwhile."</i></span></div>
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~~Wilfred T. Grenfell~~</div>
Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290509761757441146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303089869370994586.post-36350763536438789802014-02-03T19:29:00.002-05:002014-02-03T21:08:23.950-05:00Highlights of 2013: Part 1This last year has flown by and brought with it many adventures and changes in my life. I thought I would just share the highlights of 2013 and a few pictures with you...<br />
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In March, I began courting James Kyte (which is part of my excuse for my long absence here on my blog :).<br />
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In April, I flew home for a week to be with my sister while my parents flew down to Mexico for cancer treatment for my dad. Thankfully, he is now cancer free and we pray that it stays that way. </div>
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On May 18th, I graduated from Baptist Bible Translators Institute. Mom, my sister, Joanna and James all came down to celebrate this event. Dad was still recovering from surgery so was not able to make it. </div>
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During the month of June, James and I took a missions trip to the Bahamas with his church for a week. And yes, it was a missions trip. :) During the week we helped missionaries Jason and Heather Lowe with a Vacation Bible School. I worked with the preschoolers which was a fun and challenging group. </div>
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To be continued...</div>
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Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290509761757441146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303089869370994586.post-70162499821919968822013-03-14T23:18:00.001-04:002013-03-23T22:05:20.317-04:00Overcoming Fear Part 4 - ConclusionIn conclusion, I would like to share with you this simple acrostic for you to remember when experiencing fear in your life:<br />
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F – Focus on Christ, not your fears</h3>
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Remember to keep your eyes focused on Christ. When
you focus on the problem instead of Christ, it will be bigger than you can
handle. When Peter took his eyes off Christ, he started to sink. He began
focusing on the storm instead of on Christ. </div>
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<h3>
E –Exercise your God-given power</h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Remember that we have power over our fears through Jesus Christ. <i>"God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power..."</i></span></span></h3>
<h3>
A –Arm yourself with the Word of God</h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Memorize and meditate on God’s
Word so that when worry, fear and doubt creeps in; you are armed with the Word
of God. Just as a soldier would not go into battle unarmed, we should not go
into battle without being armed with the Word of God. </span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Find peace and security by resting in the arms of Jesus. Deuteronomy 33:27, <i>“The eternal
God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust
out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.”</i></span></span></h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
<a href="http://committingmyway.blogspot.com/2013/03/overcoming-fear-part-1-introduction.html">Overcoming Fear - Part 1</a></h3>
<h3>
<a href="http://committingmyway.blogspot.com/2013/03/overcoming-fear-part-2-source-of-fear.html">Overcoming Fear - Part 2</a></h3>
<h3>
<a href="http://committingmyway.blogspot.com/2013/03/overcoming-fear-part-3-overcoming-fear.html">Overcoming Fear - Part 3</a></h3>
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Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290509761757441146noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303089869370994586.post-77142235240368880732013-03-14T23:05:00.000-04:002013-03-23T22:05:32.671-04:00Overcoming Fear Part 3 - Overcoming Fear<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b><i>“but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”</i></b></div>
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<b>a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></b><b>With Power</b></div>
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<b><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></b><b>God has all power</b></div>
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We have a powerful God. He
is able to overcome any fear that we have. </div>
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Psalm 147:5, <i>“Great is
our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.”</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Jeremiah 32:17, <i>“Ah
Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power
and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:”</i></div>
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<b><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></b><b>The One who has all power is with us</b></div>
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Matthew 28:18, 20 <i>“And Jesus
came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in
earth…and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”</i></div>
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Hebrews 13:5, <i>“Let your
conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye
have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”</i></div>
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<b><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></b><b>He gives us power</b></div>
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God has given us
the power to the weary to help them through their trials. </div>
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Isaiah 40:29-31, <i>“He giveth
power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even
the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But
they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up
with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk,
and not faint.”</i></div>
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We must rely on God’s power not
our own, as the disciples failed to do.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in;">
II Corinthians 4:7, <i>“But we
have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be
of God, and not of us.”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b>b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></b><b>With Love</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Lately, I have been thinking a lot about the love
Christ has for us. It is just so far beyond our comprehension. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent2">
Recently, I was reading the story of the rich young
ruler and one of the verses jumped out at me. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Mark 10:17, <i>“And when he was
gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked
him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus
said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is,
God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not
steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my
youth. <b>Then Jesus beholding him loved him,</b> and said unto him, One thing
thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and
thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great
possessions.”</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Jesus knew that the young man
would not be willing to sacrifice his possessions to follow Him. The one thing
the young man lacked, was loving God with all his heart. Jesus knowing this
still chose to love him.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Jesus also chose to love Judas
knowing that he would one day betray Him. I could not imagine this kind of
love. If I knew someone was going to betray me, the last thing I would think of
doing would be to love him. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I have also been pondering a great
deal on the Crucifixion. I think we make this so much lesser than it really
was. When you see pictures of Jesus after His resurrection, you see red marks
on His hands from the nails. Jesus had large spikes driven through His hands. Those holes will be in His hands for all of eternity. I think that they will
serve as a continually reminder of what Christ did for us. </div>
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<br /></div>
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How does love tie in with fear?</div>
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<br /></div>
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I John 4:18 answers this question,
<i>“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear
hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” </i></div>
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<br /></div>
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We can find peace and security in
the great love that Christ has for us. Just as a child finds security in the
arms of their parent, we can find security be resting in the arms of Christ.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b>c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></b><b>With Sound Mind </b></div>
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“Sound mind” here is referring to moderation and
self-control. How does self-control tie </div>
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in with fear?</div>
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<br /></div>
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I think that many times fear
starts out with our mind. We start doubting and worrying, instead of turning to
God in faith. By bringing every thought captive into the obedience of Christ, we
can conquer our fears with the Lord’s strength. </div>
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<br /></div>
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II Corinthians 10:3,<b> </b><i>“For
though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of
our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of
strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth
itself against the knowledge of God, and <b>bringing into captivity every
thought to the obedience of Christ;</b> And having in a readiness to revenge
all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.”</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent2">
By meditating on God’s Word, our thoughts will be
turned to the Lord instead of our fears and worries. If you are struggling with
fear, I would suggest to you to find some verses to memorize and meditate on. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
Charles Spurgeon said, <i>“The
worst evils of life are those which do not exist except in our imagination. If
we had no troubles but real troubles, we should not have a tenth part of our
present sorrows.</i> </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i>“</i></b><i>If we want the
Word of God to have authority in our life, there is only one way - obey it. If
we want the Holy Spirit to have authority in our life, there is only one way -
Obey Him. If we always obey impulses of fear or doubt or resentment, what will
have authority over our minds? Fear, and doubt and resentment.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Tom Marshall)</div>
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<br /></div>
Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290509761757441146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303089869370994586.post-52682223275057168552013-03-13T23:04:00.000-04:002013-03-23T22:05:48.084-04:00Overcoming Fear Part 2 - The Source of Fear<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Fear is Not of God </span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <b><span style="font-size: small;"><i>"for God hath not given us the spirit of fear"</i> </span></b></span><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Fear does not come from God. Repeatedly, throughout the Bible God tells His people to "fear not."</span></div>
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</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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</xml><![endif]--><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Abraham</b><br />
Genesis 15:1, <i>“After these
things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, <b><u>Fear
not,</u></b> Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.”</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>Jacob </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Genesis 26:24, <i>“And the LORD appeared unto him the
same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: <b><u>fear not,</u></b>
for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant
Abraham’s sake.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Genesis 21:17, <i>“And God heard the voice of the lad;
and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What
aileth thee, Hagar? <b><u>fear not; </u></b>for God hath heard the voice of the
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<br />
<b>Children of Israel</b><br />
Deuteronomy 1:21, <i>“Behold, the
LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD
God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; <b><u>fear not,</u></b> neither be
discouraged.</i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<br />
Deuteronomy 20:3, <i>“And shall
say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your
enemies: let not your hearts faint<b><u>, fear not,</u></b> and do not tremble,
neither be ye terrified because of them;”</i><br />
<br />
Deuteronomy 31:6, <i>“Be strong
and of a good courage, <b><u>fear not</u></b>, nor be afraid of them: for the
LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor
forsake thee.”</i><br />
<br />
Isaiah 41:14, <i>“<b><u>Fear not</u></b>,
thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and
thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.”</i><br />
<br />
Isaiah 43:1, <i>“But now thus
saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, <b><u>Fear
not</u></b>: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art
mine.”</i><b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Joshua</b><br />
Joshua 8:1, <i>“And the LORD said
unto Joshua, <b><u>Fear not</u></b>, neither be thou dismayed:”</i><br />
<br />
<b>Zacharias </b><br />
Luke 1:13, <i>“But the angel said
unto him, <b><u>Fear not</u></b>, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy
wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.”</i><br />
<br />
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<h4>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Disciples </span></b></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Luke 5:10, <i>“And so was also
James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus
said unto Simon, <b><u>Fear not</u>;</b> from henceforth thou shalt catch men.”</i></span> </h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Luke 12:4-7, “<i>And I say unto
you my friends, <b><u>Be not afraid</u> </b>of them that kill the body, and
after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall
fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I
say unto you, Fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not
one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are
all numbered. <b><u>Fear not</u></b> therefore: ye are of more value than many
sparrows.”</i> </span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Revelation 1:17, <i>“And when I
saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying
unto me, <b><u>Fear not;</u></b> I am the first and the last:”</i></span></h4>
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<br /></div>
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Jesus is the first and the last. He created all
things and by Him all things exist. There is nothing that He cannot control. He
controls every single circumstance in which we find ourselves. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Fear is of the Devil</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </div>
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A. B. Simpson said, <i>“Fear is
born of Satan, and if we would only take time to think a moment, we would see
that everything Satan says is founded upon a falsehood.”</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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I think the devil uses fear to
keep us from accomplishing God’s will for our lives. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I once heard a story of a man who
was called to the mission field. This man chose not to go because he was afraid
of snakes. One day as his children were playing, two of his boys climbed under
their trailer and found a nest of rattle snakes. The man quickly put the boys
in the car to rush them to the hospital. As he was backing out of the driveway,
he ran over his other child. His wife came out of the house seeing what had
happened, dropped dead of a heart attack. The man lost his entire family
because he tried to flee from his fear instead of obeying God. In the end, his
fear ended up finding him. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
Fear is just another tactic the
devil uses in attempts to destroy us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. Fear comes from within ourselves </span><br />
<br />
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<i>"Fear is the passion of our
nature which excites us to provide for our security, on the approach of evil.</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><i>" </i> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>~Rogers
</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></div>
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Fear comes when we are looking to
ourselves for security instead of to God. It comes when we are looking at God
through our circumstance instead of looking at our circumstance through God. It
is a lack of faith in God. It is a matter of looking to ourselves instead of to
the Lord for help and strength.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The disciples did this when they
were in the midst of the stormy sea. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Matthew 8: 23-27, <i>“And when he
was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And, behold, there arose a
great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves:
but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord,
save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little
faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great
calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the
winds and the sea obey him!”</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
They toiled on in their own
strength before finally crying out to the Lord. So often, this characterizes
us. The Lord is often our last resort when facing difficulties in our lives.
Fear comes from our own hearts when we fail to put our faith in the Lord. <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Elisabeth Elliot said, <i>“Where does your security
lie? Is God your refuge, your hiding place, your stronghold, your shepherd,
your counselor, your friend, your redeemer, your Saviour, your guide? If He is,
you don't need to search any further for security.”</i> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><br />
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<br /></div>
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</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290509761757441146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303089869370994586.post-81223141591298092602013-03-12T23:29:00.000-04:002013-03-23T22:06:01.928-04:00Overcoming Fear - Part 1 Introduction<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<i><b>I recently shared a devotional on fear with a ladies group. I thought I would post my notes from it on here. Hopefully, it will be a blessing and encouragement to you. </b></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>II Timothy 1:7 </b></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: center;">
<b>“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of
power, </b></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: center;">
<b>and of love, and of a sound mind.”</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Introduction:</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></b>Glorianne
Gibbs tell of a story:</div>
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<br /></div>
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“When my husband and I were just
newly married we were sitting in our VW bug in the parking lot next to our
apartment building that actually was an old, infrequently used church’s parking
lot that, as apartment renters, we were allowed to use. We were just sitting
there enjoying each other’s company and intensely talking, not noticing
anything but each other as the twilight of a late October evening was settling
in. it was a cold October, and we were pausing to warm up before making the
long walk to our apartment. The side of the church facing us was windowless,
and we were several hundred feet from the road and any passerby.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Suddenly our whole car shook and
we looked out to see that a gang of about fifteen fierce looking older
teenagers had appeared and surrounded our car. They kept circling the car and
rocking it with more and more momentum until we were afraid that it would roll
over. I was terrified! My husband could in no way get out of the car to
confront them as they were armed with chains and knives and we were living
close to where the Cleveland riots had occurred that past summer. Tempers and
hostilities had not cooled as fast as the weather that year. We just held hands
and prayed as they rocked our car and yelled at us! It was a horrible
experience and I actually thought they were going to kill us. Then, just when I
thought the car was definitely going over, they suddenly stopped, banged a
chain once more on our roof and sauntered away across the parking lot. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
When I think of fear, the first thing that comes to my
mind is a child being afraid of the dark. This is probably one of the first
fears that many people face. As a child, you probably experienced a number of
fears. Children are generally much more open and willing to discuss their
problems. However, as we grow older it seems like we have less of a tendency to
really talk about our struggles. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I think that we have the attitude
as adults we should be tough and not have any fears. I have often seen decals
on vehicles that say, <i>“No Fear.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think we are the <i>“No fear”</i> generation. This is just an attitude
of pride – that we can first of all, handle our problems on own; and secondly,
it is a denial of God for we are to have a healthy fear of Him. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Some fears that you may be dealing
with or have dealt with in the past:</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Darkness</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Sickness</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Trials</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Death</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Personal or family safety</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Of man/public speaking</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Failure </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Going on the mission field, I have many fears to face.
Things are bad enough in our own country, yet even more so in most other countries.
I have a decision to make as to whether I am going to let the fears control my
life or trust God for the outcome. </span><br />
<br />Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290509761757441146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303089869370994586.post-32887469212157123232013-03-09T17:39:00.003-05:002013-03-09T17:39:52.019-05:00Weighing the CostI had feelings of fear about the future...The devil kept on whispering,
"It's all right now, but what about afterward? You are going to be very
lonely"....And I turned to my God in a kind of desperation and said
"Lord, what can I do? How can I go on to the end?" And He said, "None of
them that trust in Me shall be desolate." That word has been with me
ever since.
<br /><br />
Amy Carmichael<br />
<a href="http://www.heroesofhistory.com/page49.html">
Biography And Bibliography</a><br />
On 'weighing the cost' of full time missionary work
Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290509761757441146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303089869370994586.post-75662219909953918762013-02-09T16:11:00.000-05:002013-02-09T16:11:21.122-05:00Christmas Break<br />
Christmas was an exciting and busy time. I was able to go home for a little over 3 weeks. During that time I was able to visit and catch up with family and friends. The first big event was seeing my little niece get baptized...<br />
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That afternoon was spent with my Mom's side of the family...<br />
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Christmas day was spent with all of the family at home...<br />
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Since moving to TX, we had two new additions to our family which I met for the first time during our break...<br />
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Chloe - an adorable, but naughty little pup</div>
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and precious little Abigail Grace</div>
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Mom hosted a Ladies Christmas Tea while I was home to have some time to fellowship with some of my favorite ladies...</div>
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<br />Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290509761757441146noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303089869370994586.post-34765268902361899492012-09-08T19:48:00.000-04:002012-09-08T19:48:53.169-04:00Thank You!I just wanted to say thank you to all those who had a part in giving and making it possible for me to be at BBTI this year. I was really amazed and humbled by the generosity of so many. God has shown Himself strong in providing for my needs. I am in the process of getting Thank you notes out, but it has taken me awhile with so many to write. Thank you for being a blessing and encouragement to me! Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290509761757441146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303089869370994586.post-31486448269434233982012-09-08T19:44:00.000-04:002012-09-08T19:45:08.457-04:00Greetings from Texas!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Greetings from Texas! Today we are finally enjoying some
cooler weather. 85 degrees is actually starting to feel cold now. Texas is very
different from Maryland. I can’t say I will ever get used to scorpions and
BOUS’s (Bugs of Unusual Size). Just so long as I don’t find a snake in my
house, I’ll be good. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have a nice sized two-bedroom apartment all to myself. It
is much nicer than I was expecting. The other two single girls share the
apartment connecting to mine. Our class at BBTI is very small this year, just
three single girls and three married couples plus lots of kiddos. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday concluded our second week of classes. Everything
is going very well. The classes are not as hard as I had expected but still
definitely somewhat of a challenge. First thing in the morning, we have World
Survey. In this class, we learn about two different missionaries, a country and
an unreached people group. We each take turns researching and giving the
reports. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Following World Survey is our Phonetics class. This is the most
challenging (and humiliating) part. It is actually rather interesting learning
how to analyze everything we say. We are learning how to make all sorts of
crazy sounds. At least we get lots of laughs in this class. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bro. Cobb is teaching our culture class. For this class we
are learning about many aspects of different cultures. Sometimes learning about
the different cultures can be overwhelming. It is no wonder so many people
experience culture shock. This class is definitely showing me mine own weaknesses
and inability to adjust to another culture on mine own. Thankfully, I know that
wherever the Lord puts me, He will give me the grace to learn how to
adapt. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are some pictures of my house:</span></div>
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Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290509761757441146noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303089869370994586.post-39026127749041256702012-08-06T19:41:00.001-04:002012-08-06T19:46:28.109-04:00BBTI<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The end of next week I will be heading to Texas for nine months of training at Baptist Bible Translators Institute. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated during this time.Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290509761757441146noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303089869370994586.post-88122264919940401022012-07-31T19:15:00.001-04:002012-07-31T19:25:31.784-04:00Camp BIMI<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Several weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend Camp BIMI with a couple of friends from my church. Camp BIMI is for those who are seeking God's will concerning missions. We had a wonderful week and it is really hard to put into words what we experienced. It was just what I needed.<br />
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In the mornings we had sessions similar to college classes. Every session was taught by a different missionary so we were able to learn from many different experiences and life in different cultures. In the afternoons, we had an activity and choir practice.<br />
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Following dinner, we had the evening service. In the evening services, each one shared his or her testimony and where they were at concerning missions. We also heard a presentation each evening from the different BIMI directors and the fields they represent.<br />
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It was such an encouraging week. We were around some amazing missionaries that have been greatly used by God. One thing that I appreciated was their openness and humility. We were allowed to ask them any questions that we wanted. They were very down to earth and sought to be an encouragement to each one of us in whatever way they could.Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290509761757441146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303089869370994586.post-30724841460427060432012-05-22T22:40:00.001-04:002012-07-31T19:17:55.064-04:00Seth & Lauren - May 19, 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290509761757441146noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303089869370994586.post-28659048386854849962012-05-14T00:30:00.000-04:002012-05-14T00:30:01.116-04:00Happy Mother's Day!<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">~Author Unknown</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The young mother set her foot on the path of life.</span><br />
<br />
“<span style="font-size: small;">Is this the long way?” she asked.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">And
the guide said: “Yes, and the way is hard, and you will be old before
you reach the end of it, but the end will be better than the beginning.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">But the young mother was happy, and she would not believe that anything could be better than these years.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">So
she played with her children, and gathered flowers for them along the
way, and bathed them in the clear streams; and the sun shown on them and
the young Mother cried, “Nothing will ever be lovelier than this.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Then
the night came, and the storm, and the path was dark, and the children
shook with fear and cold, and the mother drew them close and covered
them with her mantle, and the children said, “Mother we are not afraid,
for you are near, and no harm can come.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">And
the morning came, and there was a hill ahead, and the children climbed
and grew weary, and the mother was weary. But at all times she said to
the children, “A little patience and we are there.” So the children
climbed, and when they reached the top they said, “Mother, we could not
have done it without you.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">And
the mother, when she lay down at night looked up at the stars and
said, “This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned
fortitude in the face of hardness. Yesterday I gave them courage.
Today I have given them strength.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">And
the next day came strange clouds which darkened the earth, clouds of
war and hate and evil, and the children groped and stumbled, and the
mother said, “Look up. Lift your eyes to the light.” And the children
looked and saw above the clouds an everlasting glory, and it guided them
beyond the darkness. And that night the Mother said, “This is the
best day of all, for I have shown my children God.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">And
the days went on, and the weeks and the months and the years, and the
mother grew old and she was little and bent. But her children were tall
and strong and walked with courage. And when the way was rough, they
lifted her, for she was as light as a feather; and at last they came to a
hill, and beyond they could see a shining road and the golden gates
flung wide. And the mother said, “I have reached the end of my
journey. And now I know the end is better than the beginning, for my
children can walk alone, and their children after them.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">And
the children said, “You will always walk with us, Mother, even when you
have gone through the gates.” And they stood and watched her as she
went on alone, and the gates closed after her. And they said, “We
cannot see her, but she is with us still. A mother like ours is more
than a memory. She is a living presence.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Your
Mother is always with you. She’s the whisper of the leaves as you walk
down the street, she’s the smell of bleach in your freshly laundered
socks, she’s the cool hand on your brow when you’re not well. Your
Mother lives inside your laughter and she’s crystallized in every
teardrop.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">She’s
the place you came from, your first home; and she’s the map you follow
with every step you take. She’s your first love and your first
heartbreak, and nothing on earth can separate you… Not time… Not space…
Not even death. Thank the Lord for the gift of her in your life.</span><br />
<div align="left">
<br /></div>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290509761757441146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303089869370994586.post-5734210395652528022012-04-03T22:00:00.000-04:002012-07-31T19:17:39.955-04:00Josiah & Jena Engagement Pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290509761757441146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303089869370994586.post-27701205721058571402012-03-17T19:46:00.000-04:002012-08-06T19:35:56.073-04:00New Seasons of Life<span style="font-size: large;">It is hard to believe we are half way through March already! I am looking forward to spring. It looks like much more than just the season is about to change. In August, I will be heading to TX to attend the Baptist Bible Translators Institute. This has been on my heart for awhile now, but the Lord had not opened the door. Finally, things have fallen into place and I believe that it is His timing. Everyone keeps asking what I will be doing after that. As of yet, I don't really know. I am just praying that the Lord will direct me to where He would have me. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The biggest news is my "little" brother is soon to be engaged - and yes I can say this publicly because the whole world knows pretty much, including his soon-to-be fiancee. He is not one for keeping secrets. He is just waiting for the ring to be resized. We have officially launched full speed into wedding plans. Both Joanna and I will be in the wedding along with my brother John, niece and nephew. I am supposed to be doing their engagement pictures so I will be sure to post a few once they are done. </span>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290509761757441146noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303089869370994586.post-41814406578295709842012-02-14T03:30:00.000-05:002012-02-14T03:30:00.131-05:00Loving the Unlovely<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
We all have people in our lives who are easy to love. It is easy to give and show love to these people because it is a give and take relationship. We know that when we show love to them, they will in turn show love to us. Perhaps you can think of a person in your life right now like this - maybe your best friend, a parent, sibling or someone in your church.<br />
<br />
It is natural for us to love those who love us. Even those of the world will love those who love in return. Jesus spoke of this in Mt 5:46, <i>"For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?" </i>There is no reward for this kind of love. True love is giving without expecting anything in return.<br />
<br />
Jesus talked of loving the poor, loving those who could not return the favor. When He says poor, I do not think this necessarily means in a physical sense. Who is there in your life that is difficult to love? Someone that may not necessarily love you back? What about the awkward person who always seems to say the wrong thing at the wrong time?<br />
<br />
Being a teacher, sometimes I am often faced with students that are difficult to love. A student once asked his teacher, "do you love all your students?" Honestly, there are some of my students I don't "feel" like loving. But, wait a minute! Love is not just some fuzzy feeling we get from being around a certain person. Love is a decision. I must make the decision to love that student who tries every possible way to wear out my patience. I must make the decision to love that awkward person others may see as a misfit.<br />
<br />
True love is putting others needs ahead of my own. This may not be as difficult to do for some people, but what about the people I really don't like or care for? When we reach this point, we are beginning to show Christlike character. For it was Him who first loved us - just the way we were - poor miserable sinners with nothing to offer.Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290509761757441146noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303089869370994586.post-21576001106269991112012-02-05T16:05:00.000-05:002012-07-31T19:18:11.570-04:00Pictures from Florida Family VacationJust after Christmas we were able to take a family vacation to Florida. We spent the first several days in St. Augustine and then headed further south to Orlando to meet up with my brother's family at Disney World. It was a rather crazy trip, but it was fun being on vacation with our entire family especially my niece and nephews. Here are some pictures from the trip:<br />
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<br />Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290509761757441146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303089869370994586.post-25563247874171918892012-02-05T15:17:00.001-05:002012-02-05T15:17:33.365-05:00Happy New Year!This is a rather late New Year's post. I pray that all of my readers out there near and far have a very blessed New Year!<br />
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Last year, I picked a theme verse for the year, which I still have on my side bar. It was amazing as I meditated on this verse throughout the year, how the Lord showed me many new insights. At the beginning of the year I went through quite a few trials. I never really thought how this verse applied to the trials in my life. The Lord taught me how I needed to put that past behind me. There was nothing I could do to change any of the things that happened. I just needed to live it in the Lord's hands and move on with life. <br />
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I have been meditating on several verses trying to find one to focus on for this year. Over the last week, the Lord has been impressing upon me the need to grow my prayer life. It has been interesting how this topic has been coming up over and over. The last few weeks, I have been teaching my kids in my class on Sundays about prayer. I have chosen the following verse as my theme:<br />
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<b>Acts 6:4</b></div>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word."</b></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></i>I know this verse is talking about the role of the pastor, but what Christian does not need to give themselves continually to prayer? So, my challenge for this year is to work on my prayer life. I would encourage you in this area as well. <br />
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<br />Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290509761757441146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303089869370994586.post-69234059093735191722011-12-09T01:00:00.000-05:002011-12-09T01:00:06.284-05:00Thought Provoking Thursday<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">You have to <i>be</i> different to <i>make</i> a difference. You cannot change anything by adding more of the same. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">- Jim Berg, <i>Changed Into His Image </i></span></span></div>
<br />Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290509761757441146noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303089869370994586.post-38752332016217003092011-12-01T01:00:00.000-05:002011-12-01T01:00:01.526-05:00Thought Provoking Thursday<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">“The Holy Spirit operates upon the heart through the truth. He
gives it a personal application; brings it home to the heart and conscience,
and makes it effectual in changing the heart and life.”</span></i></div>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290509761757441146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303089869370994586.post-42797048016208809932011-11-17T01:00:00.000-05:002011-11-17T01:00:09.503-05:00Thought Provoking Thursday<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">A desire to glorify God must, then, be the ruling principle
of all our conduct, the moving spring of all our actions.<span> </span>The moon reflects the glory of the sun just
as we are to reflect the glory of God.</span></i></div>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15290509761757441146noreply@blogger.com0