tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28328607403443593202024-03-13T20:53:21.376-04:00Shining Light on Life's Long TrailVanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03609122386376968883noreply@blogger.comBlogger318125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832860740344359320.post-67465886575886229432012-09-20T21:49:00.000-04:002012-09-20T21:49:03.584-04:00<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have recently switched over to wordpress. Please visit my new blog</span> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://vanwalton.com/">here. </a></span></span><br />
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<br />Vanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03609122386376968883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832860740344359320.post-6142145027832744932012-09-19T06:39:00.002-04:002012-09-19T06:44:30.417-04:00Las diferencias se pueden usar para lo bien<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES;">Por favor</span><span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES;"> vsíte mi página</span> <span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES;">nueva: <a href="http://vanwalton.com/paralatinas/">vanwalton.com </a></span><br />
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<span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES;">Conocí a mi esposo en la
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<br /></div>
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<span class="hps"><span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES;">Traté
de cambiarlo. No tuve éxito en esa tarea. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="hps"><span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES;">Poco a
poco los dos nos fuimos en direcciones diferentes. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="hps"><span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES;">No
estaba feliz y no sabía cómo se iba a terminar esta relación. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="hps"><span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES;">Me había
casado con un joven quien me robó el corazón. Ahora sentí como si me hubiera
robado mi vida. No estaba contenta. No me casé para vivir con un desconocido.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="hps"><span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES;">Después
de muchos años, por la gracia de Dios, mi mamá me presento con un estudio de la
personalidad.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="hps"><span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES;">Aprendí
que todos somos diferentes. Dios nos hizo así. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aprendí que las parejas casi siempre atraen a una
persona opuesta. Dios nos hizo de esta manera</span></span><span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES;"> <span class="hps">para complementar</span> <span class="hps">el uno al otro</span>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="hps"><span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES;">Las
fuerzas de mi esposo me ayudan a mí. Y los poderes que yo tengo son para su
bien. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Juntos somos una pareja poderosa
con muchos dones. </span></span></div>
<h1>
<span class="Heading1Char"><span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: ES; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">En la Biblia leemos sobre el primer matrimonio, la primera pareja: </span></span><span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: ES; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<sup><span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">15 </span></sup><span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">El <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Señor</span> Dios puso al hombre
en el jardín de Edén para que se ocupara de él y lo custodiara… <sup>18 </sup>Después,
el <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Señor</span> Dios dijo: «No es bueno
que el hombre esté solo. Haré una ayuda ideal para él». El <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Señor</span> Dios formó de la tierra todos los
animales salvajes y todas las aves del cielo… pero aún no había una ayuda ideal
para él.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<sup><span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">21 </span></sup><span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Entonces el <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Señor</span> Dios hizo
que el hombre cayera en un profundo sueño. Mientras el hombre dormía, el <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Señor</span> Dios le sacó una de sus costillas
y cerró la abertura. Dios hizo de la costilla a una mujer, y la presentó al
hombre.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<sup><span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">23 </span></sup><span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">«¡Al fin! —exclamó el hombre—.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">¡Esta es hueso
de mis huesos<br />
y carne de mi carne!<br />
Ella será llamada “mujer”<br />
porque fue tomada del hombre».</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<sup><span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">24 </span></sup><span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Esto explica por qué el hombre deja a su padre y a su madre, y se une a su
esposa, y los dos se convierten en uno solo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(Genesis 2: 15-24 NTV)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mira lo que hizo
Dios: creó al hombre y le dio un trabajo. Pero necesitaba alguien quien le
ayudara. ¿Será porque el hombre no tenía todos los dones necesarios para custodiar
el jardín? No lo sé exactamente, pero Dios formó a la mujer para complementar
el hombre, no para ser la misma persona.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Por eso somos diferentes.
La diferencia fue puesta allí dentro de un matrimonio no para destruir sino
para construir. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cuando me fijé de
esta verdad empecé a averiguar las fortalezas de mi esposo y las mías. Yo
estaba en su vida para ayudarle a él y él en la mía para ayudarme a mí. Cuando
me di cuenta de esta idea, vi por primera vez que sus debilidades eran mis fortalezas
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>y él llenaba los huecos en mi vida donde
yo no experimentaba mucho éxito. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Juntos somos
una pareja poderosa. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Entender esta enseñanza-
en como las personalidades diferentes, se usan para lo bien, cambio mi modo de
ver mi matrimonio y vivir con gente que no entendía. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Acabamos de
celebrar cuarenta y un años de estarnos casados. ¡No puedo imaginarme casada
con ningún otro! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Decidí buscar
lo bien en mi esposo para mi bien. Y cuando veo algo que no me guste, pues
cierro los ojos y le pido al Señor que me muestre como puedo ayudarle a mi
esposo en una manera respetosa y amorosa. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Para mas sobre las
personalidades únicas vuelva a visitarme en mi página los sábados. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mientras tanto-
busque lo bueno en tu pareja y deja que Dios te muestre lo bien en tu
matrimonio. Él es fiel. Nunca te dejará sola. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4toyi94QyYo/T_KphwGM2WI/AAAAAAAABTQ/t_CcZ9KIsTs/s1600/VanWalton_signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4toyi94QyYo/T_KphwGM2WI/AAAAAAAABTQ/t_CcZ9KIsTs/s1600/VanWalton_signature.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Vanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03609122386376968883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832860740344359320.post-28316349558944305472012-09-04T20:49:00.001-04:002012-09-04T21:02:42.107-04:00My surfing soul<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">While sitting
on the beach, enjoying the sunrise, a surfer’s routine inspired me. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jQ9mDO4RYWw/UEad9Xdy44I/AAAAAAAACio/T6P1R-NgAQs/s1600/surfer+in+sun.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jQ9mDO4RYWw/UEad9Xdy44I/AAAAAAAACio/T6P1R-NgAQs/s400/surfer+in+sun.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">He floated onto
a sunbeam where he turned his face toward the sun. Actually he focused on the
incoming waves, waiting to catch the perfect swell. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">His activity
captured my morning meditations. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">I had
arrived on the beach to worship God, to sit still, and learn from his majestic nature. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">I enjoy a sunrise because it reminds me to turn
my gaze toward the Son at the beginning of each day. I wait, wondering what
message God has for me.. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">This day, it
was the surfer whose life on the surf caught my attention and spoke to me. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">He paddled
onto the sun beam where he stopped for a moment. As I pondering his position I
thought of my own pose- intentionally stopping at the beginning of my day to
get my bearings. Was this what the surfer had in mind- getting his bearings? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Then, at the
right moment, he turned his surfboard and began paddling. He paddled
with the waves, making the swells and curls of the wave work with him, instead
of against him. What appeared to me to be massive threats and challenges, the
surfer turned into paths upon which to enjoy his day. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">I wondered, “What
if every day each one of us ‘paddled’ out to meet Jesus and stood in the
brilliance of His presence for just a few moments. Then, when we were forced to
meet life head on and take on the challenges and threats—what if we stood up
confidently, and confronted our obstacles, turning them into pathways toward joy
rather than allowing them to become avenues toward grief, distress, and disaster.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">I looked at
the powerful waves. I heard their thunderous crash against the shore and
watched as sand, shells, and life churned to the surface. Waves pack powerful
energy with enough force to destroy, demolish, and devastate. Yet this surfer showed no hesitation as he
faced the dominating force on the beach. </span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">He took
control of the potential destroyer, stood up with confidence, and “walked” on
water. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">The surfer
mesmerized me as, time and time again, he paddled out to the sun’s rays cast on
the surface of the ocean, sat a while, contemplated his surroundings,
joined the challenge, and rode the waves into land. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Freedom from
fear! Joy in the journey. That is what I observed. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Do I want to
live in freedom filled with joy each day? Of course I do. Do I want to conquer
and use each day’s forces in my favor. Yes! Is it possible? I now believe so –
without a doubt.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">How?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">1-Position
myself each morning in God’s light. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">2-Wait for the
opportune moment.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">3-When the
challenge arrives, as it surely will, join it and make it work for me, rather
than against me.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lTNn2cWVtU/UEaeh7Z2n8I/AAAAAAAACi0/QOzfFxswflE/s1600/walking+on+water.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lTNn2cWVtU/UEaeh7Z2n8I/AAAAAAAACi0/QOzfFxswflE/s320/walking+on+water.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">4-With God at
my back, stand tall. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">(I can do
this because as I positioned myself earlier He frilled me with the perfect
amount of strength, courage, and wisdom to stand up to any challenge.) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">5-The
ride of a lifetime begins as I take authority in Jesus’ name over my obstacles. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Suddenly, although
I am sitting on the beach,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5JWtSLj3MZ8/UEafY7wVx0I/AAAAAAAACi8/bV1M_d7zU10/s1600/walking+on+waves.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5JWtSLj3MZ8/UEafY7wVx0I/AAAAAAAACi8/bV1M_d7zU10/s400/walking+on+waves.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> My soul surfs! </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4toyi94QyYo/T_KphwGM2WI/AAAAAAAABTQ/t_CcZ9KIsTs/s1600/VanWalton_signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4toyi94QyYo/T_KphwGM2WI/AAAAAAAABTQ/t_CcZ9KIsTs/s1600/VanWalton_signature.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Vanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03609122386376968883noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832860740344359320.post-56611647462882738002012-08-15T08:04:00.002-04:002012-08-15T08:04:26.221-04:00Is 41 years a long time?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1t30-t2-KXI/UCuOwWjCacI/AAAAAAAACh8/-c1UcsBopMw/s1600/snakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1t30-t2-KXI/UCuOwWjCacI/AAAAAAAACh8/-c1UcsBopMw/s320/snakes.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> Congratulations to us! </span><br />
Yes 41 years is a long time - but worth the work and time. We have built many memories, I don't knwo where to begin. Just want to say- stick with your man. There is no one else like him. He still has the same qualities that made him attractive when you first met. ...and when tempted to focus on weaknesses remember his strengths. That is what makes him the man you love! Today marks the beginning of another couple of decades together! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4toyi94QyYo/T_KphwGM2WI/AAAAAAAABTQ/t_CcZ9KIsTs/s1600/VanWalton_signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4toyi94QyYo/T_KphwGM2WI/AAAAAAAABTQ/t_CcZ9KIsTs/s1600/VanWalton_signature.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Vanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03609122386376968883noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832860740344359320.post-31343251085439583142012-08-13T07:48:00.000-04:002012-08-13T07:48:39.660-04:00What is a good neighbor? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qjM-HChVzd8/UCjoReOSygI/AAAAAAAACho/RO3WO0vFc1o/s1600/satisfied+cat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qjM-HChVzd8/UCjoReOSygI/AAAAAAAACho/RO3WO0vFc1o/s1600/satisfied+cat.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
While sitting on the bench outside my garage, putting on my
socks and shoes – getting ready for a walk, I heard a stranger calling me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Meow. Meow.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I turned around to see where the voice was coming from and
noticed one of the neighborhood cats, a pretty little gray cat. Almost desperately
she called and called as she climbed the hill in my back yard, approaching me. Then
she walked right up to my legs circling, talking, wagging her tail and telling
me - <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>something I didn’t understand.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am a dog person so I don’t regularly communicate with
feline friends, even when they are neighbors. But this little girl was
persistent. She would not leave me alone. She wanted something! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My husband and I took off on our walk and the cat followed us
as if we had invited her. She continued to talk. We came to the corner and she
rounded it with us. We headed to the next corner and she hopped in front of us
leading the way. Pretty soon she couldn’t keep up with our gate and we left her
behind. She kept talking, or crying. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
not sure which and with one last desperate sprint attempted to catch up to us.
Then she gave up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We forgot about her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She didn’t forget about us. She was waiting s when we
arrived at our first corner and home she went with us, still talking! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What does she want?” I asked my husband, not that he is a
regular cat communicator.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think she is hungry. I haven’t seen her family home this
week.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That thought pierced my heart.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh no!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I found some snacks for her and poured a bit of milk into a
saucer. She lapped it up and just like a dog wagged her tail. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Takes a community to care for all the neighbors amongst us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
We were not created to walk life's long trails alone. It is fine to reach out and ask for help. It honors others. It shows a gentle and humble heart. This little cat<br />
humbled me. It gave me great pleasure to help her. I'll do so again - given the chance! <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4toyi94QyYo/T_KphwGM2WI/AAAAAAAABTQ/t_CcZ9KIsTs/s1600/VanWalton_signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4toyi94QyYo/T_KphwGM2WI/AAAAAAAABTQ/t_CcZ9KIsTs/s1600/VanWalton_signature.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />Vanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03609122386376968883noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832860740344359320.post-5483272213500366512012-08-08T20:03:00.000-04:002012-08-08T20:03:24.028-04:00Cycle of life<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It makes me happy to know that life is a cycle. I like that
I can anticipate new beginnings. I get bored easily so I like change.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am also comforted by the fact that nothing stays the same. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If I am unhappy, the cycle of life will keep rolling and
soon the situation will change. Nothing lasts forever. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If I am content- yeah, it’s a good feeling and I’ll milk the
moment for everything it’s worth. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today change came for me- </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Summer vacay slipped away</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
New school year began. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Into my classroom I retreated to begin a new year for my
students.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am sad the summer is over. I so enjoyed the rest,
relaxation, retreat, family, travel, and long lazy days. I absolutely took full
advantage of every minute: read many books, spaced out on full moons and magnificent
sun rises, took many walks, sat for long hours with friends and family, slept
when I wanted to, and rejoiced because I am a teacher and I am in love with my
work! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But now it’s time unpack the boxes I packed in May. Time to
slap educational maps and charts on walls. Time to put together lesson plans.
Time to anticipate the faces of my students appearing at the door to my
classroom.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That will happen in just a week.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
WOW! Where did the time go?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br />Vanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03609122386376968883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832860740344359320.post-46839735829244345732012-07-27T07:28:00.002-04:002012-09-21T20:18:39.232-04:00Prayer for the long trailThank you for visiting my blog. Please be encouraged as you read this prayer and then visit me at wordpress where I am now bloging: vanwalton.com <br />
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Sometimes I find myself without words! It's true- I have nothing to say.<br />
<br />
Speachless.<br />
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Not because I am amazed, but because I've prayed, and begged, and cried, and prayed some more.I have nothing left to say. I'm spent. <br />
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That's when I pray God's Word.<br />
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Psalm 57: 1- 3 & 6-11<br />
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Fill in the blank with your name or the name of a loved one~<br />
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<i><span class="text Ps-57-1">1 Have mercy on (me)___________________________, O God, have mercy!</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-57-1">I look to you for protection.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-57-1">Hide (me) _______________beneath the shadow of your wings</span> <span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-57-1">until the danger passes by.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-57-2" id="en-NLT-14747"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>I cry out to God Most High,</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-57-2">to God who will fulfill his purpose for (me) __________________________.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-57-3" id="en-NLT-14748">3 Send help from heaven to rescue (me) __________________.</span></i><br />
<i><span class="text Ps-57-3" id="en-NLT-14748"> </span><span class="text Ps-57-3">My God, (I trust that you) will send forth his unfailing love and faithfulness.</span></i><br />
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<span class="text Ps-57-3">Because I know (my life) _________'s life is in your hands today, I can sing your praises.</span><br />
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<span class="text Ps-57-3">.</span><i><span class="text Ps-57-5" id="en-NLT-14750">Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens!</span> <span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-57-5">May your glory shine over all the earth.</span></span></i> <br />
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<span class="text Ps-57-6" id="en-NLT-14751"><br /></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-57-6"><span class="selah"></span></span></span></div>
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<i><span class="text Ps-57-7" id="en-NLT-14752"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>My heart is confident in you, O God;</span> <span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-57-7">my heart is confident.</span></span> <span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-57-7">No wonder I can sing your praises!</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-57-8" id="en-NLT-14753"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>Wake up, my heart!</span> <span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-57-8">Wake up, O lyre and harp!</span></span> <span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-57-8">I will wake the dawn with my song.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-57-9" id="en-NLT-14754"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>I will thank you, Lord, among all the people.</span> <span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-57-9">I will sing your praises among the nations.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-57-10" id="en-NLT-14755"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens.</span> <span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-57-10">Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="text Ps-57-11" id="en-NLT-14756"><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens.</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-57-11">May your glory shine over all the earth.</span></span></i></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-57-11">Father, watch over me and ________________ today. filling us with strength to accomplish your will and peace for the journey. In Jesus' Name, Amen </span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-57-11"><br /></span></span></div>
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-57-11">Shine!</span></span><span class="text Ps-57-3"><br /></span></div>
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<br />Vanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03609122386376968883noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832860740344359320.post-9901432259733859342012-07-25T10:25:00.001-04:002012-07-25T10:27:20.092-04:00Who am I?<br />
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Throughout the entire conference ( Proverbs 31 Ministries
She Speaks annual event for women called to speak, write, lead) I found myself
asking…</div>
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“Who am I ~ that I’ve been so blessed to sit in the gorgeous
conference center listening to such powerful teaching?”</div>
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“Who am I to sit at this abundant table, eating this amazing meal, surrounded by
these lovely ladies?”</div>
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“Who am I, I mean I don’t deserve this, to return to my posh
hotel room and crawl into this cloud of a bed?”</div>
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<br /></div>
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“Who am I that God would paint a picture outside my window,
call me to sit for a quiet moment with Him and then speak directly to me
through His Word?” (scroll down to see the picture God painted for me)</div>
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Who am I?</div>
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That the God of the universe would shower His love on <span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">me</span>? </div>
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Who am I?</div>
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If you want to know yourself, become acquainted with your Creator,
the one who formed and fashioned you as you grew inside your mother’s womb, the
one who knew you before you were born. </div>
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I walked into the prayer room during the conference, found
my name, and took a few little notes about the name of God where my name had
been placed.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> Jehovah Mekaddishken </span></div>
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This morning I became more deeply acquainted with God, growing
more confident in who I am meant to be, how I’m designed to act, behave, react. </div>
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Before taking notes
on the different Bible verses that describe God’s character I wrote,</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">”Having been created
in God’s image- filled with the breath of God, I understand and believe that He
has placed His attributes in me!” </i></div>
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You know- like my parents’ DNA all over who I am and what I look
like. </div>
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Who am I?!?!!!!!!!!!!!!!</div>
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Amazing thought. </div>
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But true, if I BELIEVE God’s Word.</div>
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When I found my name in the prayer room, placed on the name
of God- Jehovah Mekadishken, my heart lept. I knew I was about to embark on
another spiritual journey, one that would draw me closer to Him, one that would
give me courage to continue maneuvering through life’s long trails. </div>
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This morning I read the many verses that address God’s
holiness. Doing so gave me a deeper insight to Who God is and confirmed in my heart
– </div>
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Who I am---</div>
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Sanctified, set apart, chosen, Holy to God, member of a royal
priesthood, one who has been cleansed…</div>
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Today I <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">know</b> who
I am, I just have to live it out. </div>
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Shine! </div>
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<br />Vanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03609122386376968883noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832860740344359320.post-66780771095225627392012-07-24T16:42:00.001-04:002012-07-24T16:42:31.115-04:00Hope for today and tomorrow<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Luke-1-78" id="en-NLT-24940">Because of God’s tender mercy, </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Luke-1-78">the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, t</span></span><span class="text Luke-1-79" id="en-NLT-24941">o give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Luke-1-79">and to guide us to the path of peace. Luke 1:78-79</span></span></span></i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UDMJFd_kCZE/UA8Ieqg9gbI/AAAAAAAABvY/7MKbw5KO5k0/s1600/She+Speaks+sunrise.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UDMJFd_kCZE/UA8Ieqg9gbI/AAAAAAAABvY/7MKbw5KO5k0/s400/She+Speaks+sunrise.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Luke-1-79">Shine!</span></span></span></i></div>
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<br />Vanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03609122386376968883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832860740344359320.post-83971173157588583622012-07-09T20:09:00.000-04:002012-07-09T20:11:48.527-04:00Off the road and nearly home again!<br />
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<span lang="ES-TRAD" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My
mid-summer travels are coming to an end as I find myself hours away from home! </span></div>
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<span lang="ES-TRAD" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
have mixed emotions- after having spent time with family, who I see once, maybe
twice a year. I long to keep the memories flowing. Yet, I am excited to get
back to my house, my friends, my fun summer routines. </span></div>
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<span lang="ES-TRAD" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">One
of my routines, a conference I have attended for 10 years, is She Speaks, the
Proverbs 31 speakers’ and writers’ annual event. That is next on my agenda. I
must admit, I am excited and anxious… </span></div>
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<span lang="ES-TRAD" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Excited
because I know what to expect! </span></div>
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<span lang="ES-TRAD" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">--Seeing
and spending time with all my P31 team mates- many I have not seen since last
year. They are the most amazing women- godly, loving, gracious, talented, and
fun loving. We meet a week from Wednesday to prepare for She Speaks! </span></div>
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<span lang="ES-TRAD" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">--Meeting
with my Latina sisters to plan for our portion of the conference. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">--Watching
hundreds of beautiful and excited women arrive at the Embassy Suites. Welcoming
them and encouraging each one. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">--Worshipping
and praising my Lord with a room full of incredibly gifted ladies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">--Learning
from others who have much to share and teach me about ministry, listening to God,
and following His calling. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">--Becoming
acquainted with the ladies of my speaker evaluation group. The stories we share,
the way our experiences move each other, the encouragement we give one another,
and the closeness we all experience create deep friendships that last forever!
And I LOVE collecting friends. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">--Finally,
to hear the inspirational talks given by women who have perfected and polished
their presentations, is always a highlight for me. When God’s Word is creatively
communicated and I am challenged to change and grow in my spiritual walk, I
know my time has been well spent. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Anxious
because time is drawing nigh and I have a lot to do this next week. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So,
as I prepare to welcome my sisters to this grand and life-changing event, I ask
God to lay a foundation upon which to stand. </span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Psalm
37:5-7 is God’s perfect Word for each of
us as we make final preparations for our soon and very soon gathering: </span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1-breaks"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Trust
him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">and the justice of
your cause will shine like the noonday sun. <sup> </sup>Be still in the
presence of the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text">,</span> and wait patiently for him to act.</span></i></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
know some of you are reading this and you are among the hundreds who will be
here in Charlotte next week. Trust Him, be still and </span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Shine,</span></i></span></div>
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<br />Vanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03609122386376968883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832860740344359320.post-85808757725164819292012-07-02T12:03:00.003-04:002012-07-09T20:15:54.558-04:00This entry is a continuation of a devotional to be posted July 3 at <a href="http://www.proverbs31.org/devotions/re-routed-2012-07/">Proverbs 31 Ministries </a> <br />
<br />
Several hours after leaving home, on our way to our annual visit to see family, my husband and I moaned when we noticed the traffic slowing. The Tahoe crested a hill and, laid out in front of us on the interstate, we saw, not cars and trucks steadily moving as they should, but a parking lot! <br />
<br />
Oh no! <br />
<br />
Cars rapidly coming to a halt on the interstate is never a good sign. <br />
<br />
Thankfully, we had just made the move to an i phone. Although I detest the thought of a detour, my heart raced to see if my new toy would prove to be as trusty as everyone had claimed it would be. I remembered the ‘map’ app. Since I had only owned my phone for three days I didn’t expect much. But, hey, what could I loose. I touched the little map. The screen popped into view. I spotted a pulsing dot. <br />
<br />
“Oh look,” I said to Campbell (my husband). <br />
<br />
He, being savvy of all things techy, responded, “Yeah, get us out of this mess.” <br />
<br />
That is when I got nervous, not sure I had any idea what to do with my new plaything. <br />
<br />
One look at the screen caused my heart to turn cartwheels. The tiny ball pulsated right there on the highway where we were sitting in bumper to bumper traffic. <br />
<br />
It didn’t take me long at all to realize the bouncing dot was sending me a message. I noticed an exit nearby, and I saw an alternate route, highlighted in bright yellow. <br />
<br />
We rerouted, based on the screen’s diversion. <br />
<br />
I wonder, if Jesus were alive today, would he talk with His disciples as they took a road trip? “Consider the i phone. Like I said, ‘I am the way.’ Turn to me when life’s detours present themselves. I “will show you a way out so you can endure.” 1 Corinthians 10:13b (NLT) <br />
<br />
So many lessons to be learned when our routes are redirected:<br />
1. Don’t let the excuse, “I’m not familiar with the Bible,”keep you from opening and reading.<br />
2. Trust the pages of God’s word to help you find the way to go.<br />
3. When you do find the direction, obey, and follow.<br />
4. Remember to praise God and His Word for His marvelous and amazing ways.<br />
<br />
<br />
The next time you find yourself forced onto an alternate route, thank God first. Believe He has allowed this circumstance to protect you, introduce you to a new and better way, or to teach you lessons you might not have otherwise learned. <br />
<br />
If you have experienced God’s rerouting of your life, I’m sure others would love to read about your adventure. Please share it with us in the comment section to encourage or be encouraged. Remember, while you are traveling through life, <br />
<br />
Shine,
<br />
<br />
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<br />Vanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03609122386376968883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832860740344359320.post-23515248749564458712012-06-19T00:06:00.003-04:002012-07-03T04:56:43.693-04:00This morning I did the unthinkable! Something I long to do. Something I have disciplined myself not to do- watch a lot of TV. <br />
<br />
I made my cup of coffee and sat down to post the weekly Spanish blog P31 devotional. While doing so, I mindlessly watched GMA. <br />
<br />
During a brief moment, when I looked up to the TV, little Dannielynn’s face flashed on the screen. I remember years ago she had been the center of a custody battle after the tragic death of her famed mother’s death. Dannielynn’s mother is Ana Nicole Smith 5 year old daughter. <br />
<br />
Robin Roberts was interviewing the young father who had won the custody battle. I stopped to watch the rest of the interview. <br />
<br />
She is growing up and asking the hard questions – just as our children grow up and make challenging remarks. <br />
<br />
“Why did my mother have to die?” <br />
<br />
“Where is my mother?” <br />
<br />
“When can I see her?” <br />
<br />
Her daddy’s answer? “If you are good you can see her in heaven.” <br />
<br />
Sweet answer,but is it true?<br />
<br />
If we are GOOD do we go to heaven? <br />
<br />
What is “good”? <br />
<br />
How good does one have to be? <br />
<br />
Can a person EVER be good enough? <br />
<br />
This is all so confusing. Anna Nicole was a beautiful woman, but some would say she wasn’t “good.” She lived a questionable lifestyle… to some people’s way of thinking. When little Dannielynn grows up and reads the stories she might find out her mother, as beautiful and sweet and kind as she was, didn’t always make good choices. <br />
<br />
How confused will she be? <br />
<br />
The Bible is not confusing about getting into heaven. <br />
<br />
John 3:16 clearly lays out God’s plan. He loved me, and you, so much that he sent His Son, Jesus, to buy us back from the world that constantly tempts us to make bad choices. We are not told to be good. We are told, “Whoever believes in Him, that is Jesus, will have eternal life.” <br />
<br />
Believe or be good. No one can ever be good enough, but we can believe that Jesus is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through” His Son. <br />
<br />
Let’s not confuse our children by telling them they have to be good to get to heaven. Let’s teach them to believe. <br />
<br />
Shine,
<br />
<br />
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<br />Vanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03609122386376968883noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832860740344359320.post-5189569766203571902012-04-04T17:49:00.001-04:002012-07-03T05:09:42.359-04:00In the garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZCUcfCMlN0/T3zARODB9DI/AAAAAAAABCU/3u6BhinaC04/s1600/DSC01872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZCUcfCMlN0/T3zARODB9DI/AAAAAAAABCU/3u6BhinaC04/s320/DSC01872.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> Holy Week Reflection</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> A tender moment: </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Knowing His fate, Jesus prayed for me. He prayed for you. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">He asked God: </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. </span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> - Tender moment followed by </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> - Trial</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> - Torture</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 27pt; text-indent: -9pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> -<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Tragedy</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 27pt; text-indent: -9pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Only a god like God. He loves us </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Passion</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">ately </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Shine </span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4toyi94QyYo/T_KphwGM2WI/AAAAAAAABTQ/t_CcZ9KIsTs/s1600/VanWalton_signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4toyi94QyYo/T_KphwGM2WI/AAAAAAAABTQ/t_CcZ9KIsTs/s1600/VanWalton_signature.png" /></a></div>Vanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03609122386376968883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832860740344359320.post-78804774259809628622011-12-26T21:14:00.000-05:002012-07-03T04:58:14.470-04:00The Star of Bethlehem<span style="font-size: large;">So I posted last week about the morning star, short days, long nights. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">... and Jesus' birthday not being the 25th.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday my three men and I stayed indoors all day, chilling, relaxing, enjoying the peace and quiet of home, and each others' comfortable presence. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> After opening presents we snuggled up nice and comfy in the basement to watch a video that sheds light on the 25th of December. The video is titled The Star of Behtlehem. It is a documentary about the star the Wise Men followed. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The documentary is a wonderfully interesting presentation of the galaxies, a study of stars and constellation all lined up with history. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I recommend it for all especially right now as Christmas begins to wind down. We spend a lot of time putting all the emphasis on one day, when in reality the Christmas story took place over a couple of years period.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Get the <a href="http://video./">video.</a> Watch it. Yo</span><span style="font-size: large;">u will be amazed and educated. Your eyes will be opened. Meanwhile visit the <a href="http://www.bethlehemstar.net/">website</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Shine! </span><br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />Vanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03609122386376968883noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832860740344359320.post-42632493993604931162011-12-22T10:28:00.000-05:002011-12-22T10:31:25.004-05:00Morning Star<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></sup></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">December 22– my favorite day of the year! </span></sup></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3HZ223WIjBU/TvNMavHIAsI/AAAAAAAABCM/KKlKEh9DTyo/s1600/morning+star.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3HZ223WIjBU/TvNMavHIAsI/AAAAAAAABCM/KKlKEh9DTyo/s400/morning+star.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><sup>I wish to take issue with whoever determined December 25 to be the day Jesus birth would be celebrated. We all know, don’t we, little proof exists as to Jesus’ true birth date. I have heard that since He was the "LIGHT shining in the darkness", it made complete sense for Him to be born during the darkest season of the year. I get that. </sup></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><sup>Yesterday was the shortest day of the year, hence the darkest 24 hour period. For me December 21st represents the times in our lives when trials, hardships, challenges, heartaches, and difficulties rule. December 21st reminds me of emotionally draining experiences that threaten to destroy the desperate. When December 21st dawns late, I am reminded, “Life is hard. Days are dark. Life and joy are threatened.” And I contemplate, “Is there hope?”</sup></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><sup>December 22 dawns! Today marks a countdown, the march toward the longest day of the year—the day when the sun shines forever– or so it seems. I live for that warm day in June when the bright and morning star rises early, announcing a new day, a long day, a day filled with SUN! </sup></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><sup>Today December 22 is a day to celebrate. Into the long dark night a light shines, just a little earlier this day, erasing yesterday’s length of darkness. Today there is a tiny bit more sun. </sup></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><sup>Hope! </sup></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><sup>Tomorrow, yet a bit more sun will shine. Each day more light. Each day breaks earlier. </sup></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><sup>Every day will not be a December 21st day.</sup></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><sup>After every December 21st comes December 22nd, reminding those of us who find ourselves in shadows, on dark paths, facing uncertain futures—- a day is coming when more light will shine than shown yesterday!</sup></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><sup>Read what the Bible has to say about the Morning Star: </sup></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><sup> “...</sup>we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2 Peter 1:19</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this message... I am the bright morning star.” Revelation 22:16</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Shine! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div>Vanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03609122386376968883noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832860740344359320.post-15683787195113264832011-07-26T21:53:00.000-04:002011-07-26T21:53:20.467-04:00God's face<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0cdDe2ra74s/Ti9uVZXcoNI/AAAAAAAABBo/h4vxySNH1eU/s1600/leaning+sunflower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0cdDe2ra74s/Ti9uVZXcoNI/AAAAAAAABBo/h4vxySNH1eU/s320/leaning+sunflower.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">This sunflower voluntarily came up on its own. No one planted the seed. One day this spring it poked itself up through the dirt and began its climb. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Reminds me of God. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Where did this sunflower come from? No beginning. Just appeared! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have to walk past this giant marker as I come and go from home. It stands as a protector, reminding everyone, this house is watched over by a giant brilliant sunflower! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sort of comforts me- you know? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I crane my neck to look up into its face, sun blinding my eyes. No one has seen God.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What I see when my eyes focus is a little family of bees crawling around on the face of the giant sunflower. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3lhi2Q5slmE/Ti9ujlszmjI/AAAAAAAABBs/_tHMySiCMCk/s1600/bees+on+sunflower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3lhi2Q5slmE/Ti9ujlszmjI/AAAAAAAABBs/_tHMySiCMCk/s400/bees+on+sunflower.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">“Seek me and I will let you find me,” God says. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A relationship with the Almighty. It isn’t complicated. He is closer than we think. HE stands watch over us, inviting, beckoning,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Come.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I want to be a bee- living my life seeking God’s face, taking my nourishment from Him. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sweet as honey.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1vj9_JG3X5E/Ti9uwXga2HI/AAAAAAAABBw/v0bVjcFnH5Y/s1600/honey.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1vj9_JG3X5E/Ti9uwXga2HI/AAAAAAAABBw/v0bVjcFnH5Y/s320/honey.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Seek God's face and may His glory cause you to ~ </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Shine!</div>Vanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03609122386376968883noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832860740344359320.post-47115389948854503372011-07-20T14:39:00.000-04:002011-07-20T14:39:37.472-04:00Prepared?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rs2pJc01ZBM/Tice3j5X2QI/AAAAAAAABBk/Q8hj52macSE/s1600/DSC01506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rs2pJc01ZBM/Tice3j5X2QI/AAAAAAAABBk/Q8hj52macSE/s320/DSC01506.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Who is getting ready for She Speaks? I'll tell you a secret. I am already there! I am here in Concord at the Embassy Suites getting ready ~ <br />
<br />
...and I am waiting for you!<br />
<br />
So what did I pack? What did I do to get ready?<br />
<br />
I have my one page and elevator talk and book proposal.<br />
<br />
I packed my shoes, makeup, hair brush and contact lens solution.<br />
<br />
But... most importantly I took a look at all my expectations,<br />
<br />
...and then I let them go!<br />
<br />
Let go your expectations so God can fill you up. He can't give us what He has planned if we are so filled up and over packed that we are not prepared for our encounter with God.<br />
<br />
Sweet friends,<br />
<br />
prepare by letting go! <br />
<br />
Shine!Vanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03609122386376968883noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832860740344359320.post-20936945463113862602011-07-05T21:56:00.000-04:002011-07-05T21:56:13.587-04:00Mission accomplished!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8XsanAMUSjI/ThO-jhV_YZI/AAAAAAAABBg/7Mw3XSSBZwo/s1600/Copy+of+DSC01426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8XsanAMUSjI/ThO-jhV_YZI/AAAAAAAABBg/7Mw3XSSBZwo/s320/Copy+of+DSC01426.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Yes!</span> I am almost home after having been gone for three weeks!!!<br />
<br />
The reason I have been away from home? There are many- since I teach 10 months during the year, if I want to see family, I go for long periods of time in the summer.<br />
<br />
My awesome and wonderfully fun loving mother celebrated her 88th birthday in June so I threw her a surprise party- in her own home. Two of her best friends helped me and we had 18 singing happy birthday to her.<br />
<br />
During this time away from home my husband and I also visited his family.<br />
<br />
The highlight of visiting family is the time I get to spend on the lake at my mother's home. Oh! I spent so much wonderful time- talking with God, being still, listening to him, and enjoying the works of His hands all around me.<br />
<br />
Now I am refreshed and ready to get home.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow- I walk through the doors to my house and begin to prepare for She Speaks. I am so excited about the second part of my summer.<br />
<br />
Family visited- msision accomplished.<br />
<br />
She Speaks- around the corner!<br />
<br />
Shine! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Vanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03609122386376968883noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832860740344359320.post-5975215406072850522011-06-15T21:12:00.000-04:002011-06-15T21:12:53.074-04:00He came back!So I thought we ran the sneaky snake off.<br />
<br />
First problem with this thinking is that it is false!<br />
<br />
If you don't get rid of it- IT WILL come back! <br />
<br />
Sure enough he came back as bold as ever. There he was early in the morning sunning in the same spot where I had found him yesterday. Now he had taken up residency.<br />
<br />
What has boldly taken up residency in your life.<br />
<br />
Let's see-<br />
<br />
Stinking thinking, judgmental attitude, the need to control, chronic sadness over unmet expectations, loss of dreams. These are just a few of the "evils" that have taken up residency in my life. I call them evils because each threatens to take my focus off the ONE who can free me from the shackles that steal my joy make my life effective.. <br />
<br />
Today my husband and I had to do battle- real battle. This time we couldn't just run IT off. We had to get rid ofIT - kill IT. <br />
<br />
You know what? We stuck with it. We stayed on top. We didn't give up --- and we got the slithering sucker.<br />
<br />
This is what I learned - RELIEF at having done the work to get rid of IT. Now I know IT is gone and I am safe. He will no longer meet me each day, cause fear, get in my face, threaten me or mine.<br />
<br />
Got sin? Do battle. Fight 'til you overcome, and<br />
<br />
Shine .Vanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03609122386376968883noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832860740344359320.post-43758198548407355412011-06-13T23:20:00.000-04:002011-06-13T23:23:40.807-04:00There's a snake in my pool!<div class="MsoNormal">No one wants to wake up to find a snake in their pool! <br />
<br />
This is not a comfortable subject. I don’t want to talk about it - don’t want to tell the neighbors. Don’t want to let the quests in our home know. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This morning I woke up to find a snake in the pool. It wasn’t one of the little garden variety either. </div><div class="MsoNormal">I knew I should get rid of it so I called my DH to do the honors, fight the battle for his damsel in distress. Chase down that old serpent, slay it and throw it as far as the east is from the west. In our house that would mean- throw it across the ravine. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So my husband began his vigil. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As he did, I watched the battle we each face every. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This is what happened. I saw the snake. He slid into the pool off the connector hose to the vacuum. I chased him around trying to “scoop” him up with the skimmer pole. From time to time the sleazy serpent surfaced trying to climb up and over the coping- to no avail. So, for one split second I turned to call my husband and ask for help to corner the enemy. Wouldn’t you know it? When I turned my face back to the water- he had disappeared! I assumed he had slithered into the skimmer. That is where my husband set up his vigil- for three hours he watched and waited for the hidden danger to show his face. He never did! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This is what I learned:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">-We never know when we wake up each day what is lurking.</div><div class="MsoNormal">-We may spot evil, danger, temptation, wickedness and call it what it is, but we had best never take our eyes off it. When we do, it will slither away, causing us to think it is GONE! </div><div class="MsoNormal">-We must keep alert and know where the enemy is working. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I also realized I need to be prepared. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">-Wake up each day knowing I will come face to face with evil. </div><div class="MsoNormal">-Wake up each day prepared to call out that which desires to cause me harm. </div><div class="MsoNormal">-Wake up each day prepared stay focused, keeping my enemy in check, lest he hide nearby and I forget his intent is to ruin my life. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Is there a “snake” in your “pool?”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What’s his name? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Shine! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Vanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03609122386376968883noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832860740344359320.post-9936891286592936732011-05-27T19:52:00.000-04:002011-05-27T19:52:16.183-04:00A Tribute to My Daddy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OeBCLTdHqfo/TeA5CyYagpI/AAAAAAAABBc/rg89WnV4R_Q/s1600/DSC00368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OeBCLTdHqfo/TeA5CyYagpI/AAAAAAAABBc/rg89WnV4R_Q/s400/DSC00368.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Whenever I think of Memorial Day - the men and women whose lives we honor and celebrate because of their willing and selfless sacrifice, I remember my daddy. He was the most wonderful person. I miss him so much. He fought in WWII in France and Germany, ending his tour of duty by helping to liberate the awful terrible death camp: Dacchau. Daddy, like so many of the great generation, never talked much about his accomplishments. He returned from the war, married, raised two little girls into adulthood, provided generously for us, protected us fiercely, and prepared us for the world. I owe a lot of who I am, the bit of confidence I have to my daddy.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WPw2uYhDvTA/TeA4mQEBD_I/AAAAAAAABBY/JkGcINQBHUA/s1600/daddy%2527s+grave-+memorial+day+flag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WPw2uYhDvTA/TeA4mQEBD_I/AAAAAAAABBY/JkGcINQBHUA/s400/daddy%2527s+grave-+memorial+day+flag.JPG" width="400" /></a>After working in the oil industry in South America, where I was born, England, and Norway he returned to Table Rock Lake in Missouri where he retired. Ten years ago he went HOME to be with Jesus. I miss you daddy. Vanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03609122386376968883noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832860740344359320.post-85747215904844643882011-04-24T05:41:00.000-04:002011-04-24T06:12:37.958-04:002- God raised Him from the dead!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5kbxstpmLMA/TbPo0gqzkpI/AAAAAAAABBE/DnQfNep9GAg/s1600/bells.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5kbxstpmLMA/TbPo0gqzkpI/AAAAAAAABBE/DnQfNep9GAg/s320/bells.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul spoke these words in his first public sermon. Acts 13:16 </span><br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nNI9nPubvx4/TbPon58jZVI/AAAAAAAABBA/7_w2bPAXdFY/s1600/field+of+lambs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nNI9nPubvx4/TbPon58jZVI/AAAAAAAABBA/7_w2bPAXdFY/s320/field+of+lambs.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-haeRaNDuhEU/TbPnJW6xDQI/AAAAAAAABAs/7w2gpETEU-s/s1600/Copy+of+lamb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-haeRaNDuhEU/TbPnJW6xDQI/AAAAAAAABAs/7w2gpETEU-s/s320/Copy+of+lamb.JPG" width="208" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DGg2MvE96wo/TbPoaD2KRBI/AAAAAAAABA8/jIFvNUZIT5M/s1600/lambs+in+a+row.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DGg2MvE96wo/TbPoaD2KRBI/AAAAAAAABA8/jIFvNUZIT5M/s320/lambs+in+a+row.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">"Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen: The God of …Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He led them out from it… Then they asked for a king, and God… raised up David to be their king, concerning whom He also testified and said, ‘ I HAVE FOUND DAVID the son of Jesse, A MAN AFTER MY HEART, who will do all My will.' From the descendants of this man, according to promise, God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus… And though they found no ground for putting Him to death, they asked Pilate that He be executed. When they had carried out all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the cross</span></i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lambs sold in the meat market of Athens: "Good" Friday. </td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> <i>and laid Him in a tomb. But God raised Him from the dead; and for many days He appeared to those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, the very ones who are now His witnesses to the people. And we preach to you the good news of the promise made to the fathers, that God has fulfilled this promise to our children in that He raised up Jesus…’ ” </i></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7LjYn1meEZs/TbPpbwOxxSI/AAAAAAAABBQ/UilmM6tdtiI/s1600/victor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7LjYn1meEZs/TbPpbwOxxSI/AAAAAAAABBQ/UilmM6tdtiI/s320/victor.JPG" width="320" /></a></i></td></tr>
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</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Many years later, while speaking to the Corinthians, Paul described Jesus as the Passover Lamb. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Messiah, our Passover Lamb, has already been sacrificed for the Passover meal, 1 Corinthians 5:6 </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers for sale on a street corner in Athens </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hallelujah Jesus is risen to new life ~ </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">for YOU and for Me! </span></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">(want to go?<a href="http://www.wweministries.org/">Winning With Encouragement Ministries)</a></span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Shine!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div>Vanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03609122386376968883noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832860740344359320.post-31090702636014565942011-04-23T10:13:00.000-04:002011-04-24T06:11:45.477-04:001- Which way ?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MlF5bNQqMNY/TbLXQMocLyI/AAAAAAAABAU/hF4xKw_vFgw/s1600/which+way.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MlF5bNQqMNY/TbLXQMocLyI/AAAAAAAABAU/hF4xKw_vFgw/s320/which+way.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Meanwhile, (Paul)Saul was uttering threats with every breath…eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of <b><span style="font-size: large;">the Way </span></b>he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains. As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Acts 9:1-5 (NLT)</span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wqp_f_F5aa4/TbLXhcT2PkI/AAAAAAAABAY/6Y4tPGmDVjc/s1600/Paul%2527s+conversion.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wqp_f_F5aa4/TbLXhcT2PkI/AAAAAAAABAY/6Y4tPGmDVjc/s320/Paul%2527s+conversion.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A mosaic in Berea depicting Paul's encounter with the blinding Light. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Tomorrow people around the world celebrate a day in eternity unlike any other. As I contemplate the meaning of the week Christians call Holy Week, I reflect on my most recent journey: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> For the past 13 days I’ve been on a pilgrimage through Turkey and Greece traveling in the footsteps of Paul, Paul of the Bible, the controversial Jewish priest who progressed from stoning Christ followers to spreading Christianity. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">During the last two weeks I have learned – the path he cut through Israel toward Rome was a journey worth tracing. His life in word and deed is an example worth modeling. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was there for a portion of his footsteps! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Now I invite you to join me as I retrace my trip: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Istanbul, Turkey.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KO4RVWs0aGU/TbLYJn6_DPI/AAAAAAAABAk/GV8TdPmyoPs/s1600/DSC00768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KO4RVWs0aGU/TbLYJn6_DPI/AAAAAAAABAk/GV8TdPmyoPs/s320/DSC00768.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b> </b> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We flew into Istanbul to begin our pilgrimage. Although there is no mention of Paul having traveled through this magnificent city, we began our journey here in order to make our way into Turkey (Asia Minor in the Bible) where we met up with Paul at Izmir (Smyrna). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My observations and reflections:</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7qTIxgOXQE/TbLYYDun9iI/AAAAAAAABAo/BJGSR90rcp4/s1600/DSC00775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7qTIxgOXQE/TbLYYDun9iI/AAAAAAAABAo/BJGSR90rcp4/s320/DSC00775.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="font-size: small;"> Sailing on the Bosporus, passing under the bridge joining Asia to Europe</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Istanbul is a one-of-a-kind city: the only city in the world straddling two continents – Asia and Europe. These two continents represent vast differences, yet here in this huge sea of humanity two opposite and opposing cultures come together. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> So what do I do with the differences? Some would intellectually approach a visit to Istanbul with an openness accepting that societies are different. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Not me. I am inquisitive. I want to know, “Where did the various and different ways originate? Where did these ideas originate. What made them the authority? Is there a right way? If so, I want to make the correct choice. Which way will I choose? Why?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As we westerners come to grips with cultural merging, including faith and religion, I find myself challenged to consider my personal convictions. “What do I believe?” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I debate myself: “Have I made my own conclusions? Am I confident in my choice? Do I have reasonable argument for my stand? Have I researched my defense? Is my stand worthy of discussion? Do I practice a man-made religion? Is my faith built on a solid argument?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The city of Istanbul is like my mind ...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8HvVPuq_d7M/TbLXuNOefAI/AAAAAAAABAc/vsOb7eMkSRw/s1600/minarettes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8HvVPuq_d7M/TbLXuNOefAI/AAAAAAAABAc/vsOb7eMkSRw/s320/minarettes.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">considering the fabrications of man (the law of the minaret: a command to pray five times a day) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7M6yVE7H9pA/TbLX8d7jMlI/AAAAAAAABAg/6XKia-l-w7o/s1600/tullips+in+bloom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7M6yVE7H9pA/TbLX8d7jMlI/AAAAAAAABAg/6XKia-l-w7o/s320/tullips+in+bloom.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> or the facts of God's creation: His magnificent grace and beauty. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Have you chosen the path your life will take? Will you choose fabrication or fact? </span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">Stay tuned for more of Paul's journeys. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">(want to go?<a href="http://www.wweministries.org/">Winning With Encouragement Ministries)</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Shine </span></span></div>Vanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03609122386376968883noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832860740344359320.post-11196979904983376592011-02-28T19:00:00.000-05:002011-02-28T20:02:57.185-05:00This little light of mine is just a flicker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ED4yTPPWqlo/TWw1wnx-ssI/AAAAAAAABAQ/xVjeKklWGYo/s1600/DSC00038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: black;">In memory of our beautiful little freckled belly dog</span><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ED4yTPPWqlo/TWw1wnx-ssI/AAAAAAAABAQ/xVjeKklWGYo/s320/DSC00038.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Air- Today you moved From the Pound to the Palace. Thank you for the countless lessons you taught your family and so many children. Devotion to the Master is the only way to live an abundant and fulfilled life. I hope you would say that your masters were as good to you as you were to us. We will miss you! </span>Vanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03609122386376968883noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832860740344359320.post-43507174170626718672011-01-17T09:32:00.000-05:002011-01-17T09:32:38.616-05:00Movin' on Monday<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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</style> <![endif]--> <div class="MsoNormal">Today I am dedicating my blog to a new friend – MC. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I recently met MC when <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://lysaterkeurst.com/">Lysa</a>, who had received an e-mail from her, let me in on MC’s life so I could reach out to her and pray with her as she begins a most terrifying AND gratifying move.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Today MC moves from Brazil to Calgary! That’s a MOVE! She is moving from southern South America on the Atlantic coast to northwestern North America nearly to the Pacific coast. Cultures are different. She will no longer speak in her Portuguese tongue but hear English and French spoken. It's cold in Calgary right now. I bet it's tropical in Brazil! MC's friends and family are all in Brazil. Does she know anyone in Calgary? <span> </span><span><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t know about you, but this adventure terrifies me and at the same time excites me! What if God called me to make this move? Would I go? Would you? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">God does not waste anything. Lest you think your little life goes unnoticed by the King who rules the universe, think again! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been allowed the awesome opportunity of creating a place for Latina women within the Proverbs 31 ministry. Consequently, any Hispanic correspondence that comes to us gets passed on to me. (We Americans get so confused about the world that any one in South America who contacts us gets sent over to me. And sometimes South Africans also fall into my basket!)<span> I've met some amazing women! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh the joy of listening to stories of mended heartbreaks, victory-over-crushing circumstances, solved problems, restored relationships, women and men stepping into relationship with Jesus. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So when Lysa and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_74287840">H</a><a href="http://www.proverbs31.org/about/meetOurStaff.php">olly </a>introduced me to MC, I immediately contacted her. We have had a running conversation going on between Brazil and Charlotte for nearly two weeks now and MC is rapidly stepping into my inner circle of close friends. Her story is an amazing one. She is Brazilian, came to California as an exchange student, returned to Brazil, earned several degrees in the medical field, and today is moving to Canada – ALONE, to continue her work. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Her life has not been without tragedy and pain. Yet she has managed to turn to God who is restoring and healing and redeeming this beautiful young lady. <span> </span>I know how beautiful she is- she sent me pictures of herself and her family--- I feel like I have been to Brazil to visit her! <span> </span><span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Are you in the midst of a move? Has God plucked you out of your nest and nudged you on to a new place? Has it made you uncomfortable? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Not one of God’s nudges, <span> </span>however awkward it may feel for you, is a mistake. He knows the plans He has for you. He knows the outcome He has planned for you. <span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When MC woke up this morning she immediately went to her heavenly Father. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>“I could never start my journey without lifting up my hands to worship and praise the Lord. God spoke to my heart from <span> </span>Jeremiah 29:11 ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Van, our dear Lord is really our provider, isn't He???!!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Wandering Friend, if you find yourself moving today or facing a move in your near future, remember, life is an adventure with God. He is the ultimate pioneer. He has gone before you. Now he has returned to take you by the hand. Put your hand in the hand of the Man who is worthy to take you to places that may seem uncharted. Trust Him. He knows where He is taking you. <span> </span><span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Go! You don’t want to miss the incredible journey.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For more encouragement with the moves in your life, you might enjoy previous Movin’ on Mondays posts: </div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://vanwalton.blogspot.com/2010/04/movin-on-after-movin-in-mondays.html">Moving to a place called BOLD</a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://vanwalton.blogspot.com/2010/09/movin-on-mondays.html">When God says MOVE</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_74287856"><br />
</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://vanwalton.blogspot.com/2010/10/movin-on-mondays.html">Moving with EVAN ALMIGHTY, I mean NOAH! </a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Shine,</div><div class="MsoNormal">Van</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div>Vanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03609122386376968883noreply@blogger.com5