tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32393717059339488942024-03-14T05:30:35.843-04:00Jewels of Jesuswhere Jesus’s jewels learn to follow HimEsther Filbrunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13149801746153343967noreply@blogger.comBlogger280125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239371705933948894.post-90842369920752912672017-01-08T17:13:00.001-05:002017-01-08T17:16:57.342-05:00It's time to say goodbye...<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Four and a half years ago, Jewels of Jesus went live in the blogging world. It started with Esther and Tiffany. Later, I joined the team. Eventually new writers joined, and left, and now only I remain. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #202020;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: inherit;">I have been so blessed to be a part of this ministry with all of you. You have been the motivation and passion that has kept JOJ going for so long. Thank you for your encouragement and partnership in this blog and magazine.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #202020;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm writing to let you know that I won't be continuing this blog any longer. With changes in life and commitments on the horizon, the necessary time investment to JOJ just isn't going to be possible.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #202020;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But I just want to tell you how grateful I am for each of you. For your contributions of time, energy, and talent into encouraging one another through this ministry. For your testimonies of the way JOJ has challenged and blessed you. For your desire and commitment to make Jewels of Jesus the ministry it has been.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #202020;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Lord has been faithful in the little details and in the most far-reaching elements. He has done some amazing things, and He isn't stopping here!</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #202020;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With a new year beginning, we have the opportunity to look ahead, and seek God's will for each of our lives. He desires to use us, to work in and through us to accomplish His purposes. </span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #202020;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020;"></span><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So keep shining the light of Jesus. Keep trusting His sustaining grace. Keep walking in the truth of His Word. Keep praying in the power of His Spirit. Keep being Jesus' Jewel. </span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020;">
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You don't need to lose contact with me, though. :) Feel free to follow my personal writing blog, <a href="http://compositionsfortheking.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Compositions for the King</a>. I occasionally post there, when time allows me to. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
In Jesus, </div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
Rachel</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>- 2 Thessalonians 3:16 -</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020;"><br /></span></span></div>
Rachel Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11483295698349136425noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239371705933948894.post-77249854290217900732016-08-09T10:48:00.000-04:002016-08-09T10:48:06.742-04:00Colossians 1:21-22<div class="Al pf" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 20px; text-overflow: ellipsis;">
<div class="Xx xJ">
<div class="Ig At dn" style="min-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 0px 20px;">
<div class="Bt Pm" style="max-height: none; overflow: hidden;">
<div class="Ct">
<div style="color: #404040; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 1.4;">Thought I would share a couple verses that really blessed & encouraged me during my devotions this morning. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></div>
<i style="color: #404040; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="line-height: 1.4;">And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:</i><span style="line-height: 1.4;">~Colossians 1:21-22, KJV</span></div>
</i><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #404040; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 1.4;">Yes. I was a alien of the things of God, and an enemy of God. But He loved me, and through the blood of His cross, He has reconciled me, and now, before His sight, presents me...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 1.4;"><br /></span></div>
</span><span style="color: #404040; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 1.4;">-</span><i style="line-height: 1.4;">Holy</i><span style="line-height: 1.4;">. I am pure before Him.</span></div>
</span><span style="color: #404040; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 1.4;">-</span><i style="line-height: 1.4;">Blameless</i><span style="line-height: 1.4;">. I am faultless before Him.</span></div>
</span><span style="color: #404040; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 1.4;">-</span><i style="line-height: 1.4;">Unreprovable</i><span style="line-height: 1.4;">, or as NKJV says, </span><i style="line-height: 1.4;">above reproach</i><span style="line-height: 1.4;">. Others cannot criticize me, for before Him, I am perfect.</span></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #404040; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 1.4;">When I really started meditating on this, I was completely overwhelmed. Wow. As Romans 8:35-39 says, </span><i style="line-height: 1.4;">nothing</i><span style="line-height: 1.4;"> can separate me from His love! Nothing can change my standing in Christ, if I continue in Him!</span></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #404040; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 1.4;">As the next verse after 22 says, "Continue in the faith grounded and settled." Let us press on in the confidence of our standing before Christ!</span></div>
</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Rachel Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11483295698349136425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239371705933948894.post-71301513904124437792016-06-22T11:15:00.001-04:002016-06-22T11:15:20.564-04:00You Never Change :: Part Two<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">A
few days after the funeral, Jesse arrived home from work. Walking into the
kitchen where Emily was making homemade pizza, he sat down at the table.
Emily’s gaze met Jesse’s as he leaned on the table with folded hands. She
immediately sensed something was amiss. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">“Jesse,”
she swallowed. “What’s the matter?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Jesse’s
eyes dropped and he studied his fingernails nervously. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Quickly
rinsing her hands of the cheese and drying them, she sat down across from him.
“Now, tell me, dear. What happened?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">“Oh,
Emily,” he began. “I hate having to tell you this. But,” He clinked the salt
and pepper shakers together, not sure how to continue. Looking up into her
cerulean blue eyes, he went on. “The company I’m employed with has asked me to
relocate from where we are now in Virginia to North Carolina.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Emily
gasped, looking at her husband incredulously.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Jesse
nodded. “That means we either have to move and sell this place, or stay here.
But that also means I lose my job.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">It
took a moment for what Jesse had told her to actually hit her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Her
heart picked up a faster rhythm and her forehead puckered. Emily questioned in
a concerned whisper, “What are we going to do?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">“I
don’t know yet.” Jesse replied, squeezing her hand. “What do you think we
should do, honey?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">His
wife shook her head. “Well, Jesse, I don’t know either. All this change...”
Emily propped her chin in her free hand, giving a half sigh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">The
two conversed for the next few minutes about their dilemma. When baby Ian’s cries came from the bedroom,
announcing his nap was over, Jesse and Emily stood up. Jesse went to Ian and
brought him out to the highchair for a snack of Cheerios.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Jesse
was unusually quiet that evening. He had a lot on his mind. After supper and
play time, Rosie and Ian were laid down for the night. Jesse and Emily sat
together in the living room, enjoying the quiet, books, and their mugs of hot
chamomile tea. They also talked about the decision that was facing them: discussing
the pros and cons of the two options they had. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">After
a bit, Emily laid aside the book she was reading, <i>I Dare You, </i>and leaned forward in her tan easy chair. “I think I’m
heading to bed. Are you coming?” She asked as she stood up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">“In
a little,” Jesse responded, looking up at his wife. “Were you enjoying your book?”
He inquired, scratching his nose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">“Oh
yes!” Emily answered enthusiastically as she undid her braid and shook out her
hair. “Even though I just started it not too long ago, it’s already made me
think about how I am living my life, and what lies are out there the devil
wants me to believe. I can’t wait to read the rest!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Jesse
nodded with a tired smile on his face. “That’s great! Maybe if you like it that
much I’ll read it someday.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">“Are
you okay, Jesse?” Emily knew the climax and activities of the past several days
were wearing Jesse’s nervous system out. “You need your rest. Please come to
bed soon.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">He
agreed, telling Emily, “I will, honey. I just…want to do some thinking…”
Jesse’s voice trailed off.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Resting
her palms on the arm of the recliner, Emily stooped and gave her husband a
goodnight kiss. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">“Love
you, Ems!” Jesse called out gently as she opened the bedroom door, not wanting
to wake little Ian sleeping in the room. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Emily
looked back over her shoulder and winked, throwing a kiss. He waved back with a
faint smile on his face. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">The
door closed, and Jesse leaned back. He tried to focus on his book again, but
the thoughts running through his mind made it basically impossible. Finally, he
laid it aside and bent forward in his chair. He squeezed his green eyes shut
and ran his fingers through his slightly curly brown hair. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">How— I mean,
why…why is all this happening? All these changes...I don’t understand. And it
hurts. It seems to be just one thing after another! <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Jesse
propped his elbows on his knees and rested his chin on his folded hands. He
took a deep breath. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">First it was
Mama…so unexpectedly. I still can’t believe it. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">His eyes grew wet, but he
hurriedly wiped them with the back of his hand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">And also there
are all the changes in this world. It’s down to Hillary and Trump in the
elections, and…and all the issues with abortion and gay marriage…it’s changing
so fast and our country is drifting further from God all the time. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Jesse
slowly rocked back and forth. Pausing, he noticed a piece of lint on his pant
leg and flicked it onto the floor. His thoughts went on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Then…then it is
my job. I don’t know </span></i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">what
<i>we’re going to do about this! Are we
going to move, or lose our income? Lord, please show me what to do, and please
give me peace in these changes! <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">He
felt a prompting to pick up his Bible. Grasping the worn leather cover, he let
the pages fall open and quietly flipped through. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Lord, give me a
verse. Give me something from You to guide me. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">He
skimmed the pages and kept praying. <i>Lord,
something! I feel so lost in all these changes!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">And
there it was. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">The
other verses surrounding this one seemed to fade to the background, as Jesse
fixed his eyes on the special words. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<b><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif;">For I am the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span>, I
change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 4.5in;">
<b><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif;"> ~Malachi
3:6<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">His
eyes welled up with tears again. Although this time, they were not tears of
sorrow, but of rejoicing. Jesse read the verse over and over. Gladness filled his
heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">I am the Lord, I change not...
He doesn’t change! Yes, Jesus, You never change! You are true to Your Word and
promise to never leave me! How could I have forgotten that?!</span></i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Jesse
clasped the Bible to his chest and bowed his head in thankfulness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"> Heavenly Father…thank You for that reminder. Thank
You that You never change…You never lie. You are always the same yesterday,
today, and forever! Thank You that I can trust in You, because You are
faithful. You are the Solid Rock I can stand on…ALL other ground is sinking
sand! I know my life is completely crazy right now, and I have some pretty
major decisions to make in the midst of my grief. But You are so kind, so
faithful to meet me in this storm. I’m so grateful that you NEVER change, and I
can count on You, even when all around me is failing. Because You are my Solid
Rock, I will not be consumed. I love You, Jesus…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Quietly,
Jesse laid his Bible on the coffee table. He stretched, yawned, and stood up.
The troubled spirit that had haunted him minutes before had all vanished—he was
resting in the confidence of his Savior. Jesse went in the bathroom and picked
up his orange toothbrush. He moved the bristles back and forth, back and forth,
making toothpaste foam that came and decorated his lips. He was still thinking.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">He never changes. Wow. That
doesn’t mean the world around me will not change, but it does mean I have a
foundation to stand firm on. Of course, yeah, I’m still worried about my job
and everything, but I can know my God doesn’t change and He is on my side! <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Jesse
rinsed his mouth out and dried his face on the towel. He studied his face in
the mirror for a moment, and suddenly flashed a silly grin at himself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">“Thank
You, Jesus.” He whispered to himself. “Thank You that You never change.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">-The
End-</span></i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">By Rachel C. </span></i></div>
Rachel Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11483295698349136425noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239371705933948894.post-68109340486970083592016-06-12T17:00:00.000-04:002016-06-12T17:00:28.452-04:00You Never Change :: Part 1<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Nothing
seemed to be going right. At that moment, Jesse thought that his whole life was
upside down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"> My life is a tornado! I just don’t understand.
Nothing will ever be the same! </span></i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Jesse
sat in the bleak hospital family room with one main question on his heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Why? </span></i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">His
green eyes were bloodshot and their usual sparkle was nowhere to be seen. He
stared at the ugly blue vase on the table before him, trying to piece the
jumble of the past few days together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Heaving
a sigh, Jesse slowly leaned over and buried his face in his hands. Emily, his
wife, wiped a tear from her cheek. She put her arm around him and comfortingly
stroked her husband’s shoulder. Emily felt a deep weight in her heart as well.
She whispered something in Jesse’s ear, and he reached over and grasped her
hand tightly. The two sat thus for several minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">The
sound of stiff fabric rustling together and footsteps caused Jesse and Emily to
glance up. It was the doctor entering the room. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Jesse
straightened up quickly and stood, studying the doctor’s face. “Doctor, do you
have any news?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Doctor
Wallace examined the two in front of him, taking in their current state of
emotions. Jesse, with his sagging shoulders and tousled hair…and Emily, with tearful
eyes full of concern and questions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">“Please
be honest with us, Doctor Wallace.” Emily hoarsely whispered. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">“Well,”
the doctor began, swallowing hard. “Your mother came through the surgery fine,
and is resting now…But—“ Doctor Wallace paused, not sure how to go on. Placing
a hand on Jesse’s shoulder, he continued. “But I’m afraid the infection was
there long enough to spread throughout her body, and it’s...causing her system
to begin shutting down. I tried everything.” His voice broke as he consoled the
couple. “I’m so very sorry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Jesse
could feel the lump in his throat growing larger and his eyes were stinging. He
managed to choke out, “How long does she have?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">“I
am afraid Michelle has 48 hours or less.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">The
last cord broke within Jesse’s heart and tears ran down his flushed cheeks. “My
mother…my mama…” He cried, sinking into his seat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Emily
wept hot tears and hugged her sorrowing husband.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">The
doctor pitifully watched them a moment before turning and exiting the room,
letting them have their much needed privacy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">That really is
the least favorite part of my job. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Doctor
Wallace thought to himself as he walked down the tiled floor, back to his
patient. <i>I just hate being the one to
break the news of a dying loved one. </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">“It’s
just not fair.” Jesse moaned. “She was fine a few days ago! Still the same
sweet mama we love and—“ The words caught in his throat and he wiped his wet
cheeks before continuing. “And then she had that fall, and wasn’t doing well,
and after going to the hospital we found out her gallbladder had ruptured and
now this sudden surgery and—.” The distressed words tumbled out of his mouth. “Now…now
she’s going. She’s leaving us. Why? Why does this change have to happen to us?
Mama…” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Emily
reached out and pulled several tissues from the box on the table next to them.
She handed some to Jesse, and blew her own nose. “Honey, I love you. And it’s
going to be alright.” She made an attempt to speak. “Keep praying about it. God
loves you, too.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Jesse
sniffled and planted a kiss on her damp cheek. Standing, he hurried from the
room to go to his dying mother’s bedside in the ICU.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Emily
sat limply in her chair for a moment, staring at the floor in deep thought. <i>Lord, give us Your strength. </i>A sigh
escaped her lips. <i>Keep shining Your love
on us.</i> Emily reached into her pocket for her iPhone, and punched in her
password. <i>1:34 am. I didn’t realize it
was so late. </i>She proceeded to group text Jesse’s two brothers and his
sister, who were traveling as quickly as possible to get to their mother and
the hospital. <i>Jesus, help them to get
here in time. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Over
the course of the next several hours, the siblings arrived, and the foursome
stood together by the bedside of their dear parent. Many tears were shed and
prayers offered. Even though Mama was in a state of unconsciousness, they spoke
loving words to her, held her hand, and tried to make her comfortable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Then,
the call came. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Fifty-two
hours after the doctor broke the heartbreaking news; Michelle passed onto
glory…and was joyfully greeted by her Savior. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">A
private family burial was what she had wanted. Michelle…Mama…was laid to rest
beside her husband who had gone before. She was lovingly cherished and
remembered at her memorial service. Many caring friends brought flowers, meals,
and comforting hugs and words to Jesse, Emily and their family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">And
then…normal life resumed; or rather, the “new normal”. Jesse found it extremely difficult coming
home in the evenings from work, to find his mother’s room vacant. <i>She will never be there again…I can never
speak to her ever again! </i>His heart yearned for her to return. It wasn’t
easy to repeatedly answer the question of “Where’s Gramma?” that his three year
old daughter, Rosie, asked; while he himself coped with the change.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Change. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">The
changes weren’t over yet.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Century Gothic, sans-serif;"><i>*stay tuned for part two! =)*</i></span></div>
Rachel Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11483295698349136425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239371705933948894.post-28555899165485058232016-05-26T15:05:00.003-04:002016-05-27T17:39:40.748-04:00Last Chance!!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Are you looking for a life changing experience? </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Are you wanting to deepen your relationship with your best friend, Jesus?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Is "Study and Memorize the Bible" on your list of want-to-do's, but you just never seem to get around to doing it? </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you answered yes to at least one of these questions, then I have an answer for you. Let me introduce you to the... <i>*drumroll*</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>National Bible Bee!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Bible Bee began in 2009, inspired by the testimony of Shelby Kennedy. Shelby was a young woman who LOVED Jesus Christ and His Word. Unfortunately, Shelby passed away from cancer in her twenties, but her legacy is still changing lives today. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Bible Bee is a competition in which young people from the ages of <b>7 to 18 </b>are encouraged to study and memorize the Scriptures. This Word is life-changing! The Bible Bee provides each contestant with a <b>Study Guide </b>(in which contestants are guided through an in-depth study on a book or passage of the Bible. Last year it was on St. John 1-6.) and a list of passages to memorize (last year, we memorized approximately 40 verses to memorize during the summer). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">have participated in the National Bible Bee for five years, beginning when I was 13. <span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; line-height: 18.2px;">I truly believe God put it in my life at just the right time. Each year, I've learned many valuable truths and the in-depth study and memorization of the Scripture has truly changed my life!! I can't imagine my life without the Bible Bee, seriously! (And I have a very vivid imagination, too, so...)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; line-height: 18.2px;">This year, 2016, is my first year of being too old to compete, which is very bittersweet to me. But I know there are many of you out there who are within in age bracket of 7-18! So...<i><b>I want to challenge YOU to participate in the Bible Bee!</b></i> It will change your life, I promise. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: #404040;">BUT HEADS UP! </span><b><u><span style="color: red;">Registration for the Bible Bee ENDS SOON!</span></u></b><span style="color: #404040;"> So don't wait around, please! If you're wanting an activity to make your summer worthwhile and life changing, GET INVOLVED IN THE BIBLE BEE! </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>Anyone </b>can do it, <b>anywhere </b>in the world! :) </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: #404040;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">Just head over to the <a href="https://biblebee.org/" target="_blank">Bible Bee website</a> for more information! When you're ready to register, just click the tab that says "Register" to get started! </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">If you have ANY questions, feel free to post a comment below, and I will try to answer it the best I can. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">Whether or not you compete in the Bible Bee, I pray that you will find God's Word real in your life and that you will hunger and thirst for Him! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></span></div>
Rachel Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11483295698349136425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239371705933948894.post-68477699132484569032016-05-17T15:47:00.001-04:002016-05-17T15:47:43.495-04:00Upward, Believer! <div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Rouse
thee</i>, O believer, from thy low condition! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Cast away</i> thy sloth, thy lethargy,
thy coldness, or whatever interferes with thy chaste and pure love to Christ.
<i>Make Him the source</i>, the center, and the circumference of all thy soul's range
of delight. <i>Rest no longer</i> satisfied with thy dwarfish attainments. <i>Aspire</i> to a
higher, a nobler, a fuller life. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Upward to heaven! </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Nearer to God!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">~ Charles H. Spurgeon ~</span></div>
Rachel Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11483295698349136425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239371705933948894.post-23649055767808665782016-04-05T17:11:00.000-04:002016-04-05T17:15:01.703-04:00Whatever the Test...Trust in Him<div class="MsoNormal">
“Rachel, you’re next!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My turn had come. The moment I had been preparing for the
past four months was here. My heart pounded and my mouth felt as if I hadn’t
had a drink for 24 hours. I followed the man who had called my name to the door
of the testing room.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FqzPK-7hiMU/VwQldAXBSEI/AAAAAAAAHMk/fEpE0KgNJOIZ21CHDk6qHm69THlGXn39Q/s1600/DSCN4177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FqzPK-7hiMU/VwQldAXBSEI/AAAAAAAAHMk/fEpE0KgNJOIZ21CHDk6qHm69THlGXn39Q/s320/DSCN4177.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>One of the testing rooms for Bible Bee Oral Rounds </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Do your best!” he smiled as I entered the room. My mind was
whirling. I felt cold. I was both very excited and very nervous. As I walked up
to the front of the room, I looked around for my Dad. Our eyes met and he gave
me thumbs up and an encouraging look. I got to the front of the room and stood
in front of the table as I had been instructed. My judges, a man and woman, sat
behind the table. The woman smiled and handed me the headset. I took it and put
it on, adjusting the microphone so it was in the correct position. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She began to give me my instructions for the oral test. “You
have up to 5 minutes to quote up to 3 passages. Don’t feel like you need to
rush because you will have plenty of time.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“Yes,” </i>I thought
to myself. <i>“Do. Not. Rush!” </i>I let out
a slight nervous sigh as she finished giving me </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
my instructions. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“When you’re ready, just state your name and the Bible
version you will be using.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I sent up one more prayer for strength and focus. I had to
quote these three passages of scripture with as few mistakes as possible, with
about thirty people listening to me! I didn’t know what three passages I would
be reciting…only that they would be 3 out of the 205 passages I had memorized for
the 2015 National Bible Bee. These 205 passages totaled up to over 800
individual verses and the passages all varied in length from 1 verse to 22
verses! And while I had worked diligently to memorize and perfect these verses
the last 3 months, I still had those passages I struggled with. I hoped I would
not receive one of those passages, but I knew all I could do was my best in
God’s </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="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hgOwwDMBc1s/VwQmLTjGg5I/AAAAAAAAHMs/AGBAPnGmlTkDxuIFbF6NxWmzs8pL6M79g/s1600/photo%2B%252816%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hgOwwDMBc1s/VwQmLTjGg5I/AAAAAAAAHMs/AGBAPnGmlTkDxuIFbF6NxWmzs8pL6M79g/s320/photo%2B%252816%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bethany, Emily, Bella, and I: waiting for testing to begin</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
strength. And here I was, ready to take my oral test at Nationals 2015. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Somehow, I found my voice. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Rachel C-----, King James Version.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Ready or not, here I
go!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The woman gave me my first reference and started the timer.
“Please recite: Romans five, one through eleven.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Taking a deep breath, I shut my eyes and began, in a shaky
voice, to recite the given passage. “Romans five, one through eleven. Therefore
being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
By whom also…”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I quoted the passage, not too fast, but not too slow
either…thinking about each word. <i>God
showed Himself strong! </i>Just before my oral round, I had a practice session
in our room with Daddy, quoting verses and warming up so my mind was “in
motion”. During that practice session, I had quoted this passage, and had a
brain freeze - forgetting how the passage continued at one point in the middle
of it. Because of that, I had gone over this passage several times. Now, I was
quoting that same passage, which was fresh in my mind, <i>and I didn’t blank! </i>Praise God!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“…we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom
we have now received the atonement. Romans five, one through eleven.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>One down, two to go!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“John twenty, twenty-four through thirty one”, was the next
passage I was given to recite.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I swallowed hard. This was one of those passages I had
struggled with. But a couple weeks before Nationals, I had found a pattern to
the saids and saiths that had confused me, and added hand motions. That helped
tremendously. If I focused and used my motions, I could quote it right most of
the time. I practiced it often. And here I was: needing to quote this passage
for my oral recitation. I knew it was possible, but I must <i>really</i> focus under the pressure.<i>
“Lord, help me,” </i>I silently prayed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“John twenty, twenty-four through thirty-one. But Thomas,
one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other
disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto
them,<span class="text"> Except I shall see in his
hands the print of the nails…”<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--e7YNilaIXM/VwQnrPPVgsI/AAAAAAAAHM4/XXa8vvID3EgkTn5HuMcSIyb2vj7LttIuw/s1600/DSCN4193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--e7YNilaIXM/VwQnrPPVgsI/AAAAAAAAHM4/XXa8vvID3EgkTn5HuMcSIyb2vj7LttIuw/s320/DSCN4193.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for Opening Ceremony to begin the first evening.<br />
So much fun! ^_^</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text">I was here to do
my best. As I quoted the passage, I used my hand motions, careful thinking
about each word before I pronounced it. I came to the last two verses, which
were especially good ones…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text">“And many other
signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written
in this book. But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the
Christ, and that believing ye might have life through His name. John twenty,
twenty-four through thirty-one.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text">I breathed a sigh
of relief, for as far as I knew at that point, I felt like I had kept it all
straight! Praise the Lord! <i>Two passages down,
one to go.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text">The woman gave me
my final passage. “Please recite: Psalm sixteen.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"> “Psalm sixteen. Preserve me, O God, for in
Thee do I put my trust. O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my
Lord…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text">This passage was
a favorite, and I knew it well. Like Romans 5:1-11, I had quoted this prior in
my warm up session with my Dad. God allowed me to have one last run-through of
the Psalm. I also remember, that day,
walking down the hallway to go somewhere, and I held a portion of my verse
cards in my hand, reading this Psalm. I had reviewed it then, too! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text">I emphasized the
familiar words…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text">“…Thou wilt shew
me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand
there are pleasures forevermore. Psalm Sixteen.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text">I took a deep
breath. I opened my eyes. I was done. As I removed the headset with shaking
hands, the woman congratulated me and said I may go sit down. My eyes welled up
with tears of happiness and relief, and through the applause of the crowd, I made
my way back to where Daddy was sitting. He gave me a hug.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text">I sat there and
sent up a prayer of thanksgiving to my Heavenly Father. God <i>had</i> girded me with strength, and <i>had</i> made my way perfect.<sup>1</sup> I
had quoted all three of my passages with no passes, no word prompts, and no
tongue twist-ups. <i>Glory to HIS name! </i> I had trusted Him to help me, <i>and He did!</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><br /></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="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UNllj--G9H0/VwQojlezS1I/AAAAAAAAHNE/8xqTU1vgfTEa4ZQepceiblDBeyEQGM-DQ/s1600/1448781241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UNllj--G9H0/VwQojlezS1I/AAAAAAAAHNE/8xqTU1vgfTEa4ZQepceiblDBeyEQGM-DQ/s320/1448781241.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closing Ceremony evening. Here's the annual "winner!" <br />
picture! Congratulations, Delie! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text">At that point, I
didn’t know how many points I received, or if I made any mistakes, but six
weeks later, I found out my total score of both written and oral recitation
tests. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text">Guess what? I
received…<i>a perfect score!!!</i> Praise
the Lord! I ended up placing 34<sup>th</sup> out of all the contestants in my
division of 15-18 year olds. All during the study season, I had prayed that He
would bless me with a perfect oral score, and I placed my trust in Him for
strength. Without Him, I knew I could not have memorized 880 verses word
perfectly in three and a half months. I just had to give it over to Him, and
trust Him completely for the results. It was totally worth it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text">So now, I’m going
to give you a dare, but it’s a good dare. <i>I
dare you</i>…whatever <i>you </i>are facing
in life, maybe with an upcoming test, a trip or an event you’re worried about, or
any difficulty; you fill in that blank…<i>Trust
fully in God.</i> He promises to never leave you, or forsake you.<sup>2</sup>
He is our refuge and strength and a <i>very
present </i>help in trouble.<sup>3</sup> Ask Him for strength. Fully rely on
Him. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own
understanding. He shall direct your path!<sup>4</sup> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><i>As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the</i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i> </i></span><span class="small-caps"><i><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i> </i></span><span class="text"><i>is
tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.</i></span><span class="text"><b><i><sup><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></sup></i></b><i>For who is God
save the</i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i> </i></span><span class="small-caps"><i><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></i></span><span class="text"><i>? or who is a rock
save our God?</i></span><span class="text"><b><i><sup><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></sup></i></b><i>It is God that girdeth me with strength, and
maketh my way perfect.</i></span><span class="text"><b><i><sup><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></sup></i></b><i>He maketh my feet
like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places. {Psalm 18:30-33}</i></span><span class="text"><b><i><sup><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></sup></i></b></span><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text">Oh…while we’re
on the subject of the National Bible Bee, I <i><b>really</b></i> want to encourage you to compete
in it, if you are 7-18 years old. I can honestly say it changed my life for the
best. Digging into God’s Word will never return void! Doing the Bible Bee has
been one of the best things I've ever done! :) I looked forward to competing each year with great excitement. ;) Registration for the 2016 Bible Bee is now open!!!<a href="https://biblebee.org/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www.biblebee.org/" target="_blank">Click HERE to go to the Bible Bee website</a> and find out more information. If you have any questions, I would be happy to try to answer them for you. =) Blessings!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1: Psalm 18:32.
2: Hebrews 13:5. 3: Psalm 46:1-3. 4: Proverbs 3:5-6. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Rachel Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11483295698349136425noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239371705933948894.post-42495671198275323842016-03-01T13:35:00.000-05:002016-03-01T13:37:50.541-05:0086,400 seconds<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>"86,400 seconds
are all you receive in one day. </i><i>If you only had 86,400 seconds left in your
entire life, </i></b><i><b>what would you do with them?"</b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
John Wesley was once asked what he would do with his life if
he knew he would die at midnight the next day. His answer was something like
this: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I would just carry on with what I am doing. I will arise at
5:00 a.m. for prayer, and then take a house meeting at 6:00 a.m. At 12 noon, I
will be preaching at an open-air. At 3:00 p.m. I have another meeting in
another town. At 6:00 p.m. I have a house meeting; at 10:00 p.m. I have a
prayer meeting and at 12:00 midnight, I would go to be with my Lord.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you knew that you would die in 24 hours, would you be
able to keep living on in good conscience as you are? Or would you begin to do
all manner of ministry and evangelistic outreach? Would you be more loving and
caring and thoughtful to those around you? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s1SucjArrhM/VtXfV7XUyxI/AAAAAAAAHG4/Ptu-NkwuGvE/s1600/clock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s1SucjArrhM/VtXfV7XUyxI/AAAAAAAAHG4/Ptu-NkwuGvE/s320/clock.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
The Bible tells us…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“<span style="background: white;">Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an
hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” (Matt 24:44)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">Do we live each
day honoring to the Lord? Do we use each minute wisely? Time is a very precious
gift. If you knew you only had 24 hours left to live, what changes would you
make to your routine? In reality, we <i>should</i>
live each day as if it were our last, because…<i>it may really be our last. </i>Oh Lord, help me to live each day for
Your glory and to not have regrets! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe you have not accepted Christ as your personal Savior,
for you say, “I will get right with God before I die. There’s enough time.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Is there really enough time? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
10 out of 10 people die. Think about that. And how many of
those knew that their hour to go had come? Death can happen suddenly. Very
suddenly. You could have a heart attack…be hit head on by an incoming
vehicle…even die in your sleep. Approximately over 150,000 people die and go to
their eternal destiny <i>every single day.</i>
Each one of us will someday meet our Maker and give an account of the things we
did in this life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May I ask you this: Do you know when you will die? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The obvious answer is no. None of us know when our time will
come. <i>But it may be today.</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Are you ready? </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you are not ready for death, please, I beg you…get right
with God. He is waiting with open arms, and <i>invites</i>
you to <i>come</i> to Him and <i>accept</i> Him by <i>faith</i>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<i>Hello to our faithful blog readers...(if there are any out there after our long spaces of silence ;) ) We have a surprise coming (hopefully) soon to Jewels of Jesus, so stay tuned!! :) Keep your eyes on Jesus! </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i></div>
Rachel Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11483295698349136425noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239371705933948894.post-34018254777557732692016-02-12T10:58:00.000-05:002016-02-12T10:58:48.079-05:00A quote for your day<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Rouse thee, O believer, from thy low condition! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Cast away
thy sloth, thy lethargy, thy coldness, or whatever interferes with thy chaste
and pure love to Christ. Make Him the source, the center, and the circumference
of all thy soul's range of delight. Rest no longer satisfied with thy dwarfish
attainments. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Aspire to a higher, a nobler, a fuller life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Upward to heaven! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Nearer to God!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>-Charles H. Spurgeon- </i></div>
Rachel Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11483295698349136425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239371705933948894.post-24376766276655316152016-01-31T13:41:00.000-05:002016-01-31T13:41:01.327-05:00Thoughts from a VacuumAs a cleaner at our local motel/campground, I end up vacuuming a lot of floors. No matter how many times you go over a floor, you can always count on another bit of fluff you missed. Woops, there’s another . . . and another . . . and another!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J7ZNdcVUlqI/VqxHwulaMgI/AAAAAAAAByA/YDQmfqo6qsA/s640/1-DSCF1419.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<br />
While I worked on finishing the last of the vacuuming in my room today, I realized this is a lot like life.<br />
<br />
We think we’ve got everything sussed, and have everything “under our belt”, so to speak. But then there’s always more disorderly bits, ones that can be very discouraging to deal with. “Is this job <i>ever</i> going to be done—it seems like an endless task!”<br />
<br />
Even Paul struggled with keeping everything under control. “<i>For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.</i>” (Romans 7:19)<br />
<br />
No, in this life, it isn’t ever going to be totally done. There are always going to be stray pieces of fluff that no matter how many times you go over them, they’ll still be giving you trouble. Keep picking the bits up, one at a time.<br />
<br />
<b>We are never going to have everything perfect. Don’t let that stop you from following the Lord with your whole heart. Actively seek His face today, even if it’s just for a few moments.</b><br />
<br />
Oops, there’s another piece of red lint to take care of . . . .<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>–Esther</i></div>
Esther Filbrunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13149801746153343967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239371705933948894.post-74559944687561502422016-01-08T11:20:00.000-05:002016-01-08T11:29:21.244-05:00The Lord is my...<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">The </span><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 24px;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">~Psalm 18:2~</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">The other day, I read this verse in my devotions, and it was one of those verses that kind of leaps off the page at you. I decided to outline all that this verse said God was to me. As I meditated on each thing, I was overwhelmed by the attributes of my Father. I hope that by sharing these things with you, that you also will come away encouraged! ♥</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><b>-My Rock-</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Many mountains have large rocks in them- can you move them very easily by pushing and shoving them? No, of course not. They are large and very heavy...very firm and stable. You can stand on it and it won't move. That's how our God is: He is unchanging and we can stand firmly on Him!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">-My Fortress-</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">What is a fortress? It's a place that keeps you safe from outside enemies. That's what our God is. He is our refuge...our safety. His name is a strong tower, and if you run in, you'll be safe! </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. {Ps 91:1}</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">-My Deliverer- </b></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Col-1-13" id="en-KJV-29479" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic;">Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: </span>In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins. </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">{Col 1:13-14} </span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="text Ps-107-13" id="en-KJV-15713" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Then they cried unto the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses.</span><span class="text Ps-107-14" id="en-KJV-15714" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.</span><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Oh that men would praise the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! {Ps 107:13-15}</i></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">-My God, My Strength, in Whom I will trust- </span></b></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Our God is the King of Kings. Our God is strong. Our God keeps His promises. Our God is unchanging. We can <i>completely</i> trust Him. <i>God is our refuge and strength, a very present h</i><i>elp in trouble.<span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;<span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. {Ps 46:1-3}</i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></b></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-My Buckler-</b></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I looked up the word "buckler" in the Hebrew, and it means <i>"a shield; a protector; a </i></span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>defense." </i>He is our shield! Our Protector! We only need to trust Him. </span></span><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. {Proverbs 30:5}</span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><b>-The Horn of my Salvation-</b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">We were wretched sinners, heading for eternity in hell. But God, who is rich in mercy and loved us so much, sent His own Son to pay the price for our sins. He put <i>our </i>sin upon <i>Jesus, </i>the perfect and spotless one. <i>He became sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. {2 Cor 5:21} </i>From Him comes our salvation. <u>Nothing else can save us.</u> He is our salvation! </span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><b>-My High Tower-</b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">What comes to your mind when you hear "high tower"? The Hebrew defines it as <i>"</i></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="line-height: 24px;">a cliff (or other lofty or inaccessible place); altitude; refuge." </i><span style="line-height: 24px;">Reminds me of when I have gone hiking and I'm standing on the big rock overlooks. I'm so high up, the breeze is blowing on my face, and I can look wayyy down into the valley and across the miles. Nothing down there can reach me while I'm way up here! He is my High Tower!</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">My friends, may you mediate upon the strength of our Lord! He is waiting for you with open arms- just trust Him and rely in His strength!!</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">In closing, here is a favorite passage of mine. Who is God, save the Lord? It is God that girds you with strength! Go in His name!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Ps-18-30" id="en-KJV-14149" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.</span><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>For who is God save the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>? or who is a rock save our God?<span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.<span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places.<span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.<span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great. {Psalm 18:30-35}</span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
Rachel Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11483295698349136425noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239371705933948894.post-3253520719619860662015-12-29T13:37:00.002-05:002015-12-29T13:37:46.885-05:00Jesus, I am Resting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Wissmann Family are very gifted musicians and singers...this song by their family blessed me, so I thought I'd share it with you! :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Blessings!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/M6W1WXoMngQ/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M6W1WXoMngQ?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />Rachel Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11483295698349136425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239371705933948894.post-23473889133595959152015-12-01T09:41:00.000-05:002015-12-01T09:41:03.031-05:0012/1/2015<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.christianquotes.info/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/God-is-faithful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.christianquotes.info/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/God-is-faithful.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from <a href="http://www.christianquotes.info/" target="_blank">Christian Quotes</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Rachel Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11483295698349136425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239371705933948894.post-68873715911459955532015-11-06T02:31:00.000-05:002015-11-06T02:31:00.399-05:00A Lovely CallingGood morning, ladies!<br />
<br />
Today, instead of a post like I'd normally share, I'd like to share with you a wonderful blog I discovered. It's <u><a href="http://alovelycalling.com/">A Lovely Calling</a></u>. It is an absolutely fantastic blog whose tagline is "Virtuous Women Desperately Passionate For God". <br />
<br />
From their mission statement:<br />
<br />
"The whole package is embracing God’s lovely calling for your life. As a woman we should pursue biblical femininity with all passion and put our whole hearts into discovering what God wants us to do in our brief time on this earth.<br />
<h4>
WHY WE HAVE “A LOVELY CALLING”</h4>
When you look at women in the world nowadays, what do you see? I see a world of women with their hearts dead set AGAINST God. Even Christian women don’t set a standard of Godly character. The way I see it there are three types of girls:<br />
<strong>1. </strong>The girls who don’t know any better and slip easily into the worldliness of our day and age. They are young and have no biblical guidance in their lives. They, like many of us, follow the crowd (sometimes down the path of destruction)<br />
<strong>2.</strong> Then there are the quiet girls, who still dream, who still want the life every girl wanted when they were little: to be a mommy and to raise a family, to have respect and be a beautiful woman of God without all the feminist arguments being pointed at them day and night. But the quiet girls don’t know how or when they should strive after their dream when so many other girls around them idolize celebrities, secular lifestyles and Victoria’s Secret.<br />
<strong>3.</strong> Then there are the Christian girls whose moms have taught them Gods dreams and desires for women who seek Him wholeheartedly without restraint or stained vision of a biblical lifestyle. However, there are no girls their age encouraging that calling. Only the older women tell them that this is right. The other girls run with the crowd, so why shouldn’t they?<br />
<br />
BUT what if… what if there was a whole generation, a whole group of young girls (their age) girls who knew what true biblical femininity and virtuous womanhood really meant in the eyes of the Lord? What if all the girls around them went back to the days when being a godly woman was the most important, most honorable, most worthy job in the world, and actually encouraged them in it? What would happen?<br />
<div class="pixcode pixcode--separator separator separator--line-flower">
<div class="arrows">
<div class="line line--right">
</div>
</div>
</div>
Well I only pray and hope that that generation starts with me and you. God has given us girls (Lisa, Christy, Sarah and Anna) a “Lovely Calling” and ministry online and through writing to help girls and young women, the quiet ones, the girls who don’t know any better, the secular girls who need a new perspective, and the Christian girls who are scared to make an endeavor on their own. We want to help them see that being a woman after God’s Heart is the highest calling anyone could ask for. BUT WE CAN NOT DO IT ALONE. We need help and words of wisdom from other girls with the same ambition."<br />
<br />
<br />
Two of my personal favourite posts:<br />
<u><a href="http://alovelycalling.com/2015/10/06/be-a-woman-worth-pursuing/">How to Be a Woman Worth Pursuing</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://alovelycalling.com/godly-womanhood-21st-century/">Godly Womanhood in the 21st Century</a></u><br />
<br />
Do check out their blog! It's fantastic!<br />
- BonnieUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239371705933948894.post-28559899907212605082015-10-21T16:37:00.003-04:002015-10-21T16:38:37.940-04:00It's all Christ <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Take advantage of every opportunity to </i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>...know Christ...</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>...think of Christ...</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>...speak of Christ... </i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>...and reflect Christ.</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>-Paul Washer-</i></span></span></div>
Rachel Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11483295698349136425noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239371705933948894.post-6405833149264602232015-10-12T19:37:00.004-04:002015-10-12T19:37:49.103-04:00In His Hand<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="color: #262626; line-height: 16px; outline: none;">"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: </i><b style="color: #262626; line-height: 16px; outline: none;"><i style="outline: none;">And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, </i></b><i style="color: #262626; line-height: 16px; outline: none;">neither shall any man </i><b style="color: #262626; line-height: 16px; outline: none;"><i style="outline: none;">pluck</i></b><i style="color: #262626; line-height: 16px; outline: none;"> them out of my hand. </i><i style="color: #262626; line-height: 16px; outline: none;">My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to </i><b style="color: #262626; line-height: 16px; outline: none;"><i style="outline: none;">pluck</i></b><i style="color: #262626; line-height: 16px; outline: none;"> them out of my Father's hand.</i><i style="color: #262626; line-height: 16px; outline: none;"> I and my Father are one</i><span style="color: #262626; line-height: 16px;">." </span></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #262626; line-height: 16px;">~ John 10:27-30<span style="font-size: 13px;"> ~</span></span></span></blockquote>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-PXMXQCHNQ/VC8Wa569xXI/AAAAAAAACT0/O2baacOlauk/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-PXMXQCHNQ/VC8Wa569xXI/AAAAAAAACT0/O2baacOlauk/s320/044.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #262626; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #262626; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This is just such a wonderful scripture. It's such a comfort. It gives us a <i>glorious</i> promise that we, believers in Jesus Christ, have eternal life and will never be snatched out of Christ’s hand that holds us. What a reassuring promise! What a beautiful picture! We are safe in the hand of the omnipotent God and nothing can remove us from His grasp! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #262626; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #262626; line-height: 16px;">The Greek word in John 10:28 used for </span><i style="color: #262626; line-height: 16px; outline: none;">pluck</i><span style="color: #262626; line-height: 16px;"> means to </span><i style="color: #262626; line-height: 16px; outline: none;">take by force or seize.</i><span style="color: #262626; line-height: 16px;"> Thus the word snatch in this verse is an action done without the consent of the recipient. In other words we could say that no one will kidnap, take by force, or seize us out of Christ’s hand. This is the promise Jesus gives us. However, we don’t live in God’s hand by default; we must choose to come to Him. </span><span style="color: #262626;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">As the psalmist wrote in Psalm 91:9-10...</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Ps-91-9" id="en-KJV-15405" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">"Because thou hast made the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;</span>There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling."</span></i></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Does this mean that bad things will never happen to us? No, Christians are persecuted, martyred, and afflicted all the time. So what is the promise then? It’s that no evil shall befall us without our Heavenly Father’s permission.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">By making God our dwelling place, we trust in His supreme sovereignty. He is more than able to take care of us, and the painful things that do come into our lives are lovingly filtered through His gentle fingers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So I ask you….are <i>YOU</i> dwelling in God’s hand? Have <i>YOU</i> made Him your home and place of permanent residence?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There is no safer place to be than in the hands of the Almighty, Omnipotent, and Sovereign God. God, who has called you by name, is now inviting you into His sanctuary. It is an open invitation, and the only thing that can stop us is ourselves. Therefore, let us live in the Palm of His Hand! And let us make it our permanent and everlasting abode.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Rachel Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11483295698349136425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239371705933948894.post-60223200451987010652015-10-02T19:03:00.000-04:002015-10-02T19:03:00.571-04:00A Single Eye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">--Written several years ago --- :)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">Matthew 6:22 (emphasis added):</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">single</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">, thy whole body shall be full of light. (KJV)</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">It's really important that this verse is read in the King James Version. This is one of the only translations that translates that word (I made it bold so you can see which one it is) as 'single'. (Most other translations translate it as 'good', 'healthy' or 'clear'.)</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
Anyway, this verse tells us that if our eye is single, our whole body will be full of light.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
What do you suppose that means?</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
If your eye has a <b><i>single focus</i></b>, your whole body will be full of light. Single focus! Wow! </div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
So it's not saying that if our eyes are good and work as they are supposed to, we'll be able to see well. That's what a lot of people think. It's saying that if we have one goal in mind, if our eyes have a single focus, our whole body will be filled with light.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
Now let's look at verse 23. "But if thine eye be <b>evil</b>, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!"</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
The Greek for that word I made bold is a word called <i>poneros</i> that can be translated to mean 'full of anxiety'. What happens if we are full of anxiety?</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
Our eyes flit around here, there and everywhere. We start looking in lots of directions. Isn't that the exact opposite of what we should have: <i>an eye with a single focus</i>?</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
I want to put it to you this afternoon that our single focus should be Jesus.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV (emphasis added):</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">fixing our eyes on Jesus</span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
Blessings to you all!<br />
BonnieUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239371705933948894.post-5182460265798309682015-09-12T10:16:00.000-04:002015-09-12T10:16:34.869-04:00Interview :: Mrs. Heather C<i>Remember <a href="http://jewelsofjesus.blogspot.com/2015/03/i-need-your-help.html#.VcEOLvlViko" target="_blank">this post</a> a couple months ago? Today, we have our first interview to share with you! A huge thanks to my dear mother for joining us for this interview. :) </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>~*~*~*~</i></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>JOJ (Rachel): </i>Thank you for joining us today, Mom! :) Can you please share a bit about yourself to our readers?<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Mrs. C:</i> I am the very happy wife to my dear husband. We have been married almost 20 years. God has been very good to us and has entrusted us with 8 children. I am passionate about making our house a home of rest, creating an environment full of creativity, joy and a home where God is sought, taught, and glorified.<br />
<br />
<i>Rachel: </i>Thank you! :) Now, on to address some questions our readers have submitted. What is the most encouraging thing that has ever been said to you? <br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Mrs. C:</i> Probably when you said I was your best friend ~ it is the desire of every mother to have her daughter's (and children's) heart.<br />
<br />
<i>Rachel:</i> Could you share any tips you might have for time management?<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Mrs. C:</i> Conquer the procrastination monster. Say NO to being away from home for everything. Get rid of excess! Minimize and you will be so surprised how much smoother and easier it is to live a fully and truly happy life. You will enjoy cleaning! :) Also, go to bed before 10:30 pm. Stay off the computer. An orderly life is priority ~ NOT the computer. That is only after our tasks and responsibility are done well.<br />
<br />
<i>Rachel:</i> What is the best thing you think a young lady can do with her time?<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Mrs. C:</i> Here are two things: Seek Jesus and HIS will for your life. Serve your family and church families...Ask mother how she needs you to help the most.<br />
<br />
<i>Rachel:</i> Thank you so much for joining us today! Do you have any closing exhortation to share with us young ladies?<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Mrs. C: </i>True contentment is great gain. Live the life God has given you and desire to be content. If you are discontent with parents, family, and direction your life is headed, Seek Jesus like you never have before. Everything will fall into place. Grace, Peace, and Joy to you!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnj30TMVvcY/VPCVO-hXaKI/AAAAAAAAEJQ/1CoGtTtOsNE/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnj30TMVvcY/VPCVO-hXaKI/AAAAAAAAEJQ/1CoGtTtOsNE/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mommy, sister, and I :)<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Stay tuned ~ We hope to have an interview with a sweet young lady out before too many months! ;)Rachel Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11483295698349136425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239371705933948894.post-37329300650905712182015-09-04T03:22:00.000-04:002015-09-04T03:22:00.042-04:00The God-shaped Hole <i>I've seen many searching for answers far and wide</i><br />
<i>But I know we're all searching for answers only you can provide</i><br />
<i>'cause you know just what we need before we even say a word</i><br />
- lyrics from 'Good Good Father' by Housefires<br />
<br />
<br />
It's funny, isn't it, how people the world over are searching for answers here, there and everywhere. They want meaning. They want purpose. They want something more in the their lives.<br />
<br />
Sometimes they have tried God. They may have had preconceived ideas of what He is like, or they may have encountered obstacles or things that put roadblocks in their minds. But they leave Him and try elsewhere for answers. They haven't earnestly sought Him with every ounce of their soul and committed to finding Him. If their hearts are lukewarm, their experience of God may be lukewarm and so they leave again, frustrated.<br />
<br />
Sometimes they haven't tried God. They know there's an emptiness inside them that they were designed to have filled. So they search for meaning, purpose, <i>something</i>... to fill the void inside. To find answers to their questions. They might try new age, astrology, buddism, humanism, atheism... whatever it is, it won't be satisfying and fulfilling.<br />
<br />
Because nothing in life is satisfying and fulfilling. Each human born onto this earth was created with a God-shaped hole in their hearts that only God Himself can fill. God is the only one that can absolutely fulfill and satisfy. To answer all our questions, to provide meaning, richness and purpose in life.<br />
<br />
It's only God who can do it. Only God. Nothing else.<br />
<br />
Whatsoever.<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah20/bonniesmithies/Untitled1_zps351a6c30.jpg" height="101" width="200" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239371705933948894.post-37593846839466607082015-08-27T14:31:00.003-04:002015-08-27T14:31:34.685-04:00What Faith Is<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;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.christianquotes.info/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.christianquotes.info/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Faith-is-not-something-that-goes-against-the-evidence-it-goes-beyond-it..jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.christianquotes.info/" target="_blank"><br /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Rachel Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11483295698349136425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239371705933948894.post-14800511699799501392015-08-13T19:40:00.000-04:002015-08-27T14:34:11.993-04:00Can I really? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1loveforchrist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/6200306694_7803c25d42_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1loveforchrist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/6200306694_7803c25d42_z.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 24px;">“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13</span></blockquote>
<br />
<h3 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; clear: both; color: #404040; font-family: Oswald, sans-serif; font-size: 1.8rem; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: 2px; line-height: 1.3333; margin: 0px 0px 1.333em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: #33cccc; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I KNOW THIS IS GOD’S REALITY FOR ME!</strong></span></h3>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #404040; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Lately, God has been teaching me a lot about trusting Him for strength. In June of this year I signed up for the <a href="http://www.biblebee.org/" target="_blank">National Bible Bee</a>. Although I’ve competed for the past three years, I’ve never made it beyond the state level. This year I was hoping to make it to nationals – but I felt so out of focus. I lacked concentration when I studied, and I was soooo busy,</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #404040; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Then July came. Four of my siblings and I were supposed to volunteer at a summer camp. I was super excited about the trip when, the night before we were scheduled to leave, I got really sick. I had really, really wanted to go and I felt like God had let me down… I prayed and prayed that I would wake up the next morning and be well enough to go, but it just didn’t happen. Instead, I spent the next week in bed.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #404040; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
That morning as my siblings pulled out of the driveway without me, my sister leaned out the window and said, “<em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Beth, maybe God is keeping you home from camp because you need the time to study; you’ll probably make it to Nationals!</em>” I shook my head and thought, “<em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">No way am I going to make it… I’m only a few weeks away from my test and nowhere near ready.</em>”</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #404040; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Time flew and before I knew it, the test day was only a week away. I felt so unprepared, I almost gave up altogether; but a dear friend of mine talked to me into persevering. She told me I had committed to compete and I shouldn’t’ be a quitter. I knew she was right.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #404040; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
During the last seven days of study, I began to pray. I prayed really hard that God would show me exactly what to study in the little time I had left. When testing day arrived, I felt completely at peace. I wasn’t nervous at all, even though I had not completed all of the study I had wanted to get done.</div>
<h3 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; clear: both; color: #404040; font-family: Oswald, sans-serif; font-size: 1.8rem; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: 2px; line-height: 1.3333; margin: 0px 0px 1.333em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #33cccc; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I WAS READY TO DO MY BEST, AND TRUST GOD FOR THE REST.</span></strong></h3>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #404040; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
I had a lot of people praying for me that day. As I took the test, God brought all the things He had been teaching me to mind. As I clicked the “finish” button on my test, I somehow felt like it had gone really well. In fact, I even dared to hope that maybe I had a shot at getting to nationals after all.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #404040; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
A week later I went to the Bible Bee awards ceremony to receive my score. I had been praying all week that God would help me to be content with where he had placed me – whether I got to go to Nationals or not. As the host read off the scores I waited for my placing fully expecting that I either wouldn’t make it all, or that if I did I would be #120 (the lowest position which can qualify). Then they said my name, followed by “<em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">you placed #88 in the nation.”</em></div>
<h3 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; clear: both; color: #404040; font-family: Oswald, sans-serif; font-size: 1.8rem; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: 2px; line-height: 1.3333; margin: 0px 0px 1.333em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #33cccc; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I WAS LITERALLY JUMPING UP AND DOWN… I COULDN’T BELIEVE IT.</span></strong></h3>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #404040; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Here I was, ready to give up altogether, discouraged because I had missed camp…shaking my head in disbelief when my sister had suggested that maybe God was keeping me home so I could study… and now I was on my way to nationals!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #404040; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
I wasn’t ready when testing day came along, but God showed me that He can take my weaknesses and use His strength to show himself strong. <strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">As Christians when we are facing an “impossible” task, we don’t need to fear because we serve a God who does the “impossible” <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">all the time.</em></strong></div>
<blockquote style="background-color: white; border-left-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); border-left-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 0px 2px; color: #404040; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
“For we know that with men this is impossible. But with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #404040; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i>A huge thank you to my dear friend, Bethany Stelzl, for sharing with us. :) I am so excited that we made it to Nationals together...I can't wait to compete with you in November! :D Bethany occasionally blogs over at <a href="http://1loveforchrist.com/blog/blog-series-archive/" target="_blank">1 Love for Christ.</a> </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #404040; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Photo Credit: Flickr<br />
<br /></div>
Rachel Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11483295698349136425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239371705933948894.post-73747768570563259492015-08-04T15:40:00.000-04:002015-08-04T15:40:00.831-04:00Fear of the FutureI was talking to a friend a few months ago, and I was surprised to discover that he was actually afraid of the future at times. I was only surprised because I suffered from that same fear (and still do, sometimes) not very long ago.<br />
<br />
I meant to post this sooner, but I actually forgot all about it. Sorry! I don't know how many others out there are afraid of the future, but for those who are, I hope this is helpful in some small way.<br />
<br />
My fear of the future consisted of being worried whenever I'd hear someone reading in the book of Revelation. I didn't like hearing about the antichrist, or verses where it talked about anything bad happening to the church. I got worried when I thought about what might happen in the future. Because I like to know what's going to happen. And I don't know what's going to happen in the future.<br />
<br />
It got so bad that I'd purposefully try not to think about the future. If I heard someone talking about it, I'd purposefully try not to listen because I didn't want to hear about it and be scared. I didn't think of it as a 'fear' as such, just something I didn't like to think about.<br />
<br />
Until I realized it was a full-blown fear. I'd blown it way out of proportion. Sure, some uncomfortable things may end up happening to me, and sure, I might not like them very much, but the truth of the matter is that God is in control, whatever happens. And I can trust Him. It sounds so easy and simple, and it's difficult to believe because we like to have our fingers in every pie, so to speak. We like to have our futures under our control.<br />
<br />
And something we have to accept is that our future is not in our control. If we have a fear about the future, the only way we will be delivered from the fear is to speak the truth. And the truth in this situation is that God is in control. We have to accept that He's in charge. We have to give him the reigns and say, "Lord, I have a fear of my future. I'm struggling to trust you and I'm struggling to trust that you have a good plan for my future. I'm struggling to accept everything you have planned for me. But I want to trust you. Help me to trust you and give me a peace that whatever happens comes from you. Replace all my wrong thoughts with the truth. I choose to believe in the truth of your word no matter what my mind tells me. I love you and know that you have a good plan for my life. Amen."<br />
<br />
You might not feel very confident after praying that prayer. But you'll need to consciously pray something along those lines every time you experience fear or doubt about the future. Every time you face fear, pray, give the fear to God, and leave it with him. He can handle it. And then eventually, when you think of it, you'll feel peace, because you'll know he's in charge.<br />
<br />
Something I did when I had fear of the future is to write up a whole lot of inspiring verses about not being afraid, and having peace through trusting Jesus. Then I'd go back through the list of verses (I have them sitting here in front of me, actually) and read them aloud, declaring the promises of Jesus. That helped me not feel so fearful. My list is like three whole pages long.<br />
<br />
Maybe doing something like that will help for you. Here are five or six of my very favourite 'do not fear' verses, copied straight off the list in front of me.<br />
<br />
<br />
Psalm 3:4<br />
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.<br />
<br />
Exodus 14:13-14<br />
Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.<br />
<br />
Deut 31:6<br />
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you.<br />
<br />
Psalm 27:1-3<br />
The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.<br />
<br />
Daniel 10:19<br />
"Do not be afraid, O man highly esteemed," he said. "Peace! Be strong now; be strong."<br />
<br />
Isaiah 43:1-3<br />
Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.<br />
<br />
Isaiah 26:3<br />
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts you.<br />
<br />
<br />
In summary, here's my list of things I recommend to do when you feel fear for the future (or any fear of anything at all, for that matter!)<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Pray, give your fear to the Lord, and ask Him to fill you with His peace.</li>
<li>Go into Scripture. Read over your list of encouraging and inspiring verses for situations like this.</li>
<li>Believe the truth. Don't tell yourself that the future is scary, because it isn't. I heard somewhere that worry is fear of the future without God in it.</li>
<li>Know that others before you have struggled with this. I have, and still do, sometimes.</li>
<li>Remember that no matter what happens, God's in charge, and he will never let you down.</li>
<li>Put a smile on your face and go to meet your fears with the confidence that God's sovereignty brings!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah20/bonniesmithies/Untitled1_zps351a6c30.jpg" height="101" width="200" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239371705933948894.post-48780304708713527682015-07-16T09:25:00.001-04:002015-07-16T09:25:25.748-04:00A thought for your day...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.christianquotes.info/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/If-you%E2%80%99re-alive-there%E2%80%99s-a-purpose-for-your-life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.christianquotes.info/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/If-you%E2%80%99re-alive-there%E2%80%99s-a-purpose-for-your-life.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Used with permission by <a href="http://www.christianquotes.info/images/3-reasons-youre-still-alive/" target="_blank">Christian Quotes </a></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Press on!</div>
Rachel Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11483295698349136425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239371705933948894.post-5221934987817036922015-07-04T00:20:00.000-04:002015-07-04T00:20:21.222-04:00Book Review :: The Helper I'd like to review a wonderful book today. It's "The Helper" by Catherine Marshall.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C14nuZ7v03A/VX57gAjs7KI/AAAAAAAABuA/qyLwBZW-LYU/s1600/9780800791315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C14nuZ7v03A/VX57gAjs7KI/AAAAAAAABuA/qyLwBZW-LYU/s320/9780800791315.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Interested in the Holy Spirit and want to know more about it?<br />
<br />
Confused about the Spirit and what His working in our lives looks like?<br />
<br />
Wondering how you can have the Holy Spirit?<br />
<br />
<br />
This is not just another book about the Holy Spirit. It's one of the best books I've ever read. Catherine Marshall is a wonderful author.<br />
<br />
She offers forty inspirational "helps" that contain Scripture, a prayer, and insight into the third person of the Trinity. Catherine Marshall writes about the answers she discovered to questions like: Who is the Helper? How do I experience the Helper's presence? How does the Helper meet everyday needs? What is the Helper's role and function in the Church?<br />
<br />
The forty "helps" could be used as a devotional guide, or you could read the book straight like I did. :) <br />
<br />
I'd recommend this book for readers who are interested/curious about the Holy Spirit. I'd certainly not recommend it for younger readers, simply because it tackles some slightly more difficult topics. Probably ages 13-14+ would find this book suitable, depending on the maturity of the reader. :)<br />
<br />
Overall, this is a great book, one I've found extremely valuable and practical. I highly recommend it.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239371705933948894.post-83597526491416663102015-06-25T12:30:00.000-04:002015-06-25T12:30:29.056-04:00Too Busy Not to Pray<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-su8wsOgSozQ/VYwrgYRFGsI/AAAAAAAAFRQ/pHNR8S0t1O8/s1600/Spring%2B2015%2B052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-su8wsOgSozQ/VYwrgYRFGsI/AAAAAAAAFRQ/pHNR8S0t1O8/s1600/Spring%2B2015%2B052.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #767676; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #767676; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyone else noticed that things seem to be picking up? I have an endless to-do list and a whole lot of expectations placed on me. I won’t bore you with the details, but things are pretty busy. And yet, especially in these times, how important it is to take time in our schedules to pray. Martin Luther once said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” Having this much on our plate should drive us to our knees, not away from the throne room. One of my friends has been studying Esther over the past year, and here’s what she learned from Esther’s story. I hope you will find it an inspiration as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #767676; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: white; color: #767676; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So this week has been crazy in my family, like certifiably-should be in some kind of an asylum- kind of crazy. Our family trying to move is like no other experience with 7 kids, and many pets, from a house we have been in for 7 years… Sports can't slow down, school is taking it up a notch, and repairs are being done constantly… we are all about to lose our minds xD! But this made me think of what the Jews were feeling like when facing this certain death! I mean, what would you do if you knew you had just a few months to live?! Yet somehow, the Jews took the time to fast (and presumably pray) with Queen Esther. I find this absolutely remarkable because my situation is SO much less dire than the situation of the Jews and I can barely find time to spend with the Lord, however, the Jews could and did find this time and their situation was exponentially more complicated and panic ensuing than mine!!! I see this as a lesson to all of us that no matter what our situation is, we must find time to stop and spend time with the Lord (and I am the one who needs this lesson!!). A great poem once ended with "[…] and I paused before entering my day, I had so much to accomplish, I had to stop and pray."</span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #767676; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">
<br /></div>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #767676; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #767676; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">May we too be drawn to the throne room of grace even in our busyness, for without Him, we can do nothing!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #767676; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #767676; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20.7900009155273px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">A <b>huge</b> thanks to Allison for allowing me to use posts from her <a href="http://theindwellingword.blogspot.com/">wonderful blog</a>!! </span></i></span></div>
Rachel Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11483295698349136425noreply@blogger.com0