tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38588466192141726472024-03-13T10:06:07.462-05:00Laura Rath ~ Journey in Faith<b>Encouraging women in their walk with Christ.</b>Laura Rathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524290825130536188noreply@blogger.comBlogger647125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3858846619214172647.post-79219217578995087352020-03-04T06:00:00.000-06:002020-03-04T06:00:00.503-06:003 Steps to a Change of Focus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k-HhwcS2M8Y/Xl8GP0PGg_I/AAAAAAAADzk/sOfZMZ5ZUQIaGJXufUeTKXJ7cL4suEusQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/change-your-focus-featured%2Bx530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="530" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k-HhwcS2M8Y/Xl8GP0PGg_I/AAAAAAAADzk/sOfZMZ5ZUQIaGJXufUeTKXJ7cL4suEusQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/change-your-focus-featured%2Bx530.jpg" /></a></div>
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Last summer I went through a season—the kind where sadness
wasn’t a stranger. It wasn’t an emergency situation. I also felt happiness and
joy, love and a sense of accomplishment, and I was active and present where I
was. But, I knew the anniversary of the loss of a loved one and stressful
situations had me feeling down…and I knew that in time it would pass.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I was reminded that actions and activities can either
contribute to, or help improve, melancholy when I scrolled through Facebook one
morning. I was already feeling low, for reasons I had on my mental list, when I
started seeing photos of close friends with narratives of deep friendship and I
felt a familiar sense of longing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As I started adding to my mental list of complaints I
realized I had to close out of Facebook. Just one click on the little X at the
top corner of the screen isn’t difficult, and yet sometimes it is. I closed the
screen and felt a nudge to make a different list. This list was to remind me of
what I do have. I hadn’t forgotten—<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">my
focus was just on the wrong list</b>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
Please join me at <b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="https://candidlychristian.com/change-your-focus/" target="_blank">Candidly Christian</a></span></b> where I'm sharing <b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="https://candidlychristian.com/change-your-focus/" target="_blank">3 steps I take to change my focus</a></span></b>. They may seem like small steps, but they can make a big difference in our daily lives.<br />
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In Christ,<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: maroon; font-family: "segoe script"; font-size: 17.3333px;">Laura</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">[Photo credit: Candidly Christian]</span><br />
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Linking up with: Grace & TruthLaura Rathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524290825130536188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3858846619214172647.post-73604271840986336922020-01-08T06:00:00.000-06:002020-01-10T22:01:53.412-06:00The Illusion of Control<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jvhahR6y79o/XhU7glxnsjI/AAAAAAAADys/jrBuhitEZ3IbNqRKJnSIgs6p6M5sJNm5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/control%2Bx530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="530" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jvhahR6y79o/XhU7glxnsjI/AAAAAAAADys/jrBuhitEZ3IbNqRKJnSIgs6p6M5sJNm5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/control%2Bx530.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">Several weeks ago I was
frustrated. </span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #222222;">It seemed that no matter how much I got accomplished in a day it
didn’t make a dent in all the things I didn’t get done. There were the usual
everyday chores, errands that had to be run, home repairs that needed to be
scheduled, all the holiday preparation, work, meals…you get the idea. And then
someone would ask, “Hey, weren’t you going to _____?” It didn’t matter what it
was because it was most likely on the list I hadn’t gotten to yet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">For a few days, I kept
wondering why I couldn’t get more done in a day and I had to remind myself that
I was doing the best I could. And that was enough. <b>The demands I was putting on
myself and letting others put on me were taking their toll.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">I decided that if I’d
done what I could to the best of my ability that day, then that day was a
success.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">And, if I decided
something could wait so I could take a breather and some time to myself, then
that day was not a failure, but also a success—<b>because slowing down can be
hard.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">All of my running
around was getting me nowhere and I had to take a step back to see that.
Sometimes the pressures of the day-to-day make me lose sight of what's really
important…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">What was God was asking
of me? </span></b><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><a href="https://candidlychristian.com/illusion-of-control/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Please join me at </span><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Candidly Christian</b></span> <span style="color: black;">where we're talking about the illusion of control and the choices we can make as we start 2020.</span></a></i></div>
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In Christ,</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: maroon; font-family: "segoe script"; font-size: 17.3333px;">Laura</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">[Photo credit: Candidly Christian]</span></div>
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Linking up with: <a href="https://lylidunbar.com/faith-fuel-challenge/" target="_blank">#FaithonFire</a> and <a href="https://candidlychristian.com/grace-truth-to-let-god-be-god/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth</a></div>
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Laura Rathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524290825130536188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3858846619214172647.post-9576719596060291312019-11-13T06:00:00.000-06:002019-11-17T21:31:16.407-06:00Staying Positive in a Negative World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LCApccyOc4k/Xcr960D_-MI/AAAAAAAADw8/kxGAPXsfNk4QrxvxOpfc4BFyxvDALbAdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/stay-positive-featured%2Bx530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="530" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LCApccyOc4k/Xcr960D_-MI/AAAAAAAADw8/kxGAPXsfNk4QrxvxOpfc4BFyxvDALbAdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/stay-positive-featured%2Bx530.jpg" /></a></div>
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We live in a negative world. Maybe it’s always been this way,
but seems worse because of social media. I don’t really know. But closer to
home, I look back and see that I’ve always been surrounded by negative people.
I didn’t know any different as I was growing up, but as an adult I can see it
now. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Remember Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh? He was always
expecting and waiting for the worst. He’s cute in the stories, but I don’t
think I could hang out with him for long periods of time. And then I realized…I
do have Eeyores in my life. I always have. Maybe you do too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I think I might have even been Eeyore-like. After all, it’s
how I grew up. So, when I encountered negative people, their behavior didn’t
seem that out of line. Then, over the years, as I started to really see God’s
work in my life, I also began to see everyday life differently. I know bad
things happen, but waiting for them seemed pointless. Worrying about what might
happen tomorrow means I either worry for no reason when it doesn’t happen, or
I’ve spent extra time worrying before it was necessary.</div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b>Worry for tomorrow
takes away from today. </b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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But, let’s face it, we will spend time with people who spend
most of their time worrying. So, what can we do when we feel like we’re
surrounded by negativity and encounter Eeyores on a regular basis?</div>
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Please join me at <span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="https://candidlychristian.com/stay-positive-2/" target="_blank">Candidly Christian</a></span> where I'm sharing some things I do to keep from following others down a pessimistic
road. Perhaps you’ll find them helpful as well!</div>
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In Christ,</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: maroon; font-family: "segoe script"; font-size: 17.3333px;">Laura</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">[Photo credit: Candidly Christian]</span></div>
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Linking up with: <a href="https://www.crystalstorms.me/2019/11/when-your-husband-is-hard-to-love/" target="_blank">#HeartEncouragement</a>, <a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/glorify-god/" target="_blank">Faith 'n Friends</a>, <a href="https://candidlychristian.com/why-is-gratitude-important/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth</a></div>
<br />Laura Rathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524290825130536188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3858846619214172647.post-8608382181228156052019-09-11T06:08:00.001-05:002019-09-13T05:12:09.451-05:00Fear is a Bully...But God is Stronger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0wLS0Y6Qm2M/XXjKW8ElHfI/AAAAAAAADvU/MlPrzO_5_OguqhAqpEwLEsO4zAV8dZBMACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/fears-featured%2Bx530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="530" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0wLS0Y6Qm2M/XXjKW8ElHfI/AAAAAAAADvU/MlPrzO_5_OguqhAqpEwLEsO4zAV8dZBMACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/fears-featured%2Bx530.jpg" /></a></div>
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A few nights ago my daughter and I started talking about the
future—our hopes, possible plans and our fears. Late at night isn’t my best
time for this type of conversation, but there we were. I was already tired and a
little emotional and I found myself getting stuck on the fears. I felt it when
it started—the tight feeling in my chest and tears threatening to spill, and I
knew I had to interrupt my thoughts.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We decided to call it a night and get ready for bed.
Sometimes a change in activity or topic of conversation is all it takes to
change the mind’s focus. But often times, it’s not that easy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I reminded myself that while what I feared was possible and
could happen someday, it wasn’t imminent. As far as I knew, it wasn’t likely to
happen, in the near future…or at all.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fear can be a bully. It wants to stop us in our tracks and
paralyze us from moving forward. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Fear
wants to spoil today and make us dread tomorrow. </span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Please join me at Candidly Christian where we're talking about fear and reminding ourselves that God is stronger and more powerful than this bully....</b></span></i><i><b><span style="color: magenta;"><a href="https://candidlychristian.com/fears/" target="_blank">Fear is a Bully (But God is Stronger)</a></span></b></i></div>
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In Christ,</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: maroon; font-family: "segoe script"; font-size: 17.3333px;">Laura</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">[Photo credit: Candidly Christian]</span></div>
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Linking up with: <a href="https://www.crystalstorms.me/2019/09/be-still-grace-to-linger/" target="_blank">#HeartEncouragement</a>, <a href="https://www.worthbeyondrubies.com/trials/" target="_blank">Worth Beyond Rubies</a>, <a href="https://debbiekitterman.com/the-truth-behind-worry-fear-and-anxiety-tune-in-thursday-guest-dr-michelle-bengtson/" target="_blank">#TuneInThursday</a>, <a href="https://www.instaencouragements.com/blog/5-signs-of-a-functional-family-husbands-who-are-loving-leaders" target="_blank">InstaEncouragements</a>, <a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/5-prayers-that-will-help-when-you-want-to-focus-on-jesus/" target="_blank">Faith 'n Friends</a>, <a href="https://candidlychristian.com/knowing-your-worth/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth</a><br />
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Laura Rathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524290825130536188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3858846619214172647.post-52895623443901909522019-07-10T06:09:00.000-05:002019-07-15T06:58:51.018-05:003 Steps to Turn Your Mood Around<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: #cc0066; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm still on a summer blogging break, but I don't want you to miss
an article I'm sharing at Candidly Christian today. I hope you'll join me there
for <b><a href="https://candidlychristian.com/attitude-adjustment/" target="_blank">3 Steps To Take When You Need An Attitude Adjustment</a></b>!</span></span></i><span style="color: #cc0066; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y83TzNx3jkA/XSUOg4eSzdI/AAAAAAAADt0/gEa2v27xvGMbaZEK4aM0UBJEy8zpQ6h5wCLcBGAs/s1600/attitude-adjustment-featured%2Bx530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="530" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y83TzNx3jkA/XSUOg4eSzdI/AAAAAAAADt0/gEa2v27xvGMbaZEK4aM0UBJEy8zpQ6h5wCLcBGAs/s1600/attitude-adjustment-featured%2Bx530.jpg" /></a></div>
I’ve had those days. I’m sure you have too. Those days when
one annoying thing happens, then something else goes wrong, followed by
another…and in a short amount of time, you find yourself grumbling about everything,
and maybe even taking your frustration out on others.<br />
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I’m not talking about life changing events that have no
choice but to turn your day upside down. I mean the little inconveniences that
take extra time; the toddler tantrums or snippy attitude from your teen; the
task you forgot to get done; and the situation that didn’t go according to
plan. <o:p></o:p></div>
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They add up to equal a sour mood that can last all day, and
even into the next day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But it doesn’t have to be that way. We can take control of
our attitude, instead of letting it control us. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/3S69e" target="_blank"><b>{Tweet this}</b></a></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0066; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Please join me at Candidly Christian to continue reading... <b><a href="https://candidlychristian.com/attitude-adjustment/" target="_blank">3 Steps To Take When You Need An Attitude Adjustment</a></b>.</span></span></i><span style="color: #cc0066; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
In Christ,<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: maroon; font-family: "segoe script"; font-size: 17.3333px;">Laura</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">[Photo credit: Candidly Christian]</span><br />
<br />
Linking up with: <a href="https://marygeisen.com/taste-and-see/" target="_blank">#TellHisStory</a>, <a href="https://www.instaencouragements.com/blog/the-red-sea-rules-week-6" target="_blank">InstaEncouragements</a>, <a href="https://purposefulfaith.com/youre-loved/" target="_blank">Purposeful Faith</a>, <a href="https://welcomeheart.com/journal/2019/07/10/gods-invitation-through-your-invitation.html" target="_blank">Let's Have Coffee</a>, <a href="https://soaringwithhim.com/2019/07/rethinking-my-priorities-recharge-wednesday-linkup/" target="_blank">#RechargeWednesday</a>, <a href="https://debbiekitterman.com/we-are-family-tune-in-thursday-119/" target="_blank">#TuneInThursday</a>, Worth Beyond Rubies, <a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/5-things-you-can-do-that-will-leave-a-legacy-blessing/" target="_blank">Faith 'n Friends</a>, <a href="https://www.embracingtheunexpected.com/struggle-creative/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth</a>, Spiritual Sunday, <a href="https://lylidunbar.com/promised-provision/" target="_blank">#FaithonFire</a>, <a href="https://bloggersforthekingdom.com/do-you-believe-what-god-says-about-you/" target="_blank">Kingdom Bloggers</a><br />
<br />Laura Rathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524290825130536188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3858846619214172647.post-21597128560497654192019-06-12T19:47:00.002-05:002019-06-15T07:22:30.511-05:00Our Mistakes Do Not Define Us<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpUq9VNKsdA/XQFmnl400NI/AAAAAAAADsw/qjcOszzuYRUyysqQ9wyD2GswQuEBZBVugCLcBGAs/s1600/Isaiah%2B43.1%2Bx530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="530" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpUq9VNKsdA/XQFmnl400NI/AAAAAAAADsw/qjcOszzuYRUyysqQ9wyD2GswQuEBZBVugCLcBGAs/s1600/Isaiah%2B43.1%2Bx530.jpg" /></a></div>
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Years ago, I was in an office conversation with co-workers
laughing over the fact that no matter how many times we proof a document, it
seems a typo or error will be found just <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">after</i>
the e-mail has been sent or 1,000 copies have been printed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“I always wonder what mistake I’ll be remembered for,”
someone remarked. Light-heartedly, I said, “We are not defined by our
mistakes.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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But, as I walked away I kept thinking about it. Isn’t that
something we all need to be reminded of?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Our mistakes do not define us.</span></span></b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Yes, some mistakes are big and are remembered for quite a
while.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But they do not define us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Define means to describe,
detail, or to state the meaning of. <span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">(dictionary.com)</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">We can describe our mistakes, but our mistakes do not
describe us. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/jM1ne" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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The enemy will try to tell us otherwise. He will tell us
that our mistakes are who we are.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You can’t do that; you’ll
mess it up, you always do. You’ll never get it right. You’re such a mess.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Remember what you did
last week? That’s who you are. That’s what everyone thinks of you.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">But God trumps the enemy every time, and He
says we are not defined by our mistakes.</span></span></b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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God does not describe us by our failures…or our successes—and
that’s freeing because God’s love is not dependent on what we do, or fail to
do. We are loved by God, not because we are perfect, but because we are His. <o:p></o:p></div>
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He knows we will make mistakes. And from those mistakes
comes growth. Our successes and failures may help shape us, but they are not
our identity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">We are who God says we are. And God identifies us as His
own—Chosen. Forgiven. Loved. Redeemed. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/z5byN" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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I may make a real whopper of a mistake, one that takes some
fixing and apologizing for. But it’s not who I am. And when my co-worker makes
a mistake, it’s not who she is.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Remembering this reminds me of grace. The grace God gives.
The grace I ask for from others. And the grace I want to extend to those around
me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Our mistakes do not define us. God defines
us—as His own loved and cherished children.</span></span></b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But now, O Jacob, listen to the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> who
created <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">you</span>. O Israel, the one
who formed <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">you</span> says, “Do not be
afraid, for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I have ransomed <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">you</span>. I have <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">called</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">you</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">by</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">name</span>; <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">you</span> are mine</b>.”</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah+43%3A1&version=NLT" target="_blank">Isaiah 43:1 NLT</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #990000;">Wishing you a safe and
happy summer! I will be on a blogging break for the next few months. </span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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In Christ,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;">
<span style="color: maroon; font-family: "segoe script"; font-size: 17.3333px;">Laura</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #595959; font-size: 10.0pt;">[Photo
Credit: <a href="https://unsplash.com/@henry_be" target="_blank"><span style="color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">Unsplash.com</span></a>
/ <span style="background: white;">This post was rewritten from a one I
originally wrote for 5 Minutes for Faith.]</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Linking up with: Kingdom Bloggers, <a href="https://marygeisen.com/a-look-back-one-year-anniversary/" target="_blank">#TellHisStory</a>,
<a href="https://www.instaencouragements.com/blog/the-red-sea-rules-week-2" target="_blank">InstaEncouragements</a>, <a href="https://purposefulfaith.com/when-god-takes-away/" target="_blank">Purposeful Faith</a>, <a href="https://soaringwithhim.com/2019/06/the-security-of-a-good-father/" target="_blank">#RechargeWednesday,</a> <a href="https://welcomeheart.com/journal/2019/06/12/the-great-neighbor-caper-love-one-another-plus-link-up-lets-have-coffee.html" target="_blank">Let’s Have Coffee</a>, <a href="https://debbiekitterman.com/up-for-a-challenge-tune-in-thursday-116/" target="_blank">#TuneInThursday</a>,
<a href="https://www.worthbeyondrubies.com/losing-a-foster-child/" target="_blank">Worth Beyond Rubies</a>, <a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/5-verses-to-pray-when-you-want-to-seek-god-first/" target="_blank">Faith ‘n Friends</a>, <a href="https://candidlychristian.com/for-such-a-time-as-this/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth</a>, #FaithonFire,
<a href="http://www.spiritualsundays.com/" target="_blank">Spiritual Sunday</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Laura Rathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524290825130536188noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3858846619214172647.post-29389297957296722532019-05-29T05:00:00.000-05:002019-05-31T21:56:51.708-05:00Hope in the Wait<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7esM09K4x8k/XO15zNyOjyI/AAAAAAAADsM/l95KZ-TBaWcCuOMP_k7uapNL7YLhvb_tgCLcBGAs/s1600/anthony-tran-677896-unsplash%2Bx530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="530" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7esM09K4x8k/XO15zNyOjyI/AAAAAAAADsM/l95KZ-TBaWcCuOMP_k7uapNL7YLhvb_tgCLcBGAs/s1600/anthony-tran-677896-unsplash%2Bx530.jpg" /></a></div>
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I remember as a child waiting in anticipation for my
birthday or for Christmas to arrive. Time moved slowly and the waiting dragged
on forever.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As an adult, that time moves much more quickly. It seems
like Christmas is around the corner again before last year’s gifts are put
away. And waiting for birthdays isn’t quite as exciting anymore.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Waiting for the calendar page to turn—that’s not so hard.
Until time ends, one month will flow into the next, guaranteed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But waiting on God is hard. Some days it feels impossible.
And other days it takes me right to my knees in tears and frustration.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Perhaps you’re waiting on God too...<o:p></o:p></div>
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…for physical healing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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…for employment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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…for a child to come home.<o:p></o:p></div>
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…for a relationship to be restored.<o:p></o:p></div>
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…for a loved one to come to faith.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Whatever it might be, there will be days when waiting on God
is just too hard.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Days when I think I cannot do it one more day. I can’t wait
patiently without worry and fear. And on those days, peace gets edged out. In
its place are anxiousness, nausea, headaches, tears, depression, anger, and despair.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Despair that feels like hitting bottom, where there’s no
place deeper to go—because with despair comes hopelessness.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hopelessness covers the world in darkness, but not
completely. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Never completely.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3333cc;">Because the darkness can never extinguish the Light.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span class="woj"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I have come as a light to shine in this dark
world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="woj"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+12%3A46&version=NLT" target="_blank">John 12:46 NLT</a></span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3333cc;"><span style="color: #3333cc;">Jesus came into this world to show us the Light—His Light
that never dims. It never goes out. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/jkFdB" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></span><span style="color: #3333cc;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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We may become blinded to it at times, but it’s there,
shining like a beacon—a symbol of hope leading us back to Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3333cc;">For where there is Light, there is hope. Always hope.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b>On the days when the waiting feels like too much—there is
hope. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/E27hA" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Hope for a better tomorrow. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Hope that what we’re anticipating and waiting for is right
around the corner.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hope that soon God will reveal His plans for us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3333cc;">Hope because God is in the wait with us—strengthening and
comforting—bringing rest to the weary and calm to the panicked—picking us up
when we hit the ground in despair.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Waiting for the seasons to change becomes methodical.
Waiting on God never does. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We may not know what’s coming next, but God does. Our waiting
and our future is in His hands.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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His safe, strong, and more than capable hands.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In Christ,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: maroon; font-family: "segoe script"; font-size: 17.3333px;">Laura</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">**There are times when
sadness and despair don’t improve. If you are experiencing symptoms of
depression (ex. emotions you can’t control, fatigue, lack of energy, not being
able to sleep, always wanting to sleep, and/or thoughts of self-harm), please don’t
be afraid to seek help. Getting help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of
strength.** <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">[Photo credit: <a href="https://unsplash.com/@anthonytran" target="_blank">Unsplash.com</a> / This post was rewritten from a one that originally appeared on 5 Minutes for Faith.]</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Linking up with: <a href="https://bloggersforthekingdom.com/raising-godly-generation/" target="_blank">Kingdom Bloggers</a>, <a href="https://marygeisen.com/lights-out-when-fear-is-like-a-switch/" target="_blank">#TellHisStory</a>,
<a href="https://www.instaencouragements.com/blog/the-heroes-of-faith-from-hebrews-11" target="_blank">InstaEncouragements</a>, <a href="https://purposefulfaith.com/how-to-look-to-god/" target="_blank">Purposeful Faith</a>, <a href="https://soaringwithhim.com/2019/05/relentlessly-followed-recharge-wednesday-linkup/" target="_blank">#RechargeWednesday</a>, <a href="https://welcomeheart.com/journal/2019/05/29/when-he-thought-of-you-first.html" target="_blank">Let’s Have Coffee</a>,
<a href="https://www.worthbeyondrubies.com/grafted-in/" target="_blank">Worth Beyond Rubies</a>, <a href="https://debbiekitterman.com/god-does-not-forget-tune-in-thursday-114/" target="_blank">#TuneInThursday</a>, #HeartEncouragement, <a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/5-verses-to-pray-when-you-have-a-broken-heart/" target="_blank">Faith ‘n Friends</a>,
<a href="https://www.embracingtheunexpected.com/truth-behind-what-you-see/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth</a>, <a href="http://www.spiritualsundays.com/2019/05/happy-summer.html" target="_blank">Spiritual Sunday</a>, <a href="https://lylidunbar.com/refined-by-loneliness/" target="_blank">#FaithonFire</a><br />
<br /></div>
Laura Rathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524290825130536188noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3858846619214172647.post-83716652142615627172019-05-22T05:00:00.000-05:002019-05-24T22:17:27.756-05:00Learning to Trust God<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UKXdqtaMBF0/XOKqNXeKkFI/AAAAAAAADr4/j8OpKnv0C4E4olPWGqdzDl4jSz8RRF13wCLcBGAs/s1600/laura-featured%2Bx530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="530" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UKXdqtaMBF0/XOKqNXeKkFI/AAAAAAAADr4/j8OpKnv0C4E4olPWGqdzDl4jSz8RRF13wCLcBGAs/s1600/laura-featured%2Bx530.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Several years ago we were at the beginning of a
long walk through health-related issues with a loved one. It was recommended
that we visit the Mayo Clinic, so we made the appointment and waited three
months until the scheduled date. In the meantime, I worked with the insurance
company to request the necessary preapproval.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I finally received the letter, I was
disappointed to read that our request had been denied. Disappointed isn’t the
right word. My immediate physical reaction, without being able to control it,
was panic—stomach in knots, hands shaking, light-headedness—panic. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While my body took longer to settle down, my
mind knew immediately to turn to God. I prayed and told myself we had time, but
more importantly, God had a plan. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: magenta;">I consciously reminded myself of what I knew
to be true—God had this under control. </span></b><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I didn't know how and it didn't matter. The
more I prayed, the calmer I felt and that sense of peace stayed with me. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><a href="https://ctt.ac/gK5dF" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></b></span></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white; font-family: inherit;">And then one day, in a conversation, I caught
myself saying, "I really hope I'm not wrong, but I have a feeling God has
this under control."</span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Even while I was in the middle of the conversation, it troubled
me…<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white;"> I really
hope I'm not wrong?!?</span></i><span style="background: white;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: 12pt;">Where
was the confidence I'd had? Why was doubt creeping in if I really believed? </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/FWPVb" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Please join me at <b><a href="https://candidlychristian.com/learning-to-trust-god/" target="_blank">Candidly Christian</a></b> to continue reading where I'm sharing <a href="https://candidlychristian.com/learning-to-trust-god/" target="_blank">three things to remember when learning to trust God</a>.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In Christ,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: maroon; font-family: "segoe script"; font-size: 17.3333px;">Laura</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">[Photo credit: CandidlyChristian.com]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Linking up with: <a href="https://bloggersforthekingdom.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-time-management/" target="_blank">Kingdom Bloggers</a>, #TeaAndWord, <a href="https://marygeisen.com/first-impression-specialist-featured-writer/" target="_blank">#TellHisStory</a>, <a href="https://purposefulfaith.com/is-your-heart-soft-or-hard/" target="_blank">Purposeful Faith</a>, <a href="https://www.instaencouragements.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-praying-proverbs-over-your-child" target="_blank">InstaEncouragements</a>, <a href="https://soaringwithhim.com/2019/05/how-do-you-define-freedom-recharge-wednesday-linkup/" target="_blank">#RechargeWednesday</a>, <a href="https://welcomeheart.com/journal/2019/05/21/sevens-the-perfect-number-but-threes-a-close-second.html" target="_blank">Let's Have Coffee</a>, <a href="https://www.worthbeyondrubies.com/biblical-festivals/" target="_blank">Worth Beyond Rubies</a>, <a href="https://debbiekitterman.com/prison-time-tune-in-thursday-113/" target="_blank">#TuneInThursday</a>, <a href="https://www.crystalstorms.me/2019/05/summer-reading-list/" target="_blank">#HeartEncouragement</a>, #FaithonFire, <a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/when-you-need-a-miracle/" target="_blank">Faith 'n Friends</a>, <a href="https://candidlychristian.com/excited-about-jesus/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth</a>, <a href="http://www.spiritualsundays.com/2019/05/memorial-day.html" target="_blank">Spiritual Sundays</a></span><br />
<i><br /></i>Laura Rathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524290825130536188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3858846619214172647.post-2814714631054759102019-05-15T05:00:00.000-05:002019-05-20T08:08:26.119-05:00Energizing Verses for Every Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6JBm7zJUkI8/XNtcU3FKFJI/AAAAAAAADro/FMV73pU27PI6187wEr1N-NGqo-2BWkItACLcBGAs/s1600/jonathan-larson-1590590-unsplash%2Bx530%2B-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="530" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6JBm7zJUkI8/XNtcU3FKFJI/AAAAAAAADro/FMV73pU27PI6187wEr1N-NGqo-2BWkItACLcBGAs/s1600/jonathan-larson-1590590-unsplash%2Bx530%2B-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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I rarely watch daytime television, but every six months when
I go to the dentist The Price is Right is already showing on the screen above
the patient chair. Since I don’t know what else is on and I don’t want to flip
channels and extend my appointment, I leave it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Whenever I see it, I wonder once again if excessive amounts
of caffeine are required before the show begins to induce the level of
excitement (screaming and jumping around) exhibited by the audience—and
especially the contestants. Last week, one woman even looked as if she might
hyperventilate.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But as I watched, I had a new thought…<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066;">what if we started our days with even just
an ounce of that energy?</span></b> Not the jumping around and screaming so
much, but the enthusiasm to see what might happen.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What would that look
like? <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">* A positive outlook
of what the day might bring.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">* The desire to see
what God has planned for us.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">* The willingness to
step up, out of our comfort zones, to follow where God leads.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What if the Good News <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You
have been forgiven!</i> stirred the same excitement as <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><i>You could win a brand new car! </i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/2F0sz" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></span></b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whether it’s the anticipation of the game or the longing to
hear your name called, The Price is Right has been around for a long time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, the new life we have in Jesus has been around much
longer and it will never end. There will never be a change in hosts, and we
don’t have to wait around hoping to be called up to the stage.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And…we don’t have to work to earn a prize because Jesus has
already done the work. He has already been the sacrifice. He has already given
us the way back to God.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066;"><span style="color: #ff0066;">Once and for all, Jesus has conquered sin and death. He
calls us to Him every day and God’s love and grace can’t be taken away. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/rglC7" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></span><span style="color: #ff0066;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Winning on a game show and earning our five minutes of fame
might be fun and exciting, and that’s okay. <b>But, what Jesus gives is joyful and
everlasting. </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He’s there when the days are not fun and fame is a burden. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He’s with us when we don’t think we can walk through the
hardest of situations. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He doesn’t leave us when we make bad choices and hurt
ourselves and others. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And He doesn’t walk away or shoo us off stage when we don’t
have the correct answers and we don’t know what to do next.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And that’s something to look forward to every day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066;">Just a Few Energizing Verses for Every Day<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+31%3A8&version=NLT" target="_blank">Deuteronomy 31:8 <span style="font-size: x-small;">NLT</span></a></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Do
not be afraid or discouraged, for the <span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span> will personally go
ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2016%3A11&version=NLT" target="_blank">Psalm 16:11 <span style="font-size: x-small;">NLT</span></a></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">You
will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the
pleasures of living with you forever.</span></i></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2091%3A1&version=NLT" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Psalm 91:1 </span><span style="background: white; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">NLT</span></a></b><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Those
who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the
Almighty.</span></i></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+40%3A31&version=NLT" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Isaiah 40:31 </span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">NLT</span></a></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">But
those who trust in the </span></i></span><span class="small-caps"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;"> will find new strength. They
will soar high on wings like eagles.</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span class="text"><span style="background: white;">They will run and not grow
weary. They will walk and not faint.</span></span></span></i><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%207%3A47-50&version=NLT" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Luke 7:48,50 </span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">NLT</span></a></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span class="text"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 9.0pt;"> </span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then Jesus said to the woman, </span></i></span><span class="woj"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Your sins are forgiven.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And Jesus said to
the woman, </span></i></span><span class="woj"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Your
faith has saved you; go in peace.”</span></i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%203%3A16-17&version=NIV" target="_blank">John 3:16-17 <span style="font-size: x-small;">NIV</span></a><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="background: white; color: black;"> </span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">For
God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that
whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God
did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the
world through him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=philippians%202%3A13&version=NLT" target="_blank">Philippians 2:13 <span style="font-size: x-small;">NLT</span></a></b><span class="woj"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">For
God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases
him.<span class="woj"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=philippians%204%3A13&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Philippians 4:13 <span style="font-size: x-small;">NKJV</span></a></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me.</span></i><span style="background: white; color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black;">In Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: maroon; font-family: "segoe script"; font-size: 17.3333px;">Laura</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #595959; font-size: 10.0pt;">[Photo credit: </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/@jrlars" target="_blank"><span style="color: #595959; font-size: 10.0pt;">Unsplash.com</span></a><span style="color: #595959; font-size: 10.0pt;">]</span><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Linking up with: #TeaAndWord, <a href="https://marygeisen.com/what-if-2/" target="_blank">#TellHisStory</a>,
<a href="https://www.instaencouragements.com/blog/heathers-story-i-will-hope-in-him-part-4" target="_blank">InstaEncouragements</a>, <a href="https://purposefulfaith.com/do-you-expect-the-worst/" target="_blank">Purposeful Faith</a>, <a href="https://soaringwithhim.com/2019/05/an-invitation-to-mend-the-mother-daughter-relationship-the-atlanta-journal-constitution/" target="_blank">#RechargeWednesday</a>, <a href="https://welcomeheart.com/journal/2019/05/14/talking-matters-to-know-and-be-known-for-heavens-sake-plus-link-up-lets-have-coffee.html" target="_blank">Let’s Have Coffee</a>,
<a href="https://www.worthbeyondrubies.com/i-am-taking-the-week-off-but-heres-your-linkup/" target="_blank">Worth Beyond Rubies</a>, <a href="https://debbiekitterman.com/temptation-lurks-tune-in-thursday-112/" target="_blank">#TuneInThursday</a>, <a href="https://www.crystalstorms.me/2019/05/gift-of-silence/" target="_blank">#HeartEncouragement</a>, #FaithonFire, <a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/in-a-time-of-change/" target="_blank">Faith ‘n Friends</a>, <a href="https://www.embracingtheunexpected.com/store-up-grace/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth,</a> Spiritual Sundays, <a href="https://bloggersforthekingdom.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-time-management/" target="_blank">Kingdom Bloggers</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Laura Rathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524290825130536188noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3858846619214172647.post-45471480634802701022019-05-08T05:00:00.000-05:002019-05-10T22:26:34.488-05:00Change Offers Opportunity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mtcC6qVCRi8/XM9LRcyY8fI/AAAAAAAADrc/7aGRt4CZGRk5thVOlrrSU-D3-LGLgyl3gCLcBGAs/s1600/tyler-wanlass-57-unsplash%2Bx530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="530" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mtcC6qVCRi8/XM9LRcyY8fI/AAAAAAAADrc/7aGRt4CZGRk5thVOlrrSU-D3-LGLgyl3gCLcBGAs/s1600/tyler-wanlass-57-unsplash%2Bx530.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;">I'm trying to look at unexpected change differently. Instead
of scary and unknown, which it can be, I'm trying to look for what it might
offer.</span><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="color: teal;">Unexpected change offers unexpected opportunities. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/zaFV9" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span></b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span style="background: white;">Like the change itself, I don't know what those
opportunities might look like, but I want to know they are there. </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: teal;">It's a matter of having a positive outlook, rather
than a negative one.</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: teal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span></b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span style="background: white;">It's not easy. Some changes can be devastating
and it takes years to work through the grief. I know that. </span><br />
<br /><span style="background: white;">I'm talking about the types of changes
that can be fearful or challenging, depending on our attitude—looking for a new
job, meeting new coworkers, moving, or doing something outside of our comfort
zone.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Fearful is walking through the day with dread,
assuming anything new will be bad.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Challenging is walking forward with an open mind
and without preconceived assumptions, trusting that God has a plan. It doesn't mean everything will be easy
or perfect. It means we don't make new opportunities more difficult because of
a bad attitude.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">When we only see what we stand to lose, change
is frightening and depressing. But when we acknowledge what we might lose while
at the same time looking ahead at what we might gain, it feels different. </span><br />
<br />
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="color: teal;">Change itself is unsettling, but when we look for
new opportunities there's also a glimmer of hope. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/aG3i4" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></span></span></b><span style="color: teal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: teal;">And when hope is there, it changes everything. Whether
or not we see it is up to us.</span></b><span style="background: white; color: teal;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;">In Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: maroon; font-family: "segoe script"; font-size: 17.3333px;">Laura</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #7f7f7f; font-size: 10.0pt;">[Photo credit: <a href="https://unsplash.com/@tylerwanlass" target="_blank"><span style="color: #7f7f7f; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=50000 lumo=50000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 128;">Unsplash.com</span></a>]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Linking up with: <a href="https://fiveminutefriday.com/2019/05/02/fmf-writing-prompt-link-up-opportunity/" target="_blank">Five Minute Friday</a>, <a href="https://marygeisen.com/lessons-on-the-road/" target="_blank">#TellHisStory</a>,
<a href="https://meghanweyerbacher.com/when-changes-loom/" target="_blank">#TeaAndWord</a>, <a href="https://purposefulfaith.com/gods-heart-for-you/" target="_blank">Purposeful Faith</a>, <a href="https://www.instaencouragements.com/blog/heathers-story-i-will-hope-in-him-part-3" target="_blank">InstaEncouragements</a>, <a href="https://soaringwithhim.com/2019/05/the-blessing-of-endurance-recharge-wednesday-linkup/" target="_blank">#RechargeWednesday</a>, <a href="https://welcomeheart.com/journal/2019/05/08/gift-guide-for-the-casual-hostess.html" target="_blank">Let’s Have Coffee</a>, <a href="https://www.worthbeyondrubies.com/the-mind-is-the-battleground/" target="_blank">Worth Beyond Rubies</a>, <a href="https://debbiekitterman.com/happy-mothers-day-tune-in-thursday-111/" target="_blank">#TuneInThursday</a>, <a href="https://www.crystalstorms.me/2019/05/communicate-love-to-your-husband/" target="_blank">#HeartEncouragement</a>,
#FaithonFire, <a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/when-you-need-to-know-gods-will-2/" target="_blank">Faith ‘n Friends</a>, <a href="https://www.embracingtheunexpected.com/need-grace-mothers-day/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth</a>, <a href="http://www.spiritualsundays.com/" target="_blank">Spiritual Sundays</a></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Laura Rathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524290825130536188noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3858846619214172647.post-82122693953301581472019-05-01T05:00:00.000-05:002019-05-03T11:07:04.613-05:00Comfort in the Storm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDEAQQY8Av0/XMj2EwTVawI/AAAAAAAADrE/omefoHZ7MqgFs5kKKRuwl7U7J1DxfjnngCLcBGAs/s1600/todor-ilchevski-643409-unsplash%2B-cropped%2Bx530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="530" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDEAQQY8Av0/XMj2EwTVawI/AAAAAAAADrE/omefoHZ7MqgFs5kKKRuwl7U7J1DxfjnngCLcBGAs/s1600/todor-ilchevski-643409-unsplash%2B-cropped%2Bx530.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;">A few nights ago, I had to comfort our cat, Raven, during a
thunderstorm. She's not usually affected by the weather, but something had her
scared. So I held her and talked to her. I made a blanket tent for her to sleep
under and sat with her until she felt brave enough to burrow under the
blankets.</span><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Once she was calmer and safely tucked under her
tent, I went to bed. But before I fell asleep, I thought about her need for
comfort and how we're not much different in this respect.</span><br />
<br />
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #cc0099;">Aren't there times we all need to feel safe and
to be reminded that we're going to be okay?</span></b><span style="color: #cc0099; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span style="background: white;">Maybe it's not a thunderstorm, but a situation
that makes life feel out of control.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">The diagnosis.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">A relationship that's falling apart.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Sadness and grief.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Financial struggles.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Or so many other possibilities.</span><br />
<br />
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="color: #cc0099;"><span style="color: #cc0099;">Sometimes God will change what's going on
around us, but often He will provide comfort for what's going on inside of us
instead. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/zifAK" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white;">He
comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are
troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.</span><br />
</i><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+1%3A4&version=NLT" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 1:4 NLT</a></span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Because He comforts us first, we are able to comfort
others. </span><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">We may not be able to change someone's
circumstances, but we can be there just to sit and let her know she's not
alone. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><a href="https://ctt.ac/Hhv1c" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<br />
<span style="background: white;">I couldn't stop the thunderstorm, but I could
comfort Raven when she was afraid.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">I couldn't stop my mom's cancer last year, but I
could sit with her in her pain so she didn't feel alone. </span><br />
<br />
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #cc0099;">So many things we can't control, but we can be
there.</span></b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Even when we can't understand the situation or
the pain, just being present can often be enough. It validates another person's
emotions. It says, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"You don't have
to walk through this alone."</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">And perhaps, as God works through us, it even
shines some light into the dark places in our lives.</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: maroon; font-family: "segoe script"; font-size: 17.3333px;">Laura</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #767171; font-size: 10.0pt;">[Photo credit: <a href="https://unsplash.com/@tgiphotography" target="_blank"><span style="color: #033160; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #033160; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: hyperlink; mso-themecolor: hyperlink; mso-themeshade: 128;">Unsplash.com</span></a>]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Linking up with: <a href="https://purposefulfaith.com/have-things-been-stolen-from-you/" target="_blank">Purposeful Faith</a>, <a href="https://meghanweyerbacher.com/growing-with-book-review/" target="_blank">#TeaAndWord</a>, <a href="https://marygeisen.com/monthly-musings-april-2019/" target="_blank">#TellHisStory</a>, <a href="https://www.instaencouragements.com/blog/heathers-story-i-will-hope-in-him-part-2" target="_blank">InstaEncouragements</a>, <a href="https://soaringwithhim.com/2019/05/bringing-pieces-of-heaven-to-earth-recharge-wednesday-linkup/" target="_blank">#RechargeWednesday</a>,
<a href="https://welcomeheart.com/journal/2019/05/01/whats-your-everyday-prayer-plus-link-up-lets-have-coffee.html" target="_blank">Let’s Have Coffee</a>, <a href="https://www.worthbeyondrubies.com/jesus-fan/" target="_blank">Worth Beyond Rubies</a>, <a href="https://debbiekitterman.com/the-fathers-favor-tune-in-thursday-110/" target="_blank">#TuneInThursday</a>, <a href="https://www.crystalstorms.me/2019/05/faith-points-you/" target="_blank">#HeartEncouragement</a>, <a href="https://lylidunbar.com/breakthrough/" target="_blank">#FaithonFire</a>,
<a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/pray-before-you-tell-your-story/" target="_blank">Faith ‘n Friends</a>, <a href="https://candidlychristian.com/missing-out/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth</a>, Spiritual Sundays<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Laura Rathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524290825130536188noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3858846619214172647.post-38558162231846459732019-04-25T16:18:00.004-05:002019-04-28T22:10:15.409-05:00Our Potential<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uwxZ4MQoq8s/XMIiAb3S3ZI/AAAAAAAADqs/y_AzS0vc3KgZlsPXgSyq5IMLd93KQbpqgCLcBGAs/s1600/frank-mckenna-269323-unsplash%2Bx530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="530" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uwxZ4MQoq8s/XMIiAb3S3ZI/AAAAAAAADqs/y_AzS0vc3KgZlsPXgSyq5IMLd93KQbpqgCLcBGAs/s1600/frank-mckenna-269323-unsplash%2Bx530.jpg" /></a></div>
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Have you ever really messed up? Maybe it was a mistake or a
poor choice, but it was something so big you didn’t see a way to come back from
it. I imagine we all have.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Jesus’ disciple, Peter, might have wondered the same thing.
On the night Jesus was arrested, Peter denied knowing Him, not once, not twice,
but three times. That’s a big thing to come back from and Peter probably didn’t
see a way for that to happen. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But although Jesus knew Peter would deny Him, He also knew
something Peter probably didn’t know about himself. Jesus knew Peter’s
potential and who Peter would become. And Jesus knows the same about us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Jesus doesn’t just know who we are now, but who we can
become through Him. </span><span style="color: #990033; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/HCnfx" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Jesus knows we’re going to fail and make major mistakes, but
He also knows these are opportunities for growth in our faith, and in who we
are becoming. Jesus knows our potential.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Jesus knew Peter would mess up by denying Him, and yet, he
told Peter, <o:p></o:p></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">So I will call you Peter, which means “a
rock.” On this rock I will build my church, and death itself will not have any
power over it. </span></span></i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+16%3A18&version=CEV">Matthew
16:18 <span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">CEV</span></a></blockquote>
</div>
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Wow. Jesus knew Peter would be the foundation of His church,
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">even
while</i></b> he knew the mistakes Peter would make.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Peter came back from his betrayal. Not because of something
he did, but because of who God is.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">The women went into the tomb, and on the right side they
saw a young man in a white robe sitting there. They were alarmed. The man said,
“Don’t be alarmed! You are looking for Jesus from Nazareth, who was nailed to a
cross. God has raised him to life, and he isn’t here. You can see the place
where they put his body. Now go and tell his disciples, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">and especially Peter</b>, that he will go
ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you.” </span></i></span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+16%3A5-7&version=CEV" style="background-color: transparent;">Mark
16:5-7 <span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">CEV</span></a></blockquote>
</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Especially Peter. He wanted Peter to know that He had not
turned away from him. Peter’s betrayal was not too much to come back from.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Perhaps God is whispering to you today, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">especially you</i>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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What choices or mistakes are keeping you from Jesus? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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God’s forgiveness covers anything we think is just too much.
He knows our hearts and hears our confessions. He knows us better than we know
ourselves. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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God knows who we are and who we can become through Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #990033;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">He knows our potential long before we see it in
ourselves. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/8U6UA" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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Think your mistakes disqualify you from work in God’s
Kingdom? They didn’t for Peter and they don’t for you. Peter looked for Jesus
and followed Him. Peter’s mistakes became his testimony of Jesus’ death and
resurrection. His story was part of God’s story.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And, whether we realize it yet or not, our stories are all
part of God’s love story.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">How do you feel when you think about your potential? Does
that feeling change knowing that God already knows what your potential is with
Him?</span></i><span style="color: #990033;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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In Christ,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="background-color: white; color: maroon; font-family: "segoe script"; font-size: 17.3333px;">Laura</span> </o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #595959; font-size: 10.0pt;">[Photo credit: <a href="https://unsplash.com/@frankiefoto" target="_blank"><span style="color: #595959; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">Unsplash.com</span></a>]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Linking up with: <a href="https://purposefulfaith.com/how-to-trust-in-the-lord/" target="_blank">Purposeful Faith</a>,
<a href="https://meghanweyerbacher.com/q-a-with-christian-fiction-author-katrina-d-hamel/" target="_blank">#TeaAndWord</a>, <a href="https://marygeisen.com/the-slow-awakening/" target="_blank">#TellHisStory</a>, <a href="https://www.instaencouragements.com/blog/heathers-story-i-will-hope-in-him-part-1#example" target="_blank">InstaEncouragements</a>,
<a href="https://soaringwithhim.com/2019/04/how-to-rest-from-worry-recharge-wednesday-linkup/" target="_blank">#RechargeWednesday</a>, <a href="https://welcomeheart.com/journal/2019/04/23/two-chairs-and-an-invitation-guest-post-by-liz-giertz-plus-link-up-lets-have-coffee.html" target="_blank">Let’s Have Coffee</a>, #DestinationInspiration, <a href="https://www.worthbeyondrubies.com/finding-god-in-all-things/" target="_blank">Worth Beyond Rubies</a>,
<a href="https://kristinhilltaylor.com/2019/04/april-stories-2.html" target="_blank">#porchstories</a>, <a href="https://www.crystalstorms.me/2019/04/build-up-your-husband/" target="_blank">#HeartEncouragement</a>, <a href="https://debbiekitterman.com/gods-grace-on-display-tune-in-thursday-109/" target="_blank">#TuneInThursday</a>, <a href="https://lylidunbar.com/learn-from-your-limp/" target="_blank">#FaithonFire</a>, <a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/how-to-help-a-loved-one-struggling-with-fear/" target="_blank">Faith ‘n Friends</a>, <a href="https://www.embracingtheunexpected.com/strengthen-your-faith/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth</a>, <a href="http://www.spiritualsundays.com/2019/04/welcome-back_26.html" target="_blank">Spiritual Sundays</a></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Laura Rathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524290825130536188noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3858846619214172647.post-62501547419730332082019-04-17T05:00:00.000-05:002019-04-19T22:51:52.898-05:00The Strength of God’s Armor<i>I don’t know what you might be dealing with this week, but I
know several people who are feeling under attack from the enemy. I am too. So,
I’m happy to be re-sharing these words which first appeared at LifeLetter Café
several years ago.</i><br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YAuRriboEFA/XLaKaTNxfQI/AAAAAAAADqU/X_Cp3H8ERpkGg58fVrzkQXWBHiy_aI1PwCLcBGAs/s1600/be%2Bstrong%2Bx530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="530" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YAuRriboEFA/XLaKaTNxfQI/AAAAAAAADqU/X_Cp3H8ERpkGg58fVrzkQXWBHiy_aI1PwCLcBGAs/s1600/be%2Bstrong%2Bx530.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="background: white;">A final word:
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so
that you </span><span style="background: white;">will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6%3A10-11&version=NLT" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Ephesians 6:10-11 <span style="font-size: x-small;">NLT</span></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">
<br />
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;">I like The Avengers super heroes—each one an
individual, but together, a super force.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Captain America has his indestructible shield
and super strength. Thor has his mighty hammer and super strength. Iron Man has
his dynamic suit of armor, and through it, super strength.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Their powers and weapons, both offensive and
defensive, vary, but they all have super strength…and it all comes from outside
of themselves through chemistry, technology and power from other "worldly
realms."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="color: #990000;">Here in the real world, we're not fighting
against fictional villains, but we do have a very real enemy...Satan. We are in
the midst of spiritual warfare, and to fight the battle, we must armor up. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><a href="https://ctt.ac/mF1r9" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></b></span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><b>Fortunately, we also have a Source of super strength—God. He
provides what we need when we need it. </b></span><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #222222;">In
the book of Ephesians, Paul reminds us of this. </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #990000;">Be strong in the Lord and in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">His</b>
mighty power.</span></i><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Not
by our own might, but through God’s. God’s strength. God’s power. For us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #990000;">Put on all of
God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of
the devil.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><br />
<span style="background: white;">We don't have to go to extreme measures and
different sources to acquire the strength and weapons we need.<b> God provides
what we need to stand strong against the lies of the enemy. We just have to be
willing to turn to Him, and ready to don the protection He offers. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/vf2rG" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></span></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Scripture spells out each piece of the armor God provides.</span><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #990000;">Therefore,
put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in
the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand
your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s
righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so
that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the
shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your
helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6%3A13-17&version=NLT" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Ephesians 6:13-17 <span style="font-size: x-small;">NLT</span></span></a></span></div>
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">
</span><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Stand
your ground against the enemy with:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><b><span style="color: #990000;">The belt of truth – </span>the truth of God’s Word and who God is.<span style="color: #990000;"> </span></b>Knowing the
truth helps us identify and see through the enemy’s lies.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">The body armor of God’s righteousness – </span>through the death
and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are made right with God. </b>Satan will try
everything he can to make us believe nothing can make us right with God, and
that is a lie. Nothing can undo what Jesus has already done for us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">Shoes of peace that comes from the Good News </span></b>– reliable
footwear is essential for all soldiers to advance and engage. <b>For us to advance
the Kingdom of God and engage in spiritual warfare, we wear the Good News of
the victory of Jesus Christ over sin and death for all time. </b>The Good News of
Jesus gives us life and enables us to share this Good News wherever we are.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">The shield of faith – </span>our faith in Jesus Christ is the
shield that protects us from everything the devil throws at us. </b>The flaming
arrows of Satan’s lies cannot penetrate strong faith that rests solely in our
Lord—in His truth and righteousness.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">The helmet of salvation – </span>the knowledge of our salvation
through Jesus Christ protects us from believing the lies of the devil.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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And finally…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God – </span>our only
offensive weapon against the evil of this world. </b>The Holy Spirit, who lives in
every believer, works for us and through us, enabling us to share the Word of
God with others. One by one, building a strong offense against the enemy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In Christ,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: maroon; font-family: "segoe script"; font-size: 17.3333px;">Laura</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #404040; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">[Photo credit: </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/@priscilladupreez" target="_blank"><span style="color: #404040; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Unsplash.com</span></a></span><span style="color: #404040; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> / This post first
appeared as a Find It Only Here on Friday feature at LifeLetter Café.]</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Linking up with: <a href="https://purposefulfaith.com/you-are-a-daughter-2/" target="_blank">Purposeful Faith</a>, <a href="https://meghanweyerbacher.com/life-lessons-from-a-bicycle/" target="_blank">#TeaAndWord</a>, <a href="https://marygeisen.com/the-adventure-of-saying-yes-guest-post/" target="_blank">#TellHisStory</a>, <a href="https://welcomeheart.com/journal/2019/04/17/the-god-is-faithful-party.html" target="_blank">Let's Have Coffee</a>, <a href="https://www.instaencouragements.com/blog/sonjas-story-redemption-part-2" target="_blank">InstaEncouragements</a>, <a href="https://soaringwithhim.com/2019/04/a-reflection-on-the-pain-of-betrayal-the-atlanta-journal-constitution-palm-sunday/" target="_blank">#RechargeWednesday</a>, <a href="https://www.rachelmarielee.com/hope-in-infertility/" target="_blank">#DestinationInspiration</a>, <a href="https://www.worthbeyondrubies.com/what-god-intended-for-good/" target="_blank">Worth Beyond Rubies</a>, <a href="https://debbiekitterman.com/watch-out-for-that-pit-tune-in-thursday-108/" target="_blank">#TuneInThursday</a>, <a href="https://lylidunbar.com/empty/" target="_blank">#FaithonFire</a>, Faith 'n Friends, <a href="https://candidlychristian.com/grace-and-truth-for-good-friday/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth</a>, <a href="http://www.spiritualsundays.com/2019/04/happy-easter.html" target="_blank">Spiritual Sundays</a>, <a href="https://www.crystalstorms.me/2019/04/support-a-friend/" target="_blank">#HeartEncouragement</a></div>
<br />Laura Rathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524290825130536188noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3858846619214172647.post-77829013285898698262019-04-10T05:00:00.000-05:002019-04-12T21:59:36.520-05:00When You Long for Change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HXfajcSYoqI/XK0gWdHyLDI/AAAAAAAADp8/jYVVnQsEroUlWbiAf40suqEGShzU-cwYwCLcBGAs/s1600/Luke%2B18.27%2Bx530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="530" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HXfajcSYoqI/XK0gWdHyLDI/AAAAAAAADp8/jYVVnQsEroUlWbiAf40suqEGShzU-cwYwCLcBGAs/s1600/Luke%2B18.27%2Bx530.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Some seasons in life feel longer than others,
don't they? Hard days run together and weeks become months. </span><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Although we can find positive moments in each
day, the years are still trying. We grow weary and change looks difficult.
Maybe even impossible.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">I don't know where today finds you. Maybe you're
trying not to lose yourself in the long days of motherhood. Or perhaps it's
financial or relationship trials. Or health issues, loneliness, grief,
disappointment, trying to move forward from poor choices, or recover from a
trauma you experienced at the hands of another. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">It seems everyone has something they wish could
be different. Everybody is dealing with something.</span><br />
<br />
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="color: #000066;">If change or improvement
looks like it will never happen for you, hang in there. Nothing is impossible
for God. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/6cgnf" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></span></span></b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">What He has planned for our lives may not look
like what we're hoping for—and that can be hard to accept. But it's often not
until we can look back, sometimes years later, that we are able to see how the
pieces fit together. And that what we walked through was part of His grand
plan.</span><br />
<br />
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #000066; font-size: large;">Encouraging Verses for When
You Long for Change</span></b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
</span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2018%3A27&version=NIV" target="_blank"><b><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Luke 18:27 </span><span style="background: white; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">NIV</span></b></a><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Jesus
replied, <span class="woj">“What is impossible with man is possible with
God.”</span></span></i><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
</span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2040%3A1-3&version=NLT" target="_blank"><b><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Psalm 40:1-3 </span><span style="background: white; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">NLT</span></b></a><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">I
waited patiently for the </span></i></span><span class="small-caps"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;"> to help me, and he turned
to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud
and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see
what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the </span></i></span><span class="small-caps"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">.</span></i></span><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
</span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2094%3A19&version=VOICE" target="_blank"><b><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Psalm 94:19 </span><span style="background: white; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VOICE</span></b></a><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">When
anxiety overtakes me <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">and worries are
many, </span>Your comfort lightens my soul.</span></i></span><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
</span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah%2043%3A18-19&version=NIV" target="_blank"><b>Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV</b></a><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the
past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I
am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
</span></i><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Habakkuk%202%3A3&version=NLT" target="_blank"><b><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Habakkuk 2:3 </span><span style="background: white; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">NLT</span></b></a><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">This
vision is for a future time. </span></i></span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 5.0pt;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">It describes the end, and it
will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will
surely take place. It will not be delayed.</span></i></span><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
</span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2032%3A8&version=NLT" target="_blank"><b><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Psalm 32:8 </span><span style="background: white; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">NLT</span></b></a><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">The </span></i></span><span class="small-caps"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;"> says, “I will guide you
along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.</span></i></span><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
</span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah%2040%3A31&version=NLT" target="_blank"><b><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Isaiah 40:31 </span><span style="background: white; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">NLT</span></b></a><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">But
those who trust in the </span></i></span><span class="small-caps"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;"> will find new strength. They
will soar high on wings like eagles.</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span class="text"><span style="background: white;">They will run and not grow
weary. They will walk and not faint.</span></span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span></i><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah%2043%3A2&version=NLT" target="_blank"><b><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Isaiah 43:2 </span><span style="background: white; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">NLT</span></b></a><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">When
you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of
difficulty,</span></i></span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 5.0pt;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">you will not drown. When you walk through the
fire of oppression, you will not be burned up;</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span class="text"><span style="background: white;">the flames will
not consume you.</span></span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span></i><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="background: white; color: #000066;">What Scripture verse(s) do you find encouraging when you're
longing for change?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: maroon; font-family: "segoe script"; font-size: 17.3333px;">Laura</span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-size: 10.0pt;">[Photo
credit: <a href="https://unsplash.com/@nightcrawler1986" target="_blank"><span style="color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #404040; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 191;">Unsplash.com</span></a>]</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Linking
up with: <a href="https://purposefulfaith.com/find-someone-else-more-worthy/" target="_blank">Purposeful Faith</a>, <a href="https://meghanweyerbacher.com/my-biggest-fears-right-now/" target="_blank">#TeaAndWord</a>, <a href="https://marygeisen.com/redemptions-journey-to-the-cross/" target="_blank">#TellHisStory</a>, Trekking Thru, GraceFull
Tuesday, <a href="https://soaringwithhim.com/2019/04/what-is-ruthless-in-your-life-recharge-wednesday-linkup/" target="_blank">#RechargeWednesday</a>, <a href="https://www.instaencouragements.com/blog/sonjas-story-choose-life-part-1" target="_blank">InstaEncouragements</a>, #WriterWednesday, <a href="https://welcomeheart.com/journal/2019/04/10/seventeen-reasons-why-not.html" target="_blank">Let’s Have Coffee</a>, <a href="https://www.crystalstorms.me/2019/04/ways-to-strengthen-your-marriage/" target="_blank">#HeartEncouragement</a>, <a href="https://www.rachelmarielee.com/hope-in-jesus/" target="_blank">#DestinationInspiration</a>, <a href="https://debbiekitterman.com/dreamers-beware-tune-in-thursday-107/" target="_blank">#TuneInThursday</a>, Moments
of Hope, <a href="https://www.worthbeyondrubies.com/bearing-fruit-as-a-christian/" target="_blank">Worth Beyond Rubies</a>, #FreshMarketFriday, <a href="https://lylidunbar.com/stuck/" target="_blank">#FaithonFire</a>, <a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/mountain-moving-prayers-for-holy-week/" target="_blank">Faith ‘n Friends</a>, <a href="https://www.embracingtheunexpected.com/never-do-this-in-a-battle/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth</a>, <a href="http://www.spiritualsundays.com/2019/04/welcome-back.html" target="_blank">Spiritual Sundays</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Laura Rathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524290825130536188noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3858846619214172647.post-32092362010607353872019-04-03T05:00:00.000-05:002019-04-05T12:37:28.808-05:00Putting Words into Action<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MBheXb49OjA/XKPLhN2O6_I/AAAAAAAADpk/j3VKO7Xp0Dgt6mxiG39Uh4UQSmBXruKFwCLcBGAs/s1600/abbie-bernet-329631-unsplash%2B-cropped%2Bx530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="530" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MBheXb49OjA/XKPLhN2O6_I/AAAAAAAADpk/j3VKO7Xp0Dgt6mxiG39Uh4UQSmBXruKFwCLcBGAs/s1600/abbie-bernet-329631-unsplash%2B-cropped%2Bx530.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Last
week I wrote about <a href="https://laurarath.blogspot.com/2019/03/negative-moments.html" target="_blank">negative moments</a> and how they can often overshadow
everything else in our day. This week, I came face to face with this truth.
(Which is a nice way to say that what I wrote hit me over the head. Hard.)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">On Monday I received information about a
situation that required all hands on deck. It was news that made me uneasy and
kind of sad, but I was ready to jump in and help in any way I could.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">And then I found out it was an April Fool's
joke. One I didn't find funny. I suppose I should have been suspicious, but I
hadn't even thought about the day or that it might be a prank. The situation
was not only possible, it was very plausible, and I was beyond irritated. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Thirty minutes later I was still stewing about
it. And then I remembered the words I shared last week.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background: white; color: #0066ff;">"But once a short-lived situation is over, the choice of whether or
not to dwell on it for the rest of the day is ours to make. And sometimes we
have to make that conscious decision to let. it. go." <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://laurarath.blogspot.com/2019/03/negative-moments.html" target="_blank">(Negative Moments)</a></span></span></i></div>
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Sigh. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Honestly,
I didn't really want to let it go, but it felt really wrong to refuse to take
the same suggestion I offered to others less than a week ago. So, I made the
conscious decision to let it go. I gave myself 30 minutes to stop dwelling on
it and to turn my mood around.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">I was at work, but it was quiet, so I listened
to a few minutes of music to distract me. Then I focused on the tasks at hand
further pulling myself away from my thoughts.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">I talked to co-workers, but I purposely didn't
mention it because I knew talking about it would only stir my emotions, making
it harder to stop thinking about it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">The next time I looked at the clock, it was
after the 30-minute period. I realized I was no longer grumbling and I had gone
on with my day. I hadn't forgotten about it, but it no longer had control over
me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And…as
a bonus, I now had something to write about this week. </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white;"><i style="color: #0066ff;">What do you think? Do you struggle to let go of something that’s turning
your mood sour? </i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><a href="https://ctt.ac/3F39b" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></b></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: maroon; font-family: "segoe script"; font-size: 17.3333px;">Laura</span></div>
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<span style="color: #595959; font-size: 10.0pt;">[Photo credit: <a href="https://unsplash.com/@abbiebernet" target="_blank"><span style="color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">Unsplash.com</span></a>]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Linking up with: <a href="https://purposefulfaith.com/when-you-want-gods-new-thing/" target="_blank">PurposefulFaith</a>, <a href="https://meghanweyerbacher.com/unlimited-supply-of-care/" target="_blank">#TeaAndWord</a>, <a href="https://marygeisen.com/monthly-musings-march-2019-book-review-giveaway/" target="_blank">#TellHisStory</a>, Trekking Thru, <a href="http://www.aboundinggrace.co/currently-april-2019/" target="_blank">GraceFull Tuesday</a>,
<a href="https://soaringwithhim.com/2019/04/gods-coloring-book-recharge-wednesday-linkup/" target="_blank">#RechargeWednesday</a>, <a href="https://www.instaencouragements.com/blog/how-to-be-intentional-about-family-time-with-god" target="_blank">InstaEncouragements</a>, #WriterWednesday, <a href="https://welcomeheart.com/journal/2019/04/03/retreat-cleaning.html" target="_blank">Let’s Have Coffee</a>,
<a href="https://www.crystalstorms.me/2019/04/make-jesus-your-focus/" target="_blank">#HeartEncouragement</a>, <a href="https://www.rachelmarielee.com/overcoming-social-anxiety/" target="_blank">#DestinationInspiration</a>, <a href="https://debbiekitterman.com/the-journey-begins-tune-in-thursday-106/" target="_blank">#TuneInThursday</a>, Moments of Hope,
<a href="https://www.worthbeyondrubies.com/facing-your-goliath/" target="_blank">Worth Beyond Rubies</a>, <a href="https://www.crystaltwaddell.com/the-truth-about-imperfect-motherhood/" target="_blank">#FreshMarketFriday</a>, <a href="https://lylidunbar.com/decision-fatigue/" target="_blank">#FaithonFire</a>, <a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/5-verses-to-pray-when-you-are-sick-and-tired-of-waiting/" target="_blank">Faith ‘n Friends</a>, <a href="https://candidlychristian.com/when-you-feel-like-you-dont-belong/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth</a>, Spiritual Sundays</span><span style="color: #595959; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Laura Rathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524290825130536188noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3858846619214172647.post-25867637138913196372019-03-27T05:00:00.000-05:002019-03-30T05:43:01.791-05:00Negative Moments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V7UERgUAxHw/XJq5LqfV59I/AAAAAAAADpE/xBcN2xN8JQ88LRF6Q1b85GIpOkc1LyE0gCLcBGAs/s1600/worry%2Bx530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="530" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V7UERgUAxHw/XJq5LqfV59I/AAAAAAAADpE/xBcN2xN8JQ88LRF6Q1b85GIpOkc1LyE0gCLcBGAs/s1600/worry%2Bx530.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;">My daughter recently tried and accomplished something new. It
was really cool, both for her, and for me watching the process. </span><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">She was on top of all of the details and very
excited...but then the process hit a snag. And her good mood quickly went
downhill. I listened as she vented her frustration for a few moments.</span><br />
<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white;">"Now
it's all ruined,"</span></i><span style="background: white;"> she finally
said. </span><br />
<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white;">"It's
only ruined if you let be ruined,"</span></i><span style="background: white;">
I said.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">We talked about all the things that went well
versus the one thing that didn't work right. I didn't minimize that one thing
because I think it would have bugged me too.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">But when looked at from a different perspective,
it didn't outweigh what did go right. It didn't take away from what she
accomplished. It was just part of the learning curve.</span><br />
<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white;">It's only
ruined if I let it be ruined</span></i><span style="background: white;"> is
easier said than done sometimes. I know.</span><br />
<br />
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #cc0000;">But how often do we let that one thing take
away from everything else?</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span></b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<i><span style="background: white;">That one negative comment in the midst of
positive comments?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">The one inconvenience in the day?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">That one thing that didn't go right despite all
that did go as planned?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">The negative co-worker or rude person at the
store?</span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i><br />
</i>
<span style="background: white;">Yes, these instances can be frustrating, and
negative people can get on our last nerve.</span><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white;">But once
a short-lived situation is over, the choice of whether or not to dwell on it
for the rest of the day is ours to make. And sometimes we have to make that
conscious decision to let. it. go.</span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #cc0000;">Can all
your worries add a single moment to your life?</span></i><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span style="background: white;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+6%3A27&version=NLT" target="_blank">Matthew 6:27 <span style="font-size: x-small;">NLT</span></a></span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Worry
doesn't add to our days, and reliving the negative moments takes away from what
we have right now.</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><a href="https://ctt.ac/CxfVj" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></b></span></span><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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</span><span style="background: white; color: #cc0000;">The
weight of how we let situations affect us is up to us. </span><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Obviously, sometimes the circumstances warrant
long-term concern. But other times, we hang on to things that happened for too
long. We let one thing cast a shadow over everything else, ruining our mood,
our day, and often affecting those around us.</span><br />
<br />
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">When we focus on the negative, it can consume
us. But when we focus on the positive, it changes our perspective and how we
walk forward in our day. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/Md3ld" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></span></span></b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white;">One holds
us back. The other clears the way for the next step. </span><br />
</b><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white;">Which will
you choose?</span></i></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: maroon; font-family: "segoe script"; font-size: 17.3333px;">Laura</span></div>
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<span style="color: #595959; font-size: 10.0pt;">[Photo credit: </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/@kellysikkema" target="_blank"><span style="color: #595959; font-size: 10.0pt;">Unsplash.com</span></a><span style="color: #595959; font-size: 10.0pt;">]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Linking up with: <a href="https://purposefulfaith.com/a-promise-for-when-you-wonder/" target="_blank">Purposeful Faith</a>, <a href="https://meghanweyerbacher.com/writers-conference-milestones/" target="_blank">#TeaAndWord</a>, <a href="https://marygeisen.com/the-walk-to-the-cross/" target="_blank">#TellHisStory</a>,
Trekking Thru, <a href="http://www.aboundinggrace.co/sowing-seeds/" target="_blank">GraceFull Tuesday</a>, <a href="https://soaringwithhim.com/2019/03/faith-doesnt-protect-you-from-pain/" target="_blank">#RechargeWednesday</a>, <a href="https://www.instaencouragements.com/blog/16-names-of-god-what-they-mean" target="_blank">InstaEncouragements</a>,
<a href="https://welcomeheart.com/journal/2019/03/27/march-mentoring-what-do-we-do-when-we-meet-together.html" target="_blank">Let’s Have Coffee</a>, Moments of Hope, <a href="https://www.crystalstorms.me/2019/03/god-speaking-to-you/" target="_blank">#HeartEncouragement</a>,
<a href="https://www.rachelmarielee.com/hope-through-depression/" target="_blank">#DestinationInspiration</a>, <a href="https://debbiekitterman.com/calling-all-dreamers-tune-in-thursday-105/" target="_blank">#TuneInThursday</a>, <a href="https://www.worthbeyondrubies.com/personal-communion/" target="_blank">Worth Beyond Rubies</a>, <a href="https://www.crystaltwaddell.com/passing-the-hope-of-easter-to-our-children/" target="_blank">#FreshMarketFriday</a>,
<a href="https://www.embracingtheunexpected.com/the-benefits-of-a-simple-life/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth</a>, <a href="https://lylidunbar.com/transitions/" target="_blank">#FaithonFire</a>, <a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/5-verses-to-pray-for-your-son-to-be-strong-courageous-and-wise/" target="_blank">Faith ‘n Friends</a>, <a href="https://becomingpress.com/faith-and-writing-podcast/" target="_blank">#WriterWednesday</a>, <a href="https://kristinhilltaylor.com/2019/03/march-stories-2.html" target="_blank">#porchstories</a>, <a href="http://www.spiritualsundays.com/2019/03/welcome-back.html" target="_blank">Spiritual Sundays</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Laura Rathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524290825130536188noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3858846619214172647.post-38355154898681557612019-03-20T06:04:00.000-05:002019-03-26T18:46:57.025-05:00The Unknown of Tomorrow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7OwE11f_NaU/XJGka0-pPNI/AAAAAAAADok/R5jWIiQr2X4p5XSu_ns80-gs-hQi2sBHwCLcBGAs/s1600/the-unknown%2Bx530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="530" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7OwE11f_NaU/XJGka0-pPNI/AAAAAAAADok/R5jWIiQr2X4p5XSu_ns80-gs-hQi2sBHwCLcBGAs/s1600/the-unknown%2Bx530.jpg" /></a></div>
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Last year felt like a year of extremes for me. The highs
were really high and the lows were really low. There were wonderful surprises,
but there was also sadness and loss.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The saying, “We don’t know what tomorrow will bring.” feels
like an understatement. I didn’t see the highs or lows coming until they were
already in motion. But in both, I knew God was at work.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The unknown—what if this happens or what if that never
changes—might be one of Satan’s most used tools against us. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><a href="https://ctt.ac/E4ab3" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></b></span></div>
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He loves for us to
be afraid to take a step in any direction because of what might or might not
happen. He loves to get us worked up because we can’t see how a bad situation
can get better. He wants us to not enjoy a good day out of fear that tomorrow
will be a bad day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We call it “fear of the future,” but maybe instead we should
call it “the unknown of tomorrow.” There’s a difference, you see. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><a href="https://ctt.ac/vO469" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0066; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"><b>“Fear of the future”
tells us what we’re supposed to do… we’re supposed to be afraid of what the future
might bring. But there’s no directive with “the unknown of tomorrow.” </b></span></div>
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Our actions are up to us. Yes, we
might very well be afraid of the unknown, but as I learned last year, some
unknowns turn out to be beautiful surprises. And if we’re constantly focused on
the bad possibilities, we will miss the good certainties.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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No matter what unknowns we’re facing, what we can know,
without a doubt, is that we are not alone.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Please join me at </i><b><i><span style="color: #cc0066; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://candidlychristian.com/the-unknown/" target="_blank">Candidly Christian</a></span></i></b><i><span style="color: #cc0066; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></i><i>to continue reading...</i><b><i><span style="color: #cc0066; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://candidlychristian.com/the-unknown/" target="_blank">The Unknown of Tomorrow</a></span></i></b><b><i>.</i></b><i> While there's so much in life we can't control, I'm
sharing four actions we <b>can</b> control.</i><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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In Christ,</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: maroon; font-family: "segoe script"; font-size: 17.3333px;">Laura</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;">[Photo credit: Candidly Christian]</span></div>
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Linking up with: <a href="https://meghanweyerbacher.com/why-people-who-dont-know-it-all-know-much/" target="_blank">#TeaAndWord</a>, <a href="https://marygeisen.com/surprise-god-has-your-best-interest-at-heart-guest-post/" target="_blank">#TellHisStory</a>, <a href="http://www.trekkingthru.com/the-power-of-habits/" target="_blank">Trekking Thru</a>, <a href="http://www.aboundinggrace.co/pray-for-those-who-serve/" target="_blank">GraceFull Tuesday</a>, <a href="https://soaringwithhim.com/2019/03/sympathy-two-hearts-tugging-at-one-load-the-atlanta-journal-constitution/" target="_blank">#RechargeWednesday</a>, <a href="https://www.instaencouragements.com/blog/12-ways-to-help-your-teen-love-god-more" target="_blank">InstaEncouragements</a>, <a href="https://welcomeheart.com/journal/2019/03/20/god-answers-your-prayers-by-sending-a-friend.html" target="_blank">Let's Have Coffee</a>, <a href="https://www.crystalstorms.me/2019/03/pace-of-grace/" target="_blank">#HeartEncouragement</a>, Moments of Hope, <a href="https://www.rachelmarielee.com/special-needs-parenting/" target="_blank">#DestinationInspiration</a>, <a href="https://debbiekitterman.com/distressed-part-2-4-steps-to-implement-when-in-distress-tune-in-thursday-104/" target="_blank">#TuneInThursday</a>, <a href="https://www.crystaltwaddell.com/7-stress-free-benefits-of-a-simple-life/" target="_blank">#FreshMarketFriday</a>, <a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/pray-for-your-daughter/" target="_blank">Faith 'n Friends</a>, <a href="https://www.embracingtheunexpected.com/when-you-fail-at-self-care/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth</a>, <a href="https://lylidunbar.com/busy/" target="_blank">#FaithonFire</a>, Spiritual Sundays, <a href="https://www.worthbeyondrubies.com/scriptures-on-peace/" target="_blank">Worth Beyond Rubies</a>, <a href="https://becomingpress.com/writerwednesday-overcoming-road-blocks/" target="_blank">#WriterWednesday</a></div>
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Laura Rathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524290825130536188noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3858846619214172647.post-37941451564868863442019-03-13T14:57:00.002-05:002019-03-16T05:57:56.240-05:00God's Strength God's Plan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BVGpuszXu1U/XIld5CXIxPI/AAAAAAAADoI/VhkKHEBdmXklPKhM7gDBnlUbFStxicuDgCLcBGAs/s1600/artem-sapegin-229391-unsplash%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="530" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BVGpuszXu1U/XIld5CXIxPI/AAAAAAAADoI/VhkKHEBdmXklPKhM7gDBnlUbFStxicuDgCLcBGAs/s1600/artem-sapegin-229391-unsplash%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There are two things I've been telling
myself a lot lately...</span><br />
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3333cc;"><b>* You're stronger than you feel.</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3333cc;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3333cc;"><b>* You don't have to have everything figured out right now.</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3333cc;"><br /></span>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">I've never really had a mantra, but maybe now I do because I
can tell you these two sentences have helped me breathe a little easier.</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Not because of anything I've tried to do, but because of what
I know God can do. </span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">On those really rough days when I feel like everything might
cave in on me, I remind myself that how I feel can't always be trusted. </span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">How I feel and what I know to be true don't always line up.</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">I might feel weak, but I know God is strong.</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">When I feel defeated, I know God is never defeated.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #3333cc;">He never grows weak or weary. No one can
measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and
strength to the powerless.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #3333cc; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
</span></i><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah+40%3A28-29&version=NLT" target="_blank"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Isaiah 40:28b-29 </span><span style="background: white; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">NLT</span></a></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; mso-special-character: line-break; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="color: #3333cc;">I'm stronger than I feel because God's strength
never runs out. </span><a href="https://ctt.ac/4451K" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;">{Tweet this}</span></a></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3333cc; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">How I feel depends on what I can see and what I know, but God
knows what I don't. He's not surprised by events or taken off guard. He knows
what's coming next. He sees it all.</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">I'm stronger than I feel because God is in control. Every
day. All the time. Which means I don't have to have it all figured out. And
what a relief that is because no matter how hard I try, I just can't.</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">But God can. He is in the details. No matter how big or
small, God knows every bit of His plans.</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">When I don't see any possible way, God knows the way.</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">What looks impossible to me is never impossible for God.</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #3333cc;">He weaves all the details of life together in ways we can't
imagine or understand. But in ways that astound us and leave us in awe. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/55f4b" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></span></span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
</b><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">I don't have to have everything figured out before I take the
next step because God does have it figured out. He knows where He's leading me.
I just have to follow.</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">I'm stronger than I feel because God is stronger than I could
ever be. And I don't have to figure it all out because He already has it
figured out. Down to the very last detail.</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">His plan. His way. And His peace that passes all
understanding.</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #3333cc;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">The Lord gives his people strength.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #3333cc;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">The Lord blesses them with
peace.</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
</i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+29%3A11&version=NLT" target="_blank"><span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Psalms 29:11 </span></span><span style="background: white; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">NLT</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="color: maroon; font-family: "segoe script"; font-size: 17.3333px;">Laura</span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #595959; font-size: 10.0pt;">[Photo credit: <a href="https://unsplash.com/@sapegin" target="_blank"><span style="color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">Unsplash.com</span></a>]</span><span style="background: white; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Linking up with: Purposeful Faith, <a href="https://meghanweyerbacher.com/the-new-you-book-review/" target="_blank">#TeaAndWord</a>, <a href="https://marygeisen.com/creations-journey-to-the-cross/" target="_blank">#TellHisStory</a>,
<a href="http://www.trekkingthru.com/show-up/" target="_blank">Trekking Thru</a>, <a href="http://www.aboundinggrace.co/keep-choosing-church/" target="_blank">GraceFull Tuesday</a>, <a href="https://soaringwithhim.com/2019/03/keep-praying-when-its-over-recharge-wednesday-linkup/" target="_blank">#RechargeWednesday</a>, <a href="https://www.instaencouragements.com/blog/5-things-you-can-do-today-to-raise-godly-children" target="_blank">InstaEncouragements</a>, <a href="https://welcomeheart.com/journal/2019/03/13/march-mentoring-how-to-find-the-right-mentor-match.html" target="_blank">Let’s Have Coffee</a>, <a href="https://www.lorischumaker.com/if-god-is-for-us-who-can-be-against-us/" target="_blank">Moments of Hope</a>, <a href="https://www.crystalstorms.me/2019/03/do-you-love-yourself/" target="_blank">#HeartEncouragement</a>, <a href="https://www.rachelmarielee.com/beyond-mental-illness/" target="_blank">#DestinationInspiration</a>,
<a href="https://debbiekitterman.com/distressed-part-1-cry-out-to-god-tune-in-thursday-103/" target="_blank">#TuneInThursday</a>, <a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/5-prayers-that-will-increase-your-faith-when-you-are-worried/" target="_blank">Faith ‘n Friends</a>, <a href="https://www.crystaltwaddell.com/7-creative-ways-to-maximize-and-simplify-your-time/" target="_blank">#FreshMarketFriday</a>, <a href="https://lylidunbar.com/need-breathing-room/" target="_blank">#FaithonFire</a>, <a href="https://www.embracingtheunexpected.com/take-time-enjoy-life/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth</a>, <a href="http://www.spiritualsundays.com/2019/03/welcome-back-friends.html" target="_blank">Spiritual Sundays</a>, <a href="https://becomingpress.com/what-role-does-faith-play-in-your-writing/" target="_blank">#WriterWednesday</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Laura Rathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524290825130536188noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3858846619214172647.post-86174337303248489462019-03-06T05:00:00.000-06:002019-03-09T09:29:05.577-06:00Not Too Late to Begin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wgQwdG8H_lY/XH757s-eClI/AAAAAAAADn0/T1xKbRV1IZA13652R4KyYPfebNEH_7PKQCLcBGAs/s1600/jamie-street-413852-unsplash%2Bx530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="530" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wgQwdG8H_lY/XH757s-eClI/AAAAAAAADn0/T1xKbRV1IZA13652R4KyYPfebNEH_7PKQCLcBGAs/s1600/jamie-street-413852-unsplash%2Bx530.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;">It's hard to believe it's March already. Just two months ago, the year was new and full of possibilities. Now, the winter feels long and my motivation is lost.</span><span style="color: #222222;"><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background: white;"><span style="float: none;">I think of Lamentations 3:21-24...</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #cc0099; font-family: inherit;"><i>Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: </i></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #cc0099; font-family: inherit;"><i>Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #cc0099; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"><i>They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background: white;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lamentations+3%3A21-23&version=NIV" target="_blank"><span style="float: none;">Lamentations 3:21-23 <span style="font-size: 10pt;">NIV</span></span></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><br /><span style="background: white;"><span style="float: none;">And I'm reminded that...</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><br /><span style="background: white;"><span style="float: none;"><i>These winter months won't consume us.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><i>Situations and circumstances won't do us in.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><i><br /><span style="background: white;"><span style="float: none;">What feels impossible for us is completely possible with God.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><i><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /></i><span style="background: white;"><span style="float: none;"><b>When we stay close to God, we know His love and compassion cover us. He is generous with new beginnings. Day after day, hour after hour. </b></span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background: white;"><span style="float: none;">While we think <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Why bother</i>? God says start again.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><br /><span style="background: white;"><span style="float: none;">When we feel we can't do it, God urges us to keep trying.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><br /><span style="background: white;"><span style="float: none;">When we say it's too late, God knows His timing is just right.</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background: white;"><span style="float: none;">Who are we to say otherwise?</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background: white;"><span style="float: none;"><b>Every morning is a new day with new possibilities, no matter what the date is on the calendar. </b></span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background: white;"><span style="float: none;">It's not too late to begin in March. Start what you meant to start, even if it's later than you planned.</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background: white;"><span style="float: none;">Give yourself a do-over for whatever isn't working out. Mistakes show us what we can do differently. Regroup and try again. As many times as you want.</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background: white;"><span style="float: none;">If the timing feels all wrong, remember that our timing usually doesn't match the time God has planned. Later than we hoped is better than never.</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background: white;"><span style="float: none;">No matter when you start, just start. But to avoid immediate discouragement, be realistic. </span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background: white;"><span style="float: none;"><b>Dream big. But set small reachable goals. The encouragement of progress and small wins along the way help us to keep moving forward. <a href="https://ctt.ac/UgHnZ" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{Tweet this}</span></a></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><b><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /></b></span><span style="background: white; color: #cc0099; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"><b>And know that it's okay to change the plan or alter the goals. Because sometimes change itself is part of God’s plan.</b></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;">In Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: maroon; font-family: "segoe script"; font-size: 17.3333px;">Laura</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #7f7f7f; font-size: 10pt;">[Photo credit: <a href="https://unsplash.com/@jamie452" target="_blank"><span style="color: #7f7f7f; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=50000 lumo=50000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 128;">Unsplash.com</span></a>]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Linking up with: <a href="https://purposefulfaith.com/small-act-of-love-big-impact/" target="_blank">Purposeful Faith</a>, <a href="https://meghanweyerbacher.com/book-launch-week-upcoming-bookish-tidbits/" target="_blank">#TeaAndWord</a>, <a href="https://marygeisen.com/come-as-you-are/" target="_blank">#TellHisStory</a>, <a href="http://www.trekkingthru.com/stop-trying-to-fix-yourself/" target="_blank">Trekking Thru</a>, <a href="https://welcomeheart.com/journal/2019/03/06/do-you-bring-jesus-with-you-march-mentoring-plus-link-up-lets-have-coffee.html" target="_blank">Let’s Have Coffee</a>, <a href="https://kristinhilltaylor.com/2019/03/porch-seasons.html" target="_blank">#porchstories</a>, <a href="https://soaringwithhim.com/2019/03/4-reasons-to-keep-going-no-matter-what-recharge-wednesday-linkup/" target="_blank">#RechargeWednesday</a>, <a href="https://www.instaencouragements.com/blog/can-prayer-save-a-nation" target="_blank">InstaEncouragements</a>, <a href="https://www.lorischumaker.com/moments-that-matter/" target="_blank">Moments of Hope</a>, <a href="https://www.crystalstorms.me/2019/03/place-your-focus/" target="_blank">#HeartEncouragement</a>, <a href="https://www.rachelmarielee.com/hope-storm/" target="_blank">#DestinationInspiration</a>, <a href="https://debbiekitterman.com/adjust-the-flow-tune-in-thursday-102/" target="_blank">#TuneInThursday</a>, <a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/draw-you-closer-to-jesus/" target="_blank">Faith ‘n Friends</a>, <a href="https://www.crystaltwaddell.com/the-simple-life-project-a-30-day-action-plan-formula-for-success/" target="_blank">#FreshMarketFriday</a>, <a href="https://lylidunbar.com/more/" target="_blank">#FaithonFire</a>, <a href="https://candidlychristian.com/seeking-jesus/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth</a>, <a href="http://www.spiritualsundays.com/2019/03/march-and-marching.html" target="_blank">Spiritual Sundays</a>, <a href="https://www.aboundinggrace.co/why-do-you-obey/" target="_blank">GraceFull Tuesday</a>, <a href="https://becomingpress.com/what-role-does-faith-play-in-your-writing/" target="_blank">#WriterWednesday</a></span><o:p></o:p><br />
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Laura Rathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524290825130536188noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3858846619214172647.post-51663594779577579142019-02-27T05:00:00.000-06:002019-03-01T05:50:48.210-06:00What Makes You Smile?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L99jN9KGYtc/XHMlQbfUqqI/AAAAAAAADnk/hvTbQNvsKZM503dGcF9lr3USZz1rZJNRACLcBGAs/s1600/smile%2Bx530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="530" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L99jN9KGYtc/XHMlQbfUqqI/AAAAAAAADnk/hvTbQNvsKZM503dGcF9lr3USZz1rZJNRACLcBGAs/s1600/smile%2Bx530.jpg" /></a></div>
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Lately, on Facebook, I’ve been asking a question—<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What’s making you smile today?</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s not just a question I’m posing for others, but one I’m
asking myself every day…because sometimes, no matter how our day is going, we
just need to make sure we can still smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s easier when everything is happy and going well, but on
those hard days? Not so much.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #660066; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The smile on my face doesn't mean my life is perfect, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #660066; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">it just means I appreciate what I have </span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #660066; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">and what God has blessed me with.</span></i><span style="color: #660066; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">– </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Unknown</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">During this winter which seems very long—we need to smile,
even on the days that make us weary of the cold and snow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">During the difficult days when we don’t know what’s going to
happen or what we need to do next—we need to find something to make us smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #660066; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #660066;">Especially when we don’t </span><i style="color: #660066;">feel</i><span style="color: #660066;">
like smiling, we can make a conscious effort to find something that makes us
smile. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/p6OBT" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></span><span style="color: #660066;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #660066; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #660066; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">– </span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Thich Nhat Hanh</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Once we’re in a non-smiling mood, it’s easy to stay there.
It’s comfortable to dwell on everything that’s bringing us down. And it’s all
too common to spread that negativity to those around us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But smiling when we don’t want to? Some days that can be a
real challenge—one that’s worth the effort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What if your smile is the only one someone else sees today?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What if your smile is what helps turn someone else’s day
around?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What if we fan into flame a positive outlook instead of the downbeat
way we might feel? <span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><a href="https://ctt.ac/dhg7a" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #660066;">We shall never know all the good that a simple
smile can do.</span></i><span style="background: white; color: #660066;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">– Mother Teresa</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A smile won’t fix every situation or change undesirable
circumstances, but it won’t make them worse. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #660066;"><span style="color: #660066;">It has the potential to change our focus
for a few moments causing us to look at something other than what we can’t fix. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/f56fj" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And after a while of working to find a reason to smile, it will
become a habit—a good habit. One that we’ll want to continue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #660066; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
just like to smile, smiling’s my favorite.</span></i><span style="color: #660066; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">– </span><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Buddy
(from the movie Elf</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #660066; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What’s making you
smile today?</span></i><span style="color: #660066; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: maroon; font-family: "segoe script"; font-size: 17.3333px;">Laura</span></div>
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<span style="color: #595959; font-size: 10.0pt;">[Photo credit: </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/@dewang" target="_blank"><span style="color: #595959; font-size: 10.0pt;">Unsplash.com</span></a><span style="color: #595959; font-size: 10.0pt;">]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Linking
up with: Purposeful Faith, <a href="https://meghanweyerbacher.com/burning-muscles-bible-puns/" target="_blank">#TeaAndWord</a>, <a href="http://www.trekkingthru.com/quieting-the-chatter/" target="_blank">Trekking Thru</a>, <a href="https://marygeisen.com/monthly-musings-february-2019/" target="_blank">#TellHisStory</a>,
<a href="https://soaringwithhim.com/2019/02/how-to-refresh-your-time-with-god-recharge-wednesday-linkup/" target="_blank">#RechargeWednesday</a>, <a href="https://kristinhilltaylor.com/2019/02/feb-stories.html" target="_blank">#porchstories</a>, <a href="https://www.instaencouragements.com/blog/what-if-i-lose-my-way" target="_blank">InstaEncouragements</a>, </span><a href="https://www.crystalstorms.me/2019/02/more-of-god/" target="_blank">#HeartEncouragement</a>, Moments of Hope, <a href="https://www.rachelmarielee.com/hope-chronic-illness/" target="_blank">#DestinationInspiration</a>, <a href="https://debbiekitterman.com/agent-of-encouragement-tune-in-thursday-101/" target="_blank">#TuneInThursday</a>, <a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/when-you-need-to-overcome-anxiety/" target="_blank">Faith ‘n Friends</a>, <a href="https://www.crystaltwaddell.com/5-simple-life-habits-to-inspire-a-more-than-enough-mindset-giveaway/" target="_blank">#FreshMarketFriday</a>, <a href="https://candidlychristian.com/when-it-rains-it-pours/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth</a>, <a href="https://lylidunbar.com/need-to-surrender/" target="_blank">#FaithonFire</a>,
Spiritual Sundays, <a href="https://welcomeheart.com/journal/2019/02/27/radical-hospitality.html" target="_blank">Let's Have Coffee</a>, <a href="https://becomingpress.com/how-to-build-a-blog/" target="_blank">#WriterWednesday</a></div>
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Laura Rathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524290825130536188noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3858846619214172647.post-40541166022587554432019-02-20T05:30:00.000-06:002019-02-23T10:18:21.664-06:00The Ache of Surrender<div class="MsoNormal">
Last November, I was happy to have read and <a href="https://laurarath.blogspot.com/2018/11/surrendered-hearts-book-review.html" target="_blank">shared a review of my friend Lori Schumaker’s book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Surrendered Hearts</i></a>. Today, I’m super excited to have Lori here sharing a bit of her story…<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E4uOE1siFiM/XGxzRjfpMfI/AAAAAAAADnE/ku_PwLqdk6EdFp0R6gDXn_Kg7DggTYKbQCLcBGAs/s1600/Surrendered%2Bhearts%2Bx530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="530" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E4uOE1siFiM/XGxzRjfpMfI/AAAAAAAADnE/ku_PwLqdk6EdFp0R6gDXn_Kg7DggTYKbQCLcBGAs/s1600/Surrendered%2Bhearts%2Bx530.jpg" /></a></div>
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Letting go always hurts. It hurts when the thing we must let go of appears in every way possible as something good and wonderful. It also hurts when it’s something unhealthy, but where we felt comfortable in its familiarity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">As Christians we are called to trust God. Without doing so we simply will not experience the abundance of His love nor will we experience peace.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Surrendering, or in other words </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>letting go</i></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, doesn’t happen without trust. We can </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>say </i></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">we are doing it, but to really lay it down at the foot of the cross, giving back to Christ what is rightfully and originally His, takes trusting Him. Real trust—not the half-hearted stuff.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">So, I must ask …<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Are you holding onto something that’s not yours to have?</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Is there an experience, memory, or resentment taking up space in the recesses of your heart?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">What is it that you can’t seem to surrender? That thing that may be holding you back from moving forward into all God has planned for you?</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In my book, </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><a href="https://www.lorischumaker.com/surrendered-hearts-book/">Surrendered Hearts: An Adoption Story of Love, Loss, and Learning to Trust</a></i>, I share my story of learning to surrender. Not that it’s something we learn once and then move on. Instead, it’s learning in layers–bit by bit and experience by experience. But our adoption story was one of the great big heavy layers of learning for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A point had come where I had to give up the little girl I believed was ours. Convicted, I felt with everything in me that God gave her to us. So, when what I believed to be true and what appeared in every way possible to be right and good, didn’t go that way, devastation consumed me. I grieved for months. I held onto what I thought was mine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As much as I didn’t want to accept it, the truth was that this child was God’s long before she was mine. I had to surrender her because my desperate attempt to hold on was creating a wall between my Savior and me. I wrote about it in </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Surrendered Hearts</i></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>When we enter true relationship with the Father, the scales fall away from our eyes and the weight of bitterness melts away. It is then, as we trust enough to surrender, that we find real relationship. It is then, through our moments of prayer, worship, and praise, that we find the hope, peace, and joy we were longing for.</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>And just maybe it’s what God was waiting for all along. Maybe that’s what it takes to move into the next chapter of life. I know it was for me. – <a href="https://www.lorischumaker.com/surrendered-hearts-book/" target="_blank">Lori Schumaker from Surrendered Hearts</a></i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">He is a God we can trust. We are given the opportunity to pour our hearts out before Him. He grieves with us, understands our anger, and holds us while we mourn. And He patiently waits for us to surrender what is not ours to hold onto. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>O Lord, you are my lamp. The Lord lights up my darkness. In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God is my strong fortress, and he makes my way perfect. He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow. You have given me your shield of victory; your help has made me great. You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i>2 Samuel 22:29–37 <span style="font-size: x-small;">NLT</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Friend, I don’t know what it is that you are holding onto today. I can promise you, though, that our Father is willing and capable of taking it over. He will take the ashes of your situation and make beauty rise from them.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">After I surrendered, God took the ashes of my grief and wrote a new story. One I couldn’t have imagined for myself or our family. And as I get the opportunity to share that story through my book, I see how God continues to use what I surrendered in the midst of my grief.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I leave you with a prayer for surrendering:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Lord, please be my strength in weakness, my wisdom in ignorance, my patience in frustration, my love in anger. Lord, I ask for Your Holy Spirit to permeate my being, to be all that I am not. When the surrender aches, I ask You to propel me forward in trust, reminding me that You will not fail me. I thank You for being my solid rock—my strong fortress. Thank You for loving me when I’m not that lovable. In Your perfect name I pray. Amen.</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Lori, thank you for sharing here today!<o:p></o:p></div>
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In Christ,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="background-color: white; color: maroon; font-family: "segoe script"; font-size: 17.3333px;">Laura</span></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ber2MkRKG8/XGxzw2pNczI/AAAAAAAADnU/tMZ7fJxDnTEjgEZMf2RNGFYdaNjNVkscACLcBGAs/s1600/1804_Lori_headshots_06%2B%25282%2529%2Bcropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="1431" height="175" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ber2MkRKG8/XGxzw2pNczI/AAAAAAAADnU/tMZ7fJxDnTEjgEZMf2RNGFYdaNjNVkscACLcBGAs/s200/1804_Lori_headshots_06%2B%25282%2529%2Bcropped.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white;">As wife, adoptive and biological mom, teacher, writer, speaker, and coach, Lori’s heart is to encourage others to meet the challenges of life with the hope of Christ. </span><span style="background: white;"><span style="float: none;">Wherever you find yourself today—walking through the difficult, longing to find your identity and follow your purpose, or simply experiencing a season of beautiful chaos, Lori’s blog, found at </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://d.docs.live.net/fb79afeba8600714/Documents/Searching%2520for%2520Moments/Marketing/www.LoriSchumaker.com&source=gmail&ust=1550695786093000&usg=AFQjCNH-PA8m74KTlMorUdJcn7IBCGOYJg" href="https://d.docs.live.net/fb79afeba8600714/Documents/Searching%20for%20Moments/Marketing/www.LoriSchumaker.com" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="background: white;">www.LoriSchumaker.com</span></a><span style="float: none;">,<span style="background: white;"> is a place where you can find the encouragement you need today. You can also connect with her on </span></span><span class="m-4201557640883428492gmail-msohyperlink"><span style="background: white; color: blue;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.facebook.com/searchingformoments&source=gmail&ust=1550695786093000&usg=AFQjCNHXcs5iyc1xSNkapPAFfhE2AviCAA" href="http://www.facebook.com/searchingformoments" target="_blank"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Facebook</span></a></span></span><span style="background: white;"><span style="float: none;">, </span></span><span class="m-4201557640883428492gmail-msohyperlink"><span style="background: white; color: blue;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.instagram.com/searchingformoments&source=gmail&ust=1550695786093000&usg=AFQjCNEfafccHyASCfufhLgdTWiR2BkzDw" href="http://www.instagram.com/searchingformoments" target="_blank"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Instagram</span></a></span></span><span style="background: white;"><span style="float: none;">, </span></span><span class="m-4201557640883428492gmail-msohyperlink"><span style="background: white; color: blue;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.twitter.com/lori_schumaker&source=gmail&ust=1550695786093000&usg=AFQjCNFxdTePDDCWFwgpZ7BKFeZmtgcp6A" href="http://www.twitter.com/lori_schumaker" target="_blank"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Twitter</span></a></span></span><span style="background: white;"><span style="float: none;">, and </span></span></span><span class="m-4201557640883428492gmail-msohyperlink"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: blue;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.pinterest.com/lschumaker&source=gmail&ust=1550695786093000&usg=AFQjCNFBwejKxKWxt19S38lTUrC0uUj8bQ" href="http://www.pinterest.com/lschumaker" target="_blank"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Pinterest</span></a></span>.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #7f7f7f; font-size: 10pt;">[Photo credit: Lori Schumaker]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;">Linking up with: <a href="https://purposefulfaith.com/making-room-for-peoples-faults/" target="_blank">Purposeful Faith</a>, <a href="https://meghanweyerbacher.com/prayer-is-key/" target="_blank">#TeaAndWord</a>, <a href="http://www.trekkingthru.com/practice-kindness-to-yourself/" target="_blank">Trekking Thru</a>, <a href="https://marygeisen.com/the-call-to-lay-your-isaac-down/" target="_blank">#TellHisStory</a>, <a href="https://soaringwithhim.com/2019/02/self-condemnation-the-accusers-effective-tool-recharge-wednesday-linkup/" target="_blank">#RechargeWednesday</a>, #WriterWednesday, <a href="https://kristinhilltaylor.com/2019/02/hard-day-truth.html" target="_blank">#porchstories</a>, <a href="https://welcomeheart.com/journal/2019/02/20/letting-god-meet-needs-way.html" target="_blank">Let’s Have Coffee</a>, <a href="https://www.lorischumaker.com/guard-your-heart/" target="_blank">Moments of Hope</a>, <a href="https://www.crystalstorms.me/2019/02/prayers-for-wives/" target="_blank">#HeartEncouragement</a>, <a href="https://www.rachelmarielee.com/hope-after-divorce/" target="_blank">#DestinationInspiration</a>, <a href="https://debbiekitterman.com/god-assignment-tune-in-thursday-100/" target="_blank">#TuneInThursday</a>, <a href="https://www.crystaltwaddell.com/3-empowering-steps-to-creating-a-simple-life/" target="_blank">#FreshMarketFriday</a>, <a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/need-to-pray-for-your-family/" target="_blank">Faith ‘n Friends</a>, <a href="https://candidlychristian.com/quiet-time/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth</a>, <a href="https://lylidunbar.com/waiting-to-restart/" target="_blank">#FaithonFire</a>, <a href="http://www.spiritualsundays.com/2019/02/welcome-back_22.html" target="_blank">Spiritual Sundays</a>, <a href="https://www.instaencouragements.com/blog/john-the-apostle-of-love" target="_blank">InstaEncouragements</a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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Laura Rathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524290825130536188noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3858846619214172647.post-55837189726424060582019-02-13T05:30:00.000-06:002019-02-18T12:34:55.752-06:003 Steps to Stop Comparisons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oh4GHSR8sPI/XGNtKcTP2_I/AAAAAAAADmg/nfK5Dhy3NrkYw_xWK7vHrIzLbSTcTcLpACLcBGAs/s1600/magic-three-3-1350816-640x480%2Bx530%2B-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="530" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oh4GHSR8sPI/XGNtKcTP2_I/AAAAAAAADmg/nfK5Dhy3NrkYw_xWK7vHrIzLbSTcTcLpACLcBGAs/s1600/magic-three-3-1350816-640x480%2Bx530%2B-2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
feeling was quick. Instant, really. I had just seen that an author I was
reading about is the same age as I am. And I immediately (immediately!) thought
of all that she's accomplished. And all that I haven't.<br />
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Fortunately, I quickly recognized what was happening. I was comparing myself to
someone I've never met. Someone with a different story than me. Someone with
whom I've never crossed paths with outside of reading her written words.<br />
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</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I was comparing myself to someone whose accomplishments don't
add to or take away from anything I've done or not done. And yet, for a moment,
I was ready to give the enemy that power over me.</span></b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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I'm convinced that the enemy loves when we compare ourselves to others. Why
wouldn't he? When we let comparisons take over our thinking we do his work for
him.<br />
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I imagine him standing back, whispering his encouragement...<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">That's right. Look at her. You're the same
age and look at all </i>she's<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> been able
to do.</i><br />
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Meanwhile, disappointment in myself is starting to stir. Satan tosses a little
fuel to the fire and I let it really get going. To the point of ruining my
mood and my day, leading me to the "why even try" discouragement and
wanting to quit.<br />
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Oh yes, he has that ability. But we don't have to give him that power over
us!<br />
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</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #ff0066;">Jesus stops Satan in his tracks, and through Jesus, we are able
to stop the comparisons that lead us down that negative path. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/bI8Kd" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #ff0066; font-size: 14.0pt;">3 Steps to Stop Comparisons<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 - Recognize when we’re starting to
compare ourselves to someone else</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Maybe
it’s how we look, our education, whether or not we’re stay-at-home moms, our
accomplishments, our families, our kids’ behavior…the list goes on. We can be
quick to compare ourselves in any and every way to what we see around us. But
what we <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">see</b> rarely tells the entire
story. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These
comparisons can sneak up quick and have lasting effects. The quicker we
recognize when we’re comparing what we <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">know</b>
of ourselves to what we <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">see</b> of
someone else, the quicker we can try to stop it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2 - Know and understand how these
comparisons affect us.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If
seeing someone’s achievement motivates you to keep trying or to do something
you’ve been wanting to do, then by all means, let it motivate you!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But,
the effects I’m talking about are jealously, envy, dislike, discouragement, and
wanting to give up. (These emotions have physical effects as well, like
headaches, depression, anxiety, digestive issues, etc.) You know what I’m
talking about, right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If we
can recognize when we’re comparing, and acknowledge what it usually does to us,
then we have a better chance of stopping it before we start down that negative
path.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3 – Stop comparing.</span></b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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I don’t say this flippantly. This step is often the hardest because it takes a conscious
effort to put the breaks on something before it spins out of control. It means
closing the social media screen or ending the conversation, changing focus, and
telling ourselves to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">stop. </b>Not easy,
but it is possible, and with practice, it doesn’t feel quite so challenging.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I was
able to stop it in my experience above because I’ve been working on not
comparing myself to others for years. (years!) I’m no expert, nor do I have a
100% track record, but I know what it will do to me if I let myself stay in
comparison mode.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God’s plans for each of
us are different, but they are good.</span></b><span style="color: #ff0066; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We may
eventually meet up in the same place, but no one gets there in the exact same
way. He designs different paths and timing for each of us. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><a href="https://ctt.ac/cvjqx" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></b></span><br />
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If the author I was reading about knew I was comparing myself to her, I imagine
she might say, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Please don't. That's not
why I write.</i> I know that's what I would say if someone was comparing
herself to me. I don't want to write so people look at me. I write with the
hope and prayer that my words point to Jesus.<br />
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And that’s exactly what the enemy doesn't want.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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In Christ,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="background-color: white; color: maroon; font-family: "segoe script"; font-size: 17.3333px;">Laura</span></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-size: 10.0pt;">[Photo credit: <a href="https://www.freeimages.com/photo/magic-three-3-1350816" target="_blank"><span style="color: #7f7f7f; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #7F7F7F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=50000 lumo=50000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 128;">FreeImages.com</span></a>]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Linking up with: <a href="https://purposefulfaith.com/monday-morning-prayer/" target="_blank">Purposeful Faith</a>, <a href="https://meghanweyerbacher.com/false-selfies-true-you-book-review/" target="_blank">#TeaAndWord</a>, <a href="http://www.trekkingthru.com/what-is-beautiful/" target="_blank">Trekking Thru</a>, <a href="https://marygeisen.com/mountaintop-vistas-or-valley-floors/" target="_blank">#TellHisStory</a>, <a href="https://soaringwithhim.com/2019/02/love-prays-recharge-wednesday-linkup/" target="_blank">#RechargeWednesday</a>, <a href="https://becomingpress.com/writerwednesday-have-you-ever-quit-writing/" target="_blank">#WriterWednesday</a>, <a href="https://www.crystalstorms.me/2019/02/excellent-wife-does-her-husband-good/" target="_blank">#HeartEncouragement</a>,
<a href="https://www.lorischumaker.com/dealing-with-regret/" target="_blank">Moments of Hope</a>, <a href="https://www.rachelmarielee.com/leave-and-cleave/" target="_blank">#DestinationInspiration</a>, <a href="https://debbiekitterman.com/8-things-that-keep-us-from-hearing-gods-voice-tune-in-thursday-99/" target="_blank">#TuneInThursday</a>, <a href="https://www.crystaltwaddell.com/9-clean-slate-ideas-for-a-simpler-life-link-up-give-away/" target="_blank">#FreshMarketFriday</a>,
<a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/when-you-need-to-be-sure-of-gods-love/" target="_blank">Faith ‘n Friends</a>, <a href="https://candidlychristian.com/quiet-courage/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth</a>, <a href="http://www.spiritualsundays.com/2019/02/welcome-back_15.html" target="_blank">Spiritual Sundays</a>, <a href="https://kristinhilltaylor.com/2019/02/accents-heaven.html" target="_blank">#porchstories</a>, <a href="https://welcomeheart.com/journal/2019/02/13/marathon-marriage.html" target="_blank">Let's Have Coffee</a>, <a href="https://lylidunbar.com/refined-by-relationships/" target="_blank">#FaithonFire</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Laura Rathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524290825130536188noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3858846619214172647.post-72030066217411288322019-02-06T19:35:00.000-06:002019-02-09T23:19:52.578-06:00Quiet Courage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gOfxVhDcBnQ/XFuIqwVUSxI/AAAAAAAADmQ/62vs98OE5Xg1XjiONsrEQP2ST1-lhg3cwCLcBGAs/s1600/artem-kovalev-86365-unsplash%2Bx530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="530" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gOfxVhDcBnQ/XFuIqwVUSxI/AAAAAAAADmQ/62vs98OE5Xg1XjiONsrEQP2ST1-lhg3cwCLcBGAs/s1600/artem-kovalev-86365-unsplash%2Bx530.jpg" /></a></div>
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Courage feels like a big word. By definition, courage is mental
or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or
difficulty. (<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://merriam-webster.com&source=gmail&ust=1549588142987000&usg=AFQjCNEBP74MA4M87BdVUe1cWPeQQ99DzA" href="http://merriam-webster.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">merriam-webster.com</span></a>)<br />
<br />
Sometimes, courage is loud and obvious like when David fought Goliath. Right
there in the action, everyone around saw how he defeated the giant. And those
not there to see it definitely heard about it.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">But courage isn't always showy.
Sometimes it's quiet.</b> </span>You might see it but not be able to identify it at
the time. But it's courage nonetheless.<br />
<br />
I think of Mary who probably heard the whispering of others as she walked by
and Joseph who took Mary as his wife, even though she was already pregnant.
Although the angel confirmed what the Lord wanted them to do, I imagine they
still faced the town’s gossip and rumors. And they had to have had courage to
face what others said without starting to doubt themselves and maybe even what
they heard the angel say.<br />
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But what about us? What does it look like to be courageous?<br />
<br />
I don’t know what you’re going through, but I know sometimes it’s hard to feel
courage within ourselves. Disappointments and setbacks make us feel like
courage is something for other people and that our lack of courage is too
great.<br />
<br />
But don’t be fooled. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #073763;">Even when we can’t
see our own courage, others can see it in us. </span><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/2vPrE" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></span></b><br />
<br />
What does courage look like in our everyday lives?<br />
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* Courage is getting back up when we feel like we keep getting knocked down.<br />
<br />
* Courage is trying again when nothing is working out or we don't know what to
expect.<br />
<br />
* Sometimes courage is just getting up again in the morning and facing the day.
Maybe it will be just as hard as yesterday was. Maybe it won't. But we won't
know if we don't keep trying.<br />
<br />
* Courage is persevering when we don’t like our circumstances. It's looking at the
hard day ahead and putting one foot in front of the other to keep moving
forward. It's saying, I don't want to do this, but I have to, and I know I'm
not alone—God is walking with me.<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #073763;">* Courage is knowing what we can't do
alone, we can do in God's strength.</span></b><br />
<br />
* Courage is crawling out of bed to face the day when we'd rather stay buried
under the covers.<br />
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* Courage is making the decisions we don't want to make and taking that next step
we don't want to take.<br />
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* Courage is sitting with someone in their difficult, heart-breaking
circumstances so they won't have to sit alone.<br />
<br />
* Courage is continuing to dream when our dreams seem unrealistic or someone says
they can't happen. Courage is finding a way around the doubt.<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #073763;">*</span> <span style="color: #073763;"><span style="color: #073763;">Courage is walking through the known and
the unknown with eyes focused on Jesus. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/0EBdY" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></span></span></b><br />
<br />
Courage doesn’t look one specific way. It's different for every individual and
every situation.<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="color: #073763;">And sometimes we don’t even know what
our own courage looks like until we can see it in hindsight. Then we look back
and wonder how we made it through a particular season of life. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/8a0f2" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></span></span></b><br />
<br />
There’s no shortage of verses about courage in the Bible, but here are a few to
think about.<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest
in safety.</span></i><br />
Job 11:18<br />
<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and
courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.</span></i><br />
Psalms 27:14<br />
<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be
courageous. Be strong.</span></i><br />
1 Corinthians 16:13<br />
<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">So be strong and courageous, all you who
put your hope in the Lord!</span></i><br />
Psalms 31:24<br />
<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">This is my command—be strong and
courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you
wherever you go.</span></i><br />
Joshua 1:9<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #073763;">And because we so
often need God's strength to have courage...</span></b><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.</span></i><br />
Philippians 4:13<o:p></o:p></div>
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In Christ,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: maroon; font-family: "segoe script"; font-size: 17.3333px;">Laura</span></div>
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<span style="color: #595959; font-size: 10.0pt;">[Photo credit: <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/fk3XUcfTAvk" target="_blank"><span style="color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #595959; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=65000 lumo=35000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 166;">Unsplash.com</span></a>]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Linking up with: <a href="https://purposefulfaith.com/how-forgiveness-moves-us-forward/" target="_blank">Purposeful Faith</a>, <a href="https://meghanweyerbacher.com/inspirational-romance-book-team/" target="_blank">#TeaAndWord</a>,
#TellHisStory, <a href="https://soaringwithhim.com/2019/02/he-loves-me-he-loves-me-not-recharge-wednesday-linkup/" target="_blank">#RechargeWednesday</a>, #WriterWednesday, #HeartEncouragement,
<a href="https://www.lorischumaker.com/wonderfully-made-laurie-felt/" target="_blank">Moments of Hope</a>, <a href="https://www.rachelmarielee.com/trusting-gods-love-for-you/" target="_blank">#DestinationInspiration</a>, #TuneInThursday, <a href="https://www.crystaltwaddell.com/the-simple-life-series-6-weeks-to-more-joy-freedom-and-balance-linkup-give-away/" target="_blank">#FreshMarketFriday</a>,
<a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/help-you-forgive/" target="_blank">Faith ‘n Friends</a>, <a href="https://lylidunbar.com/jesus-take-the-wheel/" target="_blank">#FaithonFire</a>, <a href="https://www.embracingtheunexpected.com/missing-important-moments/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth</a>, <a href="http://www.trekkingthru.com/what-would-god-say/" target="_blank">Trekking Thru</a>, <a href="http://www.spiritualsundays.com/2019/02/welcome-back_8.html" target="_blank">Spiritual Sundays</a></div>
Laura Rathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524290825130536188noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3858846619214172647.post-27305391861358864652019-01-30T05:30:00.000-06:002019-02-01T09:28:44.712-06:00Mustard Seeds of Encouragement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cJ9F_nrYOtM/XE5ZFI10BjI/AAAAAAAADl0/vmr5TuVELzQORGMjrJbdKuAuok7MkeO2wCLcBGAs/s1600/mustards-1528763-1280x1920%2Bcropped%2Bx530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="530" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cJ9F_nrYOtM/XE5ZFI10BjI/AAAAAAAADl0/vmr5TuVELzQORGMjrJbdKuAuok7MkeO2wCLcBGAs/s1600/mustards-1528763-1280x1920%2Bcropped%2Bx530.jpg" /></a></div>
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Four years ago I received an unexpected email from David
“JB” Miller inviting me to join the Life Letter Café writing team as a contributor.
His email came at a time when I had been in prayer about writing and other
commitments in my life, and it felt like the nudge of encouragement I needed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On New Year’s Day, I found out <a href="http://lifelettercafe.com/2018/12/david-jb-miller-the-founder-and-creator-of-life-letter-cafe-called-home/" target="_blank">David had been called Home</a>.
My shock quickly turned to sadness. Although I didn’t know him outside of
emails and a few phone calls, I miss knowing he’s there offering prayer and
encouragement to his team of writers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I keep thinking about what his first email meant to me. I
doubt he knew when he sent it that it was at just the right time for me. I
doubt most of us know it too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: orange;">What if the tiniest bit—the size of a mustard seed—of
encouragement we offer to someone else comes at just the right time when she
needs it most? </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/wm07I" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
* The smile in the grocery store that might be the first she’s
seen all day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
* The sincere compliment we give to another when she’s feeling
at her worst.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
* The look of understanding we offer across the room that
says, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I understand</i> when she feels no
one does.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
* The quiet strength we give when someone needs the nudge to
keep trying.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
* An ear to listen when someone feels she’s unheard.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
* Sitting with someone right where she is when she feels alone
and there’s nothing else we can do.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
* The reminder <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You can
do this,</i> when she’s not so sure she can.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: orange;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: orange;">These may seem like small gestures, but aren’t mustard seeds
the smallest seed before they grow into large plants?</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What feels small to the giver might just feel monumental to
the receiver.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="woj"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">“The
Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field.</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;"> <span class="woj">It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden
plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2013%3A31-32&version=NLT" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Matthew 13:31b-32 </span><span style="background: white; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">NLT</span></a><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Perhaps
the word of kindness we offer, no matter how small, might grow into the
encouragement someone needs to keep going, to keep trying, to give tomorrow
another chance. No matter how weak we feel our offering may be, God will use it
in ways we might never know about.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="woj"><span style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: orange;">Don’t
underestimate what your mustard seeds of encouragement might mean to someone
else. Just keep planting them and let God work on where they grow. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/B0ads" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></span></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">David, thank
you for your encouragement and prayers. May we follow your example and keep planting the mustard seeds
for others.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">In Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: maroon; font-family: "segoe script"; font-size: 17.3333px;">Laura</span></div>
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<span style="color: #767171; font-size: 10.0pt;">[Photo credit: <a href="https://www.freeimages.com/photo/mustards-1528763" target="_blank"><span style="color: #767171; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #767171; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: background2; mso-themecolor: background2; mso-themeshade: 128;">FreeImages.com</span></a>]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Linking up with: <a href="https://purposefulfaith.com/be-a-blessing/" target="_blank">Purposeful Faith</a>, <a href="https://meghanweyerbacher.com/confessions-of-a-tired-mom/" target="_blank">#TeaAndWord</a>, </span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://marygeisen.com/monthly-musings-january-2019/" target="_blank">#TellHisStory</a>, <a href="https://soaringwithhim.com/2019/01/how-my-sick-dog-taught-me-to-trust-god-recharge-wednesday-linkup/" target="_blank">#RechargeWednesday</a>,
<a href="https://becomingpress.com/writerwednesday-whats-new-with-you/" target="_blank">#WriterWednesday</a>, <a href="https://www.crystalstorms.me/2019/01/verses-to-pray-for-your-marriage/" target="_blank">#HeartEncouragement</a>, <a href="https://www.lorischumaker.com/abortion-debate/" target="_blank">Moments of Hope</a>,
<a href="https://www.rachelmarielee.com/january-week-five-linkup/" target="_blank">#DestinationInspiration</a>, #TuneInThursday, <a href="https://www.crystaltwaddell.com/how-to-become-a-curator-of-good-things-and-reach-your-goals/" target="_blank">#FreshMarketFriday</a>, <a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/pray-psalm-23/" target="_blank">Faith ‘n Friends</a>,
<a href="https://lylidunbar.com/mission-statement-sentence/" target="_blank">#FaithonFire</a>, <a href="https://www.embracingtheunexpected.com/stopped-praying-big-things/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Laura Rathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524290825130536188noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3858846619214172647.post-15039244590310255952019-01-23T06:04:00.000-06:002019-01-26T09:26:13.532-06:00Run. Hide. Fight.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5KdwwHMoTpI/XEeJkCoYsEI/AAAAAAAADlk/hkF84uogYiQLFPiQ8QLs3QW6csHY62wpACLcBGAs/s1600/run-hide-fight-featured%2B-cropped%2Bx530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="530" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5KdwwHMoTpI/XEeJkCoYsEI/AAAAAAAADlk/hkF84uogYiQLFPiQ8QLs3QW6csHY62wpACLcBGAs/s1600/run-hide-fight-featured%2B-cropped%2Bx530.jpg" /></a></div>
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I had never been in a building when it was put on
lockdown…until recently. Although the time from lockdown to all clear was brief
(and without incident), it was long enough to be frightening. As we waited, my
co-workers and I reviewed the steps we had been taught—Run. Hide. Fight.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Run</b> – When possible in the case of an active shooter, get
out of the building.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Hide</b> – If you can’t get out safely, hide. Turn off lights,
silence cell phones, block doors and remain hidden and silent.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Fight</b> – As an <u>absolute last resort</u>, fight. (Ready.gov)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hours and days later, I was still thinking about the Run,
Hide, Fight steps. And I realized these are the same steps we should take when
life takes us off guard. <a href="https://ctt.ac/E1rXf" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;"><b>{Tweet this}</b></span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">* Run to God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">* Hide in His shelter.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">* Fight the enemy with all God has given us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Run to God</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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When we’re in danger, overwhelmed by life, or in situations
we can’t see an end to, we may be tempted to run to get away. But running
aimlessly will get us nowhere and we will likely find ourselves even more lost.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The name of the </span></i></span><span class="small-caps"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-variant: small-caps; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lord</span></i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> is a strong fortress; the godly run
to him and are safe.</span></i></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Proverbs 18:10
NLT</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Running<b> to</b> God gets us to safety. The storm will continue to
rage around us, but God is unchanging. While the ground feels like shifting
sand, God is our solid foundation. No matter what happens, we will always find
security when we run to Him. <b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/Ub6Zp" target="_blank">{Tweet this}</a></span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Please join me at <a href="https://candidlychristian.com/run-hide-fight/" target="_blank">Candidly Christian</a> to continue reading...</i><a href="https://candidlychristian.com/run-hide-fight/" target="_blank">Run. Hide. Fight<i>.</i></a></span></b><br />
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In Christ,<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: maroon; font-family: "segoe script"; font-size: 17.3333px;">Laura</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">[Photo credit: Candidly Christian]</span><br />
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Linking up with: <a href="https://purposefulfaith.com/seeing-where-youre-going/" target="_blank">Purposeful Faith</a>, <a href="https://meghanweyerbacher.com/why-do-the-hard-things/" target="_blank">#TeaAndWord</a>, #GracefullTuesday, Trekking
Thru, <a href="https://marygeisen.com/all-for-his-glory/" target="_blank">#TellHisStory</a>, <a href="https://soaringwithhim.com/2019/01/nothing-changes-if-nothing-changes-recharge-wednesday-linkup/" target="_blank">#RechargeWednesday</a>, #porchstories, Sitting Among Friends, <a href="https://becomingpress.com/writerwednesday-why-i-took-a-one-year-blogging-break/" target="_blank">#WriterWednesday</a>, Moments of Hope, <a href="https://www.crystalstorms.me/2019/01/heart-of-obedience/" target="_blank">#HeartEncouragement</a>, <a href="https://www.rachelmarielee.com/january-week-four-linkup/" target="_blank">#DestinationInspiration</a>, <a href="https://debbiekitterman.com/3-cs-to-developing-authentic-relationship-tune-in-thursday-97/" target="_blank">#TuneInThursday</a>,
<a href="https://www.crystaltwaddell.com/vision-board-your-life-plan-link-up/" target="_blank">#FreshMarketFriday</a>, <a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/when-you-need-god-to-do-the-impossible/" target="_blank">Faith ‘n Friends</a>, <a href="https://lylidunbar.com/beginnings/" target="_blank">#FaithonFire</a>, <a href="https://candidlychristian.com/after-abortion/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth</a><br />
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Laura Rathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524290825130536188noreply@blogger.com11