tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9702900434419152482024-03-13T19:40:57.910-07:00Wanderings and PonderingsWelcome! This is a place for me to write about whatever is on my mind. I like to travel and eat and read and most of all I like people. I am a mother of 3 who works from home, is married to her very best friend, and loves to laugh. My journey with Jesus has been a constant adventure since I was just a girl and I love diving deeper into the culture of the Kingdom of God - where things are never dull! Come along for the ride as I share my thoughts, dreams, discoveries and more!.:Shellie:.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00568161083085355424noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970290043441915248.post-22470512698428950022015-02-10T17:07:00.000-08:002015-02-10T17:08:48.650-08:00Anger, Thankfulness, a Broken Arm, and Frozen PizzaYou ever have the feeling that you're riding on a freight train at 100 MPH and headed straight for a brick wall? No? Okay, maybe it's just me.<br />
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I literally just said these words to my husband: "I got Totinos Pizza for dinner because I'm kind of overwhelmed by everything else and dinner just doesn't fit in my brain."<br />
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Let me back up...<br />
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A few months ago my amazing, charming, devastatingly handsome, loving, wonderful husband started a new job working as a car salesman. (Technically his job title is Sales Professional; he reminds me of this regularly but it's easier to just say "car salesman.") This was a step of faith from the start and we both knew that.<br />
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One of the reasons he was looking to make the career move was in hopes of having more brain space for things like: Me. Friends. Time to build relationships. Time to read and get into the Word.<br />
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Key words: Space. Time.<br />
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These are very central themes in our hearts and in our hopes for our family and our future.<br />
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And these are the things I was feeling were greatly lacking as I was examining my heart and our life about a week ago. At his last job he would come home preoccupied and pretty well consumed with what was going on at work where he managed a rent to own retail store. Now he is navigating the balance of elation and disappointment and moving forward one step at a time. I am truly impressed with how well he is doing in all of it and I am finding my faith and my fortitude tested on a regular basis.<br />
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This is where I discovered some anger running around like a rabid raccoon in my heart. You see, anger has a way of finding a small opening in our hearts and wriggling through it undetected until we wake up one morning and feel all snappy and irritable for no apparent reason and the more we think about the things in our life that aren't going according to our desires the redder our face gets and the more steam seeps from our ears.<br />
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I realized that I was angry that things were so hard and that things weren't going my way and that I was having to be more selfless than I like and I wasn't getting everything I wanted. Of course, this realization came only after a couple of days of snapping at my family and being really grumpy. But it came. And after sorting through all of these things in my heart, I realized that I was mad at God for all of these things. Big shocker, eh?<br />
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I was angry that the gift He had given us through our friends of a second vehicle was not performing up to my standards. And everything we tried to do just wasn't working.<br />
I was angry that this meant that my time without kids in the mornings was cut short so I could drive my husband to work and functioning with only one vehicle is exhausting and very time-consuming for me.<br />
I was angry that all of the abundance that I know He promised and I can see coming is still just out of my reach and I have to wait for it. And wait for it... And wait some more.<br />
I was angry that my husband is in this transition to a new job that feels like it is all-consuming and I end up feeling like I'm not a priority anymore because the majority of our conversation revolves around his work. (It is important to note here that as soon as I expressed my feelings to him on this, my man dropped everything for a day and a half and listened to me and did things I wanted to do and made it a point to fill my quality time love tank. Yep; he's amazing!)<br />
I was angry at myself for being so selfish and needy.<br />
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It was good to realize this and to be able to tell my husband in full honesty that I wasn't angry with him for any of the crummy things we were dealing with and that I am still with him in this and that I know he is doing his very best and that I love him and that I respect him. That was great! I suppose it is best to just point my anger to the Lord rather than take it out on my loved ones who are more fragile and need more care from my heart. The Lord can take it; He's actually the only one fit to handle my selfish, needy, soul.<br />
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Now, if things were to end there and I just accepted my anger and didn't deal with it or hash it out with the Lord, this would be a very unhealthy place for me to hang out. And this is where thankfulness comes in.<br />
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You see, a thankful heart prepares the way for the Lord. Thankfulness has a way of completely changing the atmosphere. A thankful heart is a happy heart and if your heart is happy and thankful, there isn't room for the rabid raccoon of anger to prowl and prance.<br />
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So I had a long, heated discussion with the Father. Okay, okay, it was probably too one-sided to be dubbed a "discussion," but I did give Him some time to add His two cents or so. I told Him all of the things I was angry about and why and how I felt about it. I told Him that I realized I was mainly being ridiculous and dramatic (this is a commonly occurring theme in our conversations anyway, so it was no surprise to either of us). I told Him what I wanted: Time. Space. To feel alive. To feel seen. To feel loved.<br />
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And He was so great. I could imagine in my mind's eye Him giving me a little half-smile while He sat back with His arms crossed and listened to me patiently while I vented. And then I sensed Him sit forward with His elbows on His knees, hands clasped gently before Him, and look me in the eyes with a little humor but mostly unconditional love and tell me that He heard me; He saw me. He put His hand on my shoulder and reminded me that He loves me and that He has me. He reminded me that everything was going to be okay. When He told me that it would all make sense in time, I stubbornly retorted that I didn't care for things to make sense somewhere down the road but I wanted everything to be revealed NOW. He chuckled with a sparkle in His eye and said, "I know."<br />
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He knew I was still upset. I knew He was still there with me and He was right about everything. I knew it was okay for me to have the feelings I was having and that I wouldn't be feeling them forever and those feelings don't have to dictate where I go from here.<br />
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And then I got to my husband's work where I was picking him up after 9:00 pm while our houseguest stayed with our sleeping children. And I smiled and greeted my husband with grace I wasn't feeling and peace I couldn't muster.<br />
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My conversations with the Lord about my anger have been ongoing since then.<br />
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And then my husband broke his arm.<br />
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Yesterday I dropped my man off at work and went about my day as usual. We had just enjoyed a nice quiet breakfast together and he was telling me all of his plans for the coming day - great plans full of hope and aspirations for a productive day.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LWd61xaVJw4/VNqiDTUlmeI/AAAAAAAAAWE/PBuVyxmWIrw/s1600/10981657_10205958603543994_8992691502012515010_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LWd61xaVJw4/VNqiDTUlmeI/AAAAAAAAAWE/PBuVyxmWIrw/s1600/10981657_10205958603543994_8992691502012515010_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>An hour later I got a text message from him letting me that he had fallen while running between buildings to deliver some paperwork and that his arm was hurting pretty bad. Long story short, we spent the remainder of the day at doctor's offices discovering that he has a fracture in his left elbow, will be out of work for at least a week, and will need surgery within a few days.<br />
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Here is where more thankfulness came flowing in and peace and grace was able to abound.<br />
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Josiah, who I picked up from school before meeting Tom at the doc, was with us for most of the process and he was AMAZING. Considering a trip to the grocery store is usually like managing a three-ring circus with that boy in tow and he typically eats lunch at 11:15 but had to wait until after 2:00, it was downright miraculous that he was calm and cooperative and sweet the entire time we were waiting and waiting and waiting.<br />
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We have amazing people around us. One friend, who works with Tom, drove him to the doctor and waited with him while I worked on getting there to meet him. One friend picked up the girls from school and let us know that they could stay as long as we needed them to. Another friend came and picked up Josiah from us just as he was about to lose his cool, then picked up our girls and fed all of our kids and helped them do their homework until we were finished with everything we needed for the day. Wow! I wish I could express in words my thankfulness for these beautiful friends!!<br />
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While this is an incredibly inconvenient and unfortunate situation, the damage could have been a lot worse and dealing with the company and workman's comp and all of that could have been much more of a headache. Everyone at Tom's work has been very sympathetic and helpful in every way they can.<br />
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All of the doctors and their staff that we dealt with yesterday were so kind and helpful and wonderful. If there's one thing I hate more than having to deal with medical things, period, it's having to do it with rude, cold, pretentious people. I was so grateful for medical staff who were genuine, thorough, and efficient.<br />
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And now I have lots of time with my favorite person in all the world... Waiting on him hand and foot, making sure he is comfortable, making sure he takes his meds when he should, driving him anywhere he needs to go, reassuring him when he starts to freak out. :)<br />
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The irony in all of this is not lost on me.<br />
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And neither is the beauty and grace.<br />
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My God is a funny, funny Man, and He loves me so much.<br />
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And so, although I still have some anger lingering and now I have even more questions than answers, I am choosing to rest and trust. And even with the overwhelming amount of items on my to-do list - including all of the Valentine's Day hoopla for the kids, getting Kylee in to an eye doctor to get her glasses, learning all of my lines for Fiddler, and keeping up all of the other things we have going on - I am choosing thankfulness and praise.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IOv2ZFCLlq4/VNqkpAVZNII/AAAAAAAAAWc/Z9OGRiluIig/s1600/totinos-party-pizza-pepperoni-56825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IOv2ZFCLlq4/VNqkpAVZNII/AAAAAAAAAWc/Z9OGRiluIig/s1600/totinos-party-pizza-pepperoni-56825.jpg" /></a><br />
And I am making frozen pizza for dinner.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo credit:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Hyundai logo </span>http://www.sixt.com/hyundai-rental-cars/<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">angry raccoon </span>http://4photos.net/en/image:121-119048-Angry_Racoon_images<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Daddy's arms </span>http://www.sermonsfromseattle.com/images/clip_image001_007.jpg<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Totino's pizza </span>http://static.caloriecount.about.com/images/medium/totinos-party-pizza-pepperoni-56825.jpg.:Shellie:.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00568161083085355424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970290043441915248.post-92210389625797204282015-01-06T23:10:00.000-08:002015-01-06T23:10:33.956-08:00One Word for 2015: Abundance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy New Year!!<br />
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I love the energy around the new year. The beginning and the end all at the same time. I like taking time to look back on the year that is ending while anticipating the year ahead.<br />
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Last year I started a tradition of asking the Lord for one word to function as a sort of theme for the coming year. My word for 2014 was "Abide." Looking back on the year, I love how this word was interwoven in every part of my life.<br />
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I wrote this in my journal at the beginning of the year:</div>
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<i>Abide.</i></div>
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<i>It has been quite clear that the Lord has brought me into a season of rest. I am rather enjoying (mostly) the adventure of discovering what resting actually means and looks like in my journey. The more I think on it, I am learning that rest does not equate to becoming stagnant, but rather involves continuing to move forward in a changing understanding, being renewed each step of the way. This is where Holy Spirit keeps whispering to me: "Abide."</i></div>
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<i>In John 15 Jesus lays out a beautiful picture of abiding. Verse 3 says, "</i>You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.<i>" What?! Wow!! This verse is directly followed by, "</i><span style="text-align: center;">Abide in me, and I in you. </span>As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me<i>." This is where life and growth take place. This is where the unconditional love and acceptance of Father God is realized. This is where healing and victory flow.</i></div>
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<i>And this is where I am.</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pgpyxFMdj6k/VKzUumadD3I/AAAAAAAAAUs/bZsAcPIcqLA/s1600/abide-ft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pgpyxFMdj6k/VKzUumadD3I/AAAAAAAAAUs/bZsAcPIcqLA/s1600/abide-ft.jpg" height="111" width="200" /></a><i>Abiding.</i></div>
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<i>Abiding in love.</i></div>
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<i>Abiding in truth.</i></div>
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<i>Abiding in God's presence.</i></div>
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<i>Abiding in God's acceptance.</i></div>
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<i>And none of this is of myself; on my own I cannot survive - apart from the vine I am dead. And so I choose to abide because Jesus decided to abide in me.</i></div>
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2014 was full of beautiful opportunities to rest and abide. I can't say that I was exactly graceful in all of these opportunities, but I am thankful for the patience and grace I was offered in every one of them - from the Lord Himself as well as from the people around me that I am blessed to have in my life.</div>
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Closing out last year, I spent some time answering a <a href="http://into-mind.com/2014/12/16/your-year-in-review-50-questions-to-help-you-reflect-appreciate-and-get-excited-for-2015/">list</a> of "50 Questions to Help You Reflect, Appreciate, and Get Excited for 2015." This was a fantastic exercise that I am adding to my New Year's tradition. It was fun to take a good long look at all that I have to be thankful for from the previous year and it was exciting to take that reflection and look forward into what I want for the year to come.</div>
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And the word I got for this year I actually received a couple of months ago:</div>
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Abundance.</div>
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When I first heard Holy Spirit whisper this word to me, I kind of brushed it off as if I hadn't heard properly. What could be more self-absorbed or conceited, right? But when I considered what I wanted for the coming year, I kept coming back to that word: Abundance.</div>
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In 2015 I will turn 30. I have done a lot of living already and I love my life! That being said, I know that there is still a lot of life ahead of me and I want to live it to the fullest.</div>
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Which is when I remembered what Jesus said in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10%3A10&version=ESV">John 10</a> - "<i>The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly</i>." And then I wanted no other word for the coming year!</div>
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I want all that the Lord has in store for me - the blessings, the suffering, the challenges, the joy... the abundance. My faith is "yes" to the increase that the Lord is bringing for me, for my marriage, for my children, for my relationships, for my community, for my love, for my understanding, for my capacity to love.</div>
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Perhaps this is a risky way to hurdle into the new year, but I'm all in. I want nothing but Jesus; I will follow Him wherever He leads and do whatever He asks. There is nothing I want more than His presence; without Jesus I am absolutely nothing. He is my everything. He is abundance.</div>
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<i>"From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another." (John 1:16)</i></div>
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<i>"These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." (John 15:11)</i></div>
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How about you? What are your traditions when welcoming a new year? What one word might you focus on for 2015?</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo credit:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">"Happy New Year" </span><a href="http://nextbiteoflife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/happy_new_year_2015_champagne.jpg">happy_new_year_2015_champagne.jpg</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">"Abide" </span><a href="http://www.stjamesandemmanuel.org/wp-content/uploads//2012/08/abide-ft.jpg">abide-ft.jpg</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">"Abundance" </span><a href="http://iwokeupyesterday.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/abundance.jpg">abundance.jpg</a></div>
.:Shellie:.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00568161083085355424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970290043441915248.post-34683182411003893832014-12-28T20:25:00.001-08:002014-12-28T20:52:51.873-08:00Reflection and Waiting<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What a beautiful Christmas season we had! I
realized, as we entered into the Advent season and I was making my list of
things I hoped to do with my family and friends and for myself, just how much I
missed last year while Tom was here in Colorado and the kids and I were still
finishing up our time in Louisville. This left me feeling immensely grateful
for the extra measure of grace the Lord provided us last year as well as the
amazing people we had around us - in Colorado and in Kentucky. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Last year we didn't put up any Christmas
decorations in our apartment in Lou; instead we were busy sorting and purging
and packing and saying our hasty goodbyes. We drove for two days before
Christmas and arrived late Christmas Eve, just in time to enjoy a nice fire in
our new apartment, have the kids "open" (**ahem** pull out of the Wal-Mart
bags...) their new pajamas and throw blankets on the floor in one of their
bedrooms to sleep on. <a href="http://freedomreignshere.blogspot.com/">Tom</a> and I spent Christmas day unloading the truck. Many
of the traditions we had come to cherish were simply by-passed and put off,
with good reason, of course.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">This year I was able to settle into the Advent
season and reflect. I thoroughly enjoyed decorating our apartment, perusing our
Christmas music to put together my own playlist, and reinstate some of the
traditions we had to bypass last year. As a family we decided to celebrate
Advent together with a fast of sorts and a family devotional. I bought candy
canes and made hot chocolate from scratch so we could decorate the tree
together. We read a different Christmas book [nearly] every night, cut
snowflakes out of paper, made a count-down chain, and watched our favorite
Christmas movies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Having grown up observing Advent with my church for
the 4 Sundays before Christmas, culminating in a solemn, intimate, candlelight
Christmas Eve service, I did not always stop to think about what it all meant.
This year it was like something clicked for me that hadn't before: Advent is a
celebration of the waiting. My dear friend and pastor, Laurie Thornton, gave a
<a href="http://www.timandlaurie.org/2014/11/18/together-in-the-waiting-getting-to-know-the-god-who-waits/">beautiful teaching</a> on waiting and a God who waits just before Advent started,
which really got me thinking. There is truly something magical about this
season and about the fulfillment of the promise God had given to His people so
many generations before Jesus actually came as a baby in Bethlehem. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Now, if you know me even a little, you may not find
it hard to agree that I am not typically a very patient person. For example, I
finally made cake (from a box) the right way - meaning, I used the hand mixer
for the full 2 minutes, not just until everything looked sufficiently combined
- and realized there is actually a <i>reason</i> they instruct you to do
it that way! The cake came out so spongy and moist... Yes! It was in that
moment that I realized why I'm just not that into baking - so many dishes and
ingredients for one recipe and so many time-consuming steps... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Anyway, I
digress. As I was reflecting this Advent season and thinking about how patient
my Lord is with me and how very long those people who were alive when Jesus was
born had been waiting for the coming of a Savior, I couldn't help but praise my
King with gladness. He really came! He really rescued! He really sought and
pursued and sacrificed! All of this He did for me. And for you. How can my
response be anything but worship?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">I must confess: I could often be found getting
emotional and tearing up, especially for the first couple of weeks of Advent.
Certain songs or Scriptures or greetings or gatherings simply made my heart
swell until I felt it would burst. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When I read of the promise foretold in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah+9%3A1-7&version=NLT">Isaiah 9</a>, my
heart races with excitement and anticipation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Darkness
and despair will not go on forever... The people who walk in darkness will see
a great light... For You will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the
heavy burden from their shoulders... For a child is born to us! A son is given
to us!.. And He will be called: Wonderful! Counselor! Mighty God! Everlasting
Father! Prince of Peace! His government and its peace will NEVER end!.. The
passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven's Armies will make this
happen! <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I mean, WOW! That is a promise from Almighty God
and He has fulfilled it and is fulfilling it! Yes and amen!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And the lyrics! Oh, the songs of Christmas are
always so special to me and some of my favorite to sing, and this year I found
so many of the words of my favorites - from long ago and from recently -
touching the deep parts of my soul that aren't often exposed to sense. The
lyrics to this verse of O Holy Night especially got to my heart this year: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Truly He
taught us to love one another <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">His law is
love and His gospel is peace <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Chains
shall He break, for the slave is our brother <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and in
His name all oppression shall cease!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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This brought tears to
my eyes every time, especially with all that is happening in this country right
now as well as in Myanmar, where the <a href="http://asiaheartbeat.org/">organization</a> I work for supports children
in dire situations, not to mention every other nation in the world. Jesus is
breaking chains and abolishing oppression!! He has promised!<!--EndFragment-->
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><span style="font-size: large;">I may not have succeeded in checking off <i>every</i> activity on
my list and we may not have succeeded in reading the book and devotion <i>every
</i>night of Advent, but I'm not bothered by any of that. The things that
mattered the most to me were time with my family, peace in our home, seeing the
beauty and joy around me, and celebrating the waiting and the promise
fulfilled. We enjoyed a wonderful candlelight Christmas Eve service downtown
Wednesday night - exactly one year after we arrived as a family to our new home
in Colorado Springs - and a fine, peaceful, relaxing Christmas day as a family
and with new friends. My heart is full. I enjoyed many a silent night,
pondering and reflecting in the warm glow of the twinkle lights decorating my
living room. As I reflected, I rejoiced. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">He has come; He is coming; He will come.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><br />Photo source URL: </span><a href="http://www.wallpapers-in-hd.com/openurl.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.picstopin.com%2F1680%2F1680x1050-fantasy-lights-desktop-pc-and-mac-wallpaper%2Fhttp%3A%25257C%25257Cimg%2Awallpaperstock%2Anet%3A81%25257Cfantasy-lights-wallpapers_32052_1680x1050%2Ajpg%2F">http://www.picstopin.com/1680/1680x1050-fantasy-lights-desktop-pc-and-mac-wallpaper/http:%257C%257Cimg*wallpaperstock*net:81%257Cfantasy-lights-wallpapers_32052_1680x1050*jpg/</a></span></div>
.:Shellie:.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00568161083085355424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970290043441915248.post-71730110261540560892014-12-05T09:05:00.000-08:002014-12-05T09:05:46.176-08:00Lingering Christmas Album Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M_6HV5VzTME/VIHiOs2GnUI/AAAAAAAAAT8/9GHVtszzKeE/s1600/lingering%2Bfacebook%2Bpost%2B-%2Bdownload.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M_6HV5VzTME/VIHiOs2GnUI/AAAAAAAAAT8/9GHVtszzKeE/s1600/lingering%2Bfacebook%2Bpost%2B-%2Bdownload.png" height="268" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This Christmas season we are celebrating Advent as a family in a way we never have before. The Advent season is a time for expectant waiting and celebration in anticipation of the coming of our Lord Jesus. This is the first time I've really engaged my heart in the concept of waiting and anticipating. I find myself expecting miracles and rejoicing in the promises of God in a new way. I find myself resting and feeling and pondering and reflecting.<br />
<br />
In fact, that is my word for this season: <i>Reflection</i>.<br />
<br />
And this word has especially impacted my listening preference this Christmas season. My playlist is full of emotional, nostalgic, reminiscent carols and works that often bring tears to my eyes and sighs to my lips. I love allowing my heart to feel and to feel deeply.<br />
<br />
So when my friend, <a href="http://www.karlaadolphe.ca/">Karla Adolphe</a>, started talking about making a Christmas EP a few months ago, my heart skipped and twirled at the notion of what could be. And, dear friends, she did not disappoint!<br />
<br />
Talk about waiting with great anticipation! As she started planning and producing, Karla shared on her <a href="http://karlaadolphe.tumblr.com/">blog</a> about the process and kept her friends and fans updated on s<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KarlaAdolphe">ocial media</a> with teasers and tidbits that kept me on the edge of my seat. I was especially intrigued when she released the name of the album: <b>Lingering.</b> This so perfectly accompanies my posturing of reflection this season and I could not wait to get this in my ears and let my heart linger in the haunting beauty of Karla's voice and heart.<br />
<br />
Karla released this 5 song EP on Monday, December 1, available to download for only $6! I passionately implore you to go <a href="http://www.karlaadolphe.ca/#!store/c1p9k">download</a> it right now and get it in your ears.<br />
<br />
All 5 songs on <b>Lingering</b> are downright magical! Four of them are some of my all-time-favorite classic carols and one is an original work that I adore. Truly, this woman is an artist! I am inspired and mesmerized by how she has taken liberties and added her own flare to the songs I love so much without losing the integrity of the melodies or the nostalgia of the music. Her original song, "All Your Glory," is raw and deep and stirs emotions in me I didn't know I wanted to feel. The way she uses words to express the deepest things in my own heart gets me every time. I am blown away by her talent again again and with this album she has raised the bar once more by playing every musical track you hear! That's right, she is the <i>only</i> instrumentalist on the album. I love the way she pushes herself and works to hone her craft. Her humility and genuine excitement are just beautiful reminders of what an amazing person and treasure she is.<br />
<br />
I have the privilege of offering a giveaway of this album here on my blog. In fact, I am giving away 2 free downloads! Here's how you can enter to win one of the downloads for yourself:<br />
<br />
You will receive one entry for each of the following actions; you can enter up to 2 times on my blog and once a day on Twitter or Facebook. The winners will be drawn by random selection and announced on Wednesday, December 10, at 3:00 pm, MST.<br />
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<li>Comment on this blog post. I'd love to hear your thoughts, your favorite Christmas carols, what word you have for yourself this Christmas season, or a favorite Christmas memory!</li>
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.:Shellie:.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00568161083085355424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970290043441915248.post-87268695498213713362014-07-12T19:54:00.000-07:002014-07-12T19:54:07.758-07:00The Grocery Store Saga<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Seriously, grocery store parking lots are one of the most frightening things for a mom - especially a mom of three young children (all under age 8).</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It all started yesterday…</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">But first, a little back story:</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">We are now budgeting for a weekly grocery trip, which means I am responsible for meal planning and shopping every week, which means that because it is summer I must find it within myself to muster up the energy and will-power to cart all three of my </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: line-through;">strong</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: line-through;">opinionated</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: line-through;">passionate</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> beautiful mini people to the grocery store EVERY WEEK.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">You may think this is no big deal, but, honestly, there are weeks I would rather climb Mt. Everest barefoot.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Please don’t hear me wrong or throw judgmental glares or condescending power-mom stories my way. I absolutely adore each of my children and love to spend time with them. The cold hard facts are, though, that: </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">My 3 1/2 year old son is still in the messy process of learning to be patient and control his temper, which often times results in him yelling, screaming, jetting off into cart traffic at the slight mention of not getting what he wants, and pulling things off of shelves. You can accuse me of failing and not doing enough because he should have these social faux pas under control by now, but I will simply ignore you because I am already exhausted and have worked very very hard to get him to this point and am proud of him for asking to go to the potty instead of not saying anything and peeing all over the floor in the cereal aisle and for not carrying on his screaming and kicking fits for the entire time we are in the store and for not kicking, biting, or yelling at innocent passers by for no apparent reason. We have come a long way, people!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">My 6 year old daughter can be a bit of a space cadet; I affectionately call her my daydreamer. There is not a time we go into a store and I don’t have to pull her out of the way of a grandma barreling down an aisle in full power-walk mode with a cart full of Metamucil, bran cereal and cartons of milk, because she is dreamily reaching for a pretty ribbon attached to a shiny Minnie Mouse balloon full of helium. It typically takes at least 4 times of me asking her to move before she clues in and begins to utilize kinetic energy, which is frustrating because she has an impeccable ability to stand exactly where I need her not to. Today I firmly warned her that I was going to run her over, but forgot to address her directly; a poor gentleman a few feet in front of our caravan stepped back and appeared to be frightened, saying, “I thought you were talking to me! I was ready to run.” I smiled and laughed lightheartedly and assured him that if I <i>was</i> talking to him, I would give him a warning as I had my daughter.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">My 7 1/2 year old daughter is a lot like me: Loves lists and order and perfection and appearing to have it all together. She falls apart when all of these things fall apart because, let’s face it, all of these things do fall apart at one time or another - or all at once, as it usually goes in the grocery store. She is my list-keeper and takes her job quite seriously; so much so that she often panics when I don’t get bread yet because it is the next thing on the list but bacon and frozen veggies are located on the way to the bread. A typical trip with her at the helm of the list involves at least one moment where she throws the list on the floor and walks to the other side of the aisle with her arms crossed, muttering something along the lines of, “Fine I just won’t do anything anymore.” Again, she’s a lot like me.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Apart from their individual tendencies that come along with their amazing and unique personalities and characteristics, there are the interpersonal issues. One of the big ones for my kids is doors; also who is walking where; also what kind/color/style of cart we have; also what color dish they get to eat out of; also who gets to help; also who is being treated like a baby… Oh, I should stop there because the list would seriously just keep going on. This is a natural and beautiful part of them growing and learning how to relate to other people in life, as well as discovering their likes and dislikes and all that good stuff. But boy is it a hassle on the grocery trip! Sometimes these things feel so overwhelming I struggle to bring my children out of the house at all.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">So, you see, going grocery shopping with all of my mini people in tow is quite a feat.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Back to yesterday…</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I had a day of errands and housework planned for our Friday. It had been a couple of days since the kids and I had done anything outside of the house, so I decided to let them play at the park in the morning instead of doing the shopping then. Then I had a friend ask me to watch their kids for the afternoon because they were in a bind so I decided to help them out - which also gave my kiddos time with their friends - instead of doing the shopping then.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Which left me with needing to do the shopping today: Saturday. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V5WaZp3ETeQ/U8HyFQBHTJI/AAAAAAAAAS4/z0lwPnlezRc/s1600/img_3686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V5WaZp3ETeQ/U8HyFQBHTJI/AAAAAAAAAS4/z0lwPnlezRc/s1600/img_3686.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">There was no chance of pushing the trip back any further because we are out of all breakfast foods and sides and have very few comprehensive options for meals. If we didn’t go today, we would be surviving on microwave popcorn, grilled chicken, spinach, and eggs. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Now, I have learned that if I absolutely <i>have</i> to go shopping on a Saturday - especially at any of the main options such as King Soopers or Wal Mart - it is best to go very early, as in before 9am. Anytime after then it is a madhouse and all hell breaks loose. This is tried and true, people.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">One of the worst choices I made in this scenario was to go at lunch time. (smh)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I was not up for an early rising today; I was tired after a long, arduous week of this whole mommy thing. So breakfast was a little later than usual.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">And I had promised them yesterday that we would go to the library today, which needed to involve them getting their prizes for all of the hard work they have put into reading this summer (The oldest earned her super cool robot-hand-grabber-thingy for completing the “extra credit” 25 hour prize goal! So proud of that one.) as well as picking out some new books and DVDs to bring home.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">By the time we finished up at the library and made it to the grocery store, it was the worst time of day on the worst day of the week to go grocery shopping with all three of my children.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I girded up my loins and decided we were going to buckle down and get it done. I put my best foot forward and gave them the best pep talk I could concoct, once I finally found a parking spot that wasn’t miles from the front door and was only a couple of spaces away from a cart return. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The pep talk looked a lot like this:</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Me: You will repeat after me. Ready?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Them: Yes, Mommy.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Me: I will not ask Mommy for anything.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">(They repeat)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Me: I trust Mommy to get everything that I need.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">(They repeat)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Me: I will not throw a fit, even if I do not get what I want.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">(They repeat, somewhat hesitantly)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Me: I will treat everyone with love and respect.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">(They repeat)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Me: I will stay by Mommy.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">(They repeat)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Hope rose in my heart as I anticipated all of these things being remembered and this trip going magically smooth.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">And then we got out of the car.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Walking through the grocery store parking lot is akin to navigating a mine field when you have three small people with you. We have many serious conversations about why it’s important to not go running ahead but stay close to Mommy, why we don’t walk in the middle of the road but stay close to the side, why we watch for the back lights on the parked cars because they may be backing up but not able to see someone as short as my children, etc. Each of my kids could quote these precautions to you with ease, but executing them is another thing entirely.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">We made it through the lot without a mishap and I started breathing again when we got through the front doors. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Some one had just left a beautiful, empty cart right in front of me, facing into the store and ready for me to simply walk up to and push forward. There was a moment where I swear I saw a beam of light shining on the cart and angels vocalizing in harmony.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">That moment was quickly shattered by the commotion my children began to make about wanting the cart with the car on the front for my son to ride in. This is where things really started to go downhill and, in hindsight, I should have put my foot down and not given in to their desires.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">After securing the requested cart and getting everyone settled, I tried pushing forward and not letting this minor situation throw off my groove. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Do you know these carts I’m referring to, the ones with the car on the front? If you don’t, you must not have kids or you miraculously have never taken your kids to the grocery store that has them. If you do, you can sympathize with me about how absolutely ridiculous they are. The turning radius on these is worse than a 15-passenger van full of wild and crazy teenagers on their way to a Superchick concert. I have never found one that actually has all of its wheels on the ground at the same time and doesn’t pull to one side or another. The actual cart space is significantly reduced. The buckles are always broken either to the extent of complete uselessness or to be no longer kid-proof to open. Today the cart we had may as well have not had any wheels on it at all because it was like pushing a brick wall down the aisle. I believe my words as we began down the main thoroughfare were, “Well, at least I’ll get a work out today!”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I proceeded with caution to the produce section. Cherries and grapes were on sale and spirits were high! Perhaps a perfect run was still within my grasp…</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">As we were about to turn the corner to move on to the next section, my buddy boy informed me of his need to use the restroom. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Now, I must say that I am elated about the fact that I no longer have any children in diapers, I do not have to take the entire house with me to go anywhere for any amount of time, and all of my children are quite independent in the bathroom department. All of that being said, I know that having to take a potty break in the midst of a grocery trip can be a recipe for disaster. It tends to throw off our game like a bird dive-bombing the pitcher on the ball field. But when the boy has to go, the boy has to go. I considered myself fortunate enough to still be on the same side of the store as the restrooms this time, which is pretty much a miracle.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I waited as they all went potty, because we do not do the stop-3-times-for-one-at-a-time-to-go, we do the it’s-now-or-you’ll-hold-it-forever and my kids have clued into this quite well. When asked if they also have to use the restroom, coupled with the knowing look they receive from me, all of my children most often respond with, “I’ll try.” Once we got rolling again, my list and plans were far from my mind and I started shopping like I did in the old days when I didn’t follow a budget or a meal plan or a list very well. Oh well.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">We didn’t have a real meltdown again until we hit the cereal aisle, which was of the utmost importance to all three of them because we were OUT of cereal… again. (Sheesh we go through a lot of that stuff!) There was much arguing and bargaining - I think one of the sisters actually tried to bribe her brother with precious coins to agree with them so they could get the flavor they wanted - and after tears and yelling commenced, I gave in and got both kinds that they wanted instead of one slightly healthy option and one sugary option, which was met with cheering from the children and instant regret from me.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Moving down from the cereal and beating myself up for being a pushover and not standing firm but giving in to fits, I wanted to melt into the floor and disappear. But there were still a few items left on my list. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Of course that was when the littlest one got upset about some unknown offense and took off running into the front of the store, almost giving an old lady in a visor a heart attack. I charged after him and swept him up into my arms, kicking and screaming, to sit him in the front seat of the cart where he wouldn’t have any more freedom. He screamed. And kicked a little. But we moved on anyway.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Then there was an issue with the oldest deciding which kind of fruit snacks to pick out. She had been so easily set on a flavor of cereal but just couldn’t come to a conclusion on which of the 5 options of fruit-flavored gummy shapes she liked the most. At this point my patience was melting down and I was struggling to keep it together.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Only a few other minor things transpired as we picked up the paper towels and dairy products and searched for the path of least resistance to the checkout line. By this time, all of us were tired and hungry and I felt a bit frazzled but was desperately trying not to let my kids see that.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Deep breaths; deep breaths. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">We finished up at the checkout and I denied their begging to ride the penny pony, feeling a little redeemed in my parenting abilities because I had said no and stuck to it. A strange calm seemed to finally settle over them as we headed for the door, which I was incredibly thankful for in the anticipation of navigating the minefield of the parking lot. The youngest obediently placed his hand on the cart and the girls fell into step beside me.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">We crossed the first part of the parking lot without any trouble. But then we started to get close to our car.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It would so happen that BOTH of the cars on either side of ours were about to back out of their spaces and NEITHER of the drivers were paying any attention and neither were my own children. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Like I said: Mine field.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">My boy’s eyes were as big as baseballs as I reached for him and pulled him against me while I pressed my back to the rear of our car. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Thankfully the lady who almost hit him stopped when she saw me. It makes me sick to think about what might have happened if I had waited a split second longer to look that way. She was sure in a hurry to get out of there though, because as soon as I had all of my babies under my wings like a protective mother hen, she kept right on backing out. She did roll down her window to make sure everyone was okay and apologize, which I appreciated.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I immediately scooted all of my children into the car as soon as the other cars were gone and breathed a sigh of relief and a prayer of gratitude.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I don’t know if I was physically shaking as I put all of my groceries into the back of the car, but I was in a bit of shock. It took no small amount of strength to keep myself from falling to pieces and bawling my eyes out when I got in the car. Once I had myself composed, though, I did make sure to tell each of my babies how much I love them and how thankful I was that no one was hurt.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">My youngest looked at me with all sincerity and said, “Mommy, I should remember to hold a hand next time.”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Yes, buddy; yes you should.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">So as I finish the cold remains of my morning coffee and consume the last of the leftovers from the fridge, my precious little ones quiet in their rooms for the afternoon after eating lunch and settling in, I am very thankful. Life can be a crazy train of madness, but it can change in just the blink of an eye. I know I am safe in the arms of my Father and I know that Jesus holds my babies in his hands, regardless of any circumstance that arises. But I am incredibly grateful that tragedy did not strike today.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">And next time I will go to the grocery store by myself, just to save a little sanity for all of us.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Photo credit: </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“Whole Foods parking lot <a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/image/2013/10/17/ca46,0,400,236/Whole-Foods-Market.jpg"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">http://www.post-gazette.com/image/2013/10/17/ca46,0,400,236/Whole-Foods-Market.jpg</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“Empty Cupboards” <a href="http://simplybeingmum.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/img_3686.jpg?w=625&h=416"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">http://simplybeingmum.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/img_3686.jpg?w=625&h=416</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> “Danger Minefield” <a href="http://www.banklawyersblog.com/.a/6a00d8341c652b53ef019b037a2bcc970d-popup"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">http://www.banklawyersblog.com/.a/6a00d8341c652b53ef019b037a2bcc970d-popup</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“Keep Calm and Carry On” <a href="http://sd.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/i/keep-calm-and-carry-on-38344.png"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">http://sd.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/i/keep-calm-and-carry-on-38344.png</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“Mine field explosion” <a href="http://www.madhedgefundtrader.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Minefield-Explosion.jpg"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">http://www.madhedgefundtrader.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Minefield-Explosion.jpg</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“Holding Hands” <span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://thinkingmomsrevolution.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/holding-hands-1024x718.jpg">http://thinkingmomsrevolution.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/holding-hands-1024x718.jpg</a></span></span></div>
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.:Shellie:.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00568161083085355424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970290043441915248.post-17914108794583594652013-11-28T22:08:00.000-08:002013-11-28T22:08:46.687-08:00A Changing of Seasons...As some of you know, our time in Louisville, KY, is coming to a close. We will be moving our family to Colorado Springs, CO, in a matter of just a few weeks. It's all coming together rather quickly and feels somewhat like a whirlwind, although we have an immense amount of peace. <div>
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There are so many feelings that come along with one season ending and another beginning. Feelings of loss and great sorrow over relationships invested in that will be changed by distance; feelings of joy and excitement over possibilities ahead. There are all of the "what could have been's" and all of the "what may be's." There are relationships that will stand the test of time and distance; there are relationships that will prove to have only been for a season.</div>
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In all of it I'm realizing over and over that "it's okay." </div>
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So much of this journey over the last couple of years of moving to Kentucky, living here, and now moving all the way back across the country doesn't quite make sense.</div>
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Why did we come all the way out here just to move right across the Rockies from where we were living before?</div>
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Why did we come here to invest in building relationships with beautiful, amazing people that we would just have to turn around and say goodbye to?</div>
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I don't have all the answers. And I'm okay with that. Here are some things I do know:</div>
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God is good. His timing and plan and way are good and I can trust Him.</div>
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Our time in Louisville has been incredible and beautiful and meaningful and rich and hard and memorable and trying and healing and life-changing and all around worth it. </div>
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We found here a grace and space to grow and heal in ways we didn't even realize we needed to and we have been surrounded with loving people who have encouraged and supported us. </div>
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We have done a lot of growing up in this season, as we have made many adult decisions on our own. </div>
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Our family is closer and full of more love and thankfulness and will continue to function out of more peace and joy. </div>
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We have realized some of our strengths and sought growth in areas of weakness. </div>
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Our marriage is richer, our parenting is more gentle and purposeful, our family as a whole is stronger.</div>
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My heart aches over leaving.</div>
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My heart leaps for joy over going to Colorado Springs.</div>
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In all of this I am unspeakably grateful. Grateful to the people who have invested so much in us. Grateful to the Father for knowing exactly where we needed to be. Grateful for the time we have had here. Grateful for the hope we have for the future.</div>
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There are still many details we are trying to sort out as far as logistics for our move. We do know that Tom has a job he will be starting on December 9th and the mini people and I will join him after the girls get out of school December 20th, hopefully finding ourselves together in time to celebrate Christmas in our new home.</div>
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The mini people are all expressing many of the same feelings I've expressed to you here. Although they are sad to have to leave friends and schools and teachers and church family, they are excited for what's to come. Thankfully we have many friends in Colorado Springs and they are looking forward to getting to be close to them. There's of course the added bonus of living closer to Grammy and aunts and uncles and cousins! Five hours driving sure beats 3 days...</div>
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We aren't entirely sure what Jesus has in store for us in this next season, but we're excited to find out. We're looking forward to immersing ourselves into a community of believers in the Springs who are living a Kingdom lifestyle that we have longed to be a part of and understand. We're not sure how long we may end up living there or what may come after our time there. </div>
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Our life is an adventure.</div>
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Sometimes that's uncomfortable for us; sometimes that makes others uncomfortable.</div>
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In all honesty, I think it's kind of thrilling.</div>
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<b>Please Pray!</b></div>
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I cannot end this post without imploring you to pray for our family and this transition.</div>
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Please pray for the details to fall into place. We still need to find a place to live and work out how to move our belongings.</div>
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Please pray for our hearts. As natural and healthy as all of the emotions we are experiencing and will experience may be, they can still be difficult to navigate.</div>
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Please pray for Destiny Church. There are still so many needs in the fellowship we came here to be a part of and we fully believe that Jesus has great things in store for the beautiful people who worship together here. Pray for encouragement for the leadership team and for people to rise up and serve as they are called. Pray for creativity and innovation as they continue to live out the vision the Father has given them for the Highlands and Louisville.</div>
.:Shellie:.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00568161083085355424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970290043441915248.post-29462701902117849592013-11-02T10:34:00.000-07:002013-11-02T10:34:39.426-07:00A Humbling LessonI learned a beautiful lesson of forgiveness and contentment from my sweet Kylee this week:<br />
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She had been saving up her money for the school's book fair for a couple of weeks and already had a book picked out. She brought her money to school the day of the book fair - the exact amount needed to purchase the book: $3.99.<br />
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Before she was able to go to the book fair, someone stole $3 right out of her backpack in her own classroom.<br />
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As she was telling me what happened, anger started to rise up in my mama heart and a feeling of needing to find justice for my daughter.<br />
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Kylee's response to the situation? "That's okay. I have plenty more money at home."<br />
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**picks up jaw from floor**<br />
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I was blown away.<br />
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The librarian had set aside the book Kylee wanted and we were able to pick it up that evening (Kylee insisted on bringing more of her own money to pay for it).<br />
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Her teacher was able to recover some of the money that was stolen, but not all of it.<br />
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This mama is very humbled by this beautiful display of selflessness and lack of worry over unimportant things from the overflow of my sweet daughter's precious heart.<br />
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<br />.:Shellie:.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00568161083085355424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970290043441915248.post-39363625502798545842013-02-17T15:04:00.001-08:002013-02-17T15:04:31.083-08:00I Want to Be FamousMy Chloe keeps telling me, "Mommy, you're the most famous girl I have ever known!"<br />
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I almost don't want to correct her word usage because, frankly, it's kind of awesome to be told I'm famous! (For the record, I have talked to her about the definition of the word and the fact that it might not be the word she's looking for. I asked her why she keeps using and she told me she likes the sound of it (haha!). I don't think she grasps the concept still...)<br />
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I think I've always had this underlying desire to have fame and fortune. I wouldn't have admitted that until just recently, but I can't remember a time when I didn't daydream about being "discovered" and becoming a household name, wanting for nothing because my fame has brought me fortune.<br />
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Now here's my beautiful, precious little girl looking at me with a giant grin and a sparkle in her eye, telling me I'm the most famous girl she knows. I'm realizing that's the best kind of famous to be!<br />
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All my life I've longed to be known and adored and loved - and all of these dreams can be met in my own home. And that's good enough for me!<br />
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If my children are the only ones who ever know my name and are impacted by my life and gifts, my joy will be full and my fame will be had and my fortune will be very great.<br />
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<br />.:Shellie:.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00568161083085355424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970290043441915248.post-42320386447529495832013-01-22T11:07:00.000-08:002013-01-22T11:07:13.055-08:00Thankful HeartsA crafty post, hooray!! <br />
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As a family we seem to keep coming across this theme of thankfulness. I'm noticing my lack of thankfulness has rubbed off on my mini people and I want to help them learn this lesson of being thankful in everything now.<br />
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So I came up with a way to help give them a picture of thankfulness: I made a jar we can fill with "thankful hearts."I'm actually pretty excited about this idea and had a lot of fun making it. And with Valentine's Day just around the corner, I thought it couldn't be more perfect timing and I can share this with the world (or my world, at least), too!<br />
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So here goes...<br />
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The supplies I used:<br />
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<li>11" x 14" poster board (bought a pack of 5 at Hobby Lobby for less than $2)</li>
<li>pencil</li>
<li>Medium tip Sharpie Pen (my favorite pen ever!)</li>
<li>Colored Pencils (I bought a whole pack just for myself)</li>
<li>Red and pink construction paper</li>
<li>Scissors</li>
<li>Glue stick</li>
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I took my pencil and a sheet of poster board and freehanded a jar (I'm no artist, so it isn't anywhere near perfection, but I'm sure my loving children will think it's awesome! ;) I also found myself saying in my best Captain Jack Sparrow voice, "I got a jar o' dirt." over and over, much to my husband's entertainment). </div>
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I freehanded some fun letters so it reads: "A thankful heart prepares the way for the Lord," which is based off of Psalm 50:23 and an <a href="http://www.entertheworshipcircle.com/">Enter the Worship Circle</a> song called <a href="http://www.entertheworshipcircle.com/media/search.aspx?q=come%20fall%20on%20us">"Come Fall on Us."</a> </div>
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I went over all of my pencil lines with my favorite pen so they would be darker and more visible.</div>
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I added a little color to spruce it up in an attractive-to-the-small-ones kind of way.</div>
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Then I cut out a bunch of little hearts from the red construction paper.</div>
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I made 20.</div>
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I used my favorite pen to write "thankful" on each one.</div>
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I used the pink construction paper to make a cute little envelope to hold all the little hearts. I could have used a baggie or a regular envelope, but I was feeling especially creative.</div>
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Now I will sit down with the mini people and explain to them the Father's desire for us to have thankful hearts so He can use us and bless us as He sees fit (because, after all, that's what any good daddy longs to do). </div>
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They can earn the hearts by responding to not getting their way with thankfulness instead of throwing a fit; or by being selfless with their things, including time, toys, treats, etc.; or by being particularly thankful in any other way their little hearts dream up on their own! Each time they earn a heart we will tape it to the jar. </div>
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When the jar is full of all 20 hearts we will get to have a special treat - like going out for frozen yogurt or spending extra time at the park or having a friend or two over for a celebration... </div>
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And what's to say we can't start filling it all over again??</div>
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I'm incredibly excited to do this with my precious little ones. I'm more excited for what the Father is doing in all of our hearts as we seek to walk in thankfulness to Him for all He so graciously provides and does for us.</div>
.:Shellie:.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00568161083085355424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970290043441915248.post-24232670191050980492013-01-10T21:28:00.000-08:002013-01-10T21:28:47.230-08:00Singing to the King HimselfAs I was spending some time worshiping while cleaning tonight, <a href="http://www.theblackthornproject.com/2012/02/19/new-song-the-king-himself-video-audio-and-chart/">this song</a> came on my playlist and I found myself on my knees, weeping.<br />
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Let me back up some...<br />
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I LOVE to sing. It is something I've done for a long, long time. Over the years I've gone through periods of stupid jealousy, ugly pride, false humility, sweet surrender, and holding back regarding my voice.<br />
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A month or so ago I was struck with the great revelation that I connect to the Lord most easily through worship - and that's okay! I don't know where I got the notion, but for several years I had believed that worship through music was somehow a less worthy method of connecting to my God than other methods such as reading the Word and praying for hours on end. I would almost feel guilty for enjoying worship so much and needlessly reprimanded myself for getting emotional during songs.<br />
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Stupid, I know; so glad that's not how I'm thinking any more! Of course those other methods are just as important and using all areas of life to worship God is most beneficial, but that's another post for another day.<br />
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So tonight as I was sweeping the floor and singing at the top of my lungs, my mind was clouded with the many things that often cloud my mind when I'm trying to sing to Jesus:<br />
"I better not sing too loud because that might be prideful or someone might be distracted..."<br />
"Gotta make sure I don't sing off key because that would be embarrassing..."<br />
"Oh wait, no one is around, I can just sing freely without thinking about what anyone would think..."<br />
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And before I had a chance to think about how ridiculous and distracting my own thoughts were and before I could make the decision to bare my heart before my God in worship and adoration, it hit me: The chorus was playing and the lyrics are, "Sing out, sing out, the King Himself is coming now..."<br />
I suddenly pictured myself among a large crowd, awaiting the arrival of the King, everyone shouting their praise kind of like when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey and was welcomed warmly.<br />
I found myself planning to hold back my voice to keep from overpowering anyone else trying to bring their praise...<br />
I stopped in my tracks.<br />
NO!!! That is NOT what the King desires from me. He desires my everything, my full volume, my reckless abandonment to praising Him with all of my being!<br />
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This is when I dropped to my knees and wept.<br />
This is when it finally clicked: I sing for an audience of One.<br />
This is when I fell to pieces, but knew that I was whole.<br />
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When I'm worshiping through song, I am in the very presence of <i>the King HIMSELF! </i>Nothing else matters. No one else's opinion matters. My performance and perfection does not matter.<br />
I can sing out my love for Him and make my praise known to Him!<br />
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Last week we were talking about our vision as a church fellowship for 2013. One item we covered was stepping out in our gifts and not "sitting on" them, so to speak. (You can listen to <a href="http://idestinychurch.com/">Destiny Church</a>'s vision for 2013 <a href="http://idestinychurch.com/vision-weekend-2013/">here</a>!)<br />
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I've always considered singing to be a gift and dreamed of having some way to use this gift to bless the Bride and, therefore, bless the Lord. I have no idea what that looks like, but I really don't care. I'm just going to sing my heart out to my King!<br />
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.:Shellie:.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00568161083085355424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970290043441915248.post-42252280338393928112012-10-07T19:05:00.000-07:002012-10-07T19:16:41.562-07:00Mom DaysScrubbing dishes<br />
Folding clothes<br />
"Mommy, will you blow my nose?"<br />
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Hours spent</div>
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Rarely gaining recognition.</div>
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Tears of joy</div>
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"Mommy, can I turn the page?"</div>
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Make a mess</div>
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Feel my heart soar with their laughter.</div>
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Tucking in</div>
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"Mommy, you are just the best!"</div>
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Hold them close</div>
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Don't let go</div>
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It's a wonder how they grow.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">© 2012 M. Kushnerick</span><br />
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.:Shellie:.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00568161083085355424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970290043441915248.post-55175573372236439872012-09-20T06:19:00.001-07:002012-09-20T06:19:54.450-07:00Book Review: Stones of Remembrance by Julie Presley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><i>Stones of Remembrance</i></b></div>
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I just read the first novel I have picked up in a few years.<br />
Cover to cover.<br />
In one day.<br />
Yeah, it was that good!<br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJuliePresley">Julie Presley</a> has done a brilliant job of depicting a heart-wrenching, core-touching story that has so much genuine, down-to-earth reality about the ups and downs of journeying with Jesus and the risky business of Kingdom living. With poise and grace, she takes you into the real sticky aspects of life, from tragic loss to passionate connection.<br />
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It seems like so many "Christian" books present this fluffy, happy, cliche idea of what it looks like to go through this life, with its many unexpected twists and turns, as a believer in Jesus. This book is bold and messy and so full of every legitimate emotion known to man. It paints a raw picture of the Father's pursuit of His beloved children and the response of two very real people with very real heartache, doubts, struggles, and grief.<br />
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I cried; I gasped; my jaw dropped; my heart raced; I laughed; and at the end I threw my arms in the air and cheered with tears streaming down my face.<br />
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I think every woman I know should read this book and pass it on to her girl friends. It isn't every day that such a treasure becomes available to us that is able to unlock longings of love lost and hope regained that we thought would never see daylight again. The practical truth of the dialog found within will make your heart sing a new song and throw you into a frantic run to your Daddy's arms, where He will hold you tight and make you whole.<br />
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This book is available as a paperback or as an e-Book on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stones-of-Remembrance-ebook/dp/B0093GS2KW/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stones-of-remembrance-julie-presley/1112663008?ean=9780985929107">Barnes & Noble</a>, or directly from <a href="http://juliepresley.com/buy-the-book/">Julie's website</a>. I urge you to get ahold of it and let it get ahold of you!<br />
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I'm even doing a giveaway of a copy of the e-Book, so you could get it for free! All you have to do is share this review on your Facebook page, Re-Tweet it, or RePin it before midnight Saturday, Sept. 22, to be entered to win..:Shellie:.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00568161083085355424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970290043441915248.post-80884764769265609242012-09-13T11:22:00.000-07:002012-09-13T11:22:03.387-07:00This is My Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Exhausting day so far. I swear the most outlandish things happen on the days that I resolve to take a chill pill and choose peace.<br />
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On less than 4 hours of sleep, I had to drag the kids out of bed to pick up the hubby from his 16 hour shift at 7am, which makes for an off-kilter day right there. Unable to fully comprehend the world or function like a normal human being (at least, as "normal" as I can pull off...), I somehow managed to get everyone home and fed and back out the door with Kylee in uniform and with backpack in tow (including signed permission slip for next week's field trip; I'm such an overachiever!) to get her to school on time (for the first time all week).<br />
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I even got laundry put away and the kitchen floor swept before meeting a beautiful friend for coffee.<br />
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The coffee shop we met at is literally 4 doors down from our house, which I absolutely love. The kids call this one "our coffee shop;" I get the impression that they seriously believe it belongs to us... Anyway, I walk down there with my two smallest mini people, thinking I have everything under control and this will be a breeze. Within 15 minutes of being there, my sweet boy used one of the crayons I brought as an attempt at adequate distraction to express his creative soul on the solid yellow wall. It was a black crayon, of course.<br />
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I very much enjoyed the luxury of actual adult conversation and interaction, which has been quite lacking for me this week; of course it was intermingled with so many questions and trips to the bathroom and assisting with getting the toys off of the very top shelf and then putting them back, but it was still very cherished, especially with such a wonderful friend and person.<br />
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And then, of course, more drama ensued when Chloe and Josiah decided to fight over one particular piece from a toy and Josiah fell off of his chair backwards, head first into the wall/window frame. Everyone in the shop stopped moving and held their breath as my son released a completely legit cry of terror and pain. A few people asked if they could do anything and the poor barista-boy looked so desperate to be of assistance that I asked him for a bag of ice, which he kindly and promptly brought out. Thankfully my boy seems to be fine, just a little bumped and scraped, which is entirely normal for him anyway. It was nice that everyone seemed so concerned for my poor, sweet boy and I even forgot to be embarrassed to bring such (additional) attention to the state of utter chaos my life can tend to become. He was back to curiosity and discovery in a few short minutes, acting like nothing had happened; that's my boy!<br />
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We chatted some more and my sweet friend gave me a whole bag full of brand new school uniform clothes for my Kylee, which is a huge help and a totally unexpected blessing! Then we parted ways so I could feed my tiny monsters, whose dispositions were rapidly deteriorating, and she could go home and mow her lawn.<br />
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Chloe fell into total fall-apart mode when we got back to the apartment, which helped push Siah over the edge into limp-noodle rebellion. Oh the joys... I managed to feed one and put the emotionally frayed one in her bed to discover the art of calming down so she could get her lunch, then headed back to the coffee shop to scrub the crayon off of the wall and also grab a short stint of peace and calm to gather myself. (Don't worry, Tom is home so I didn't just abandon my kids.)<br />
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Thankfully I got all of the crayon off of the wall (hooray for Norwex cloths!), but now there are some very clean patches on an otherwise not-so-clean yellow surface. Oddly, I wasn't flustered or embarrassed by any of this situation either, which I am totally impressed with myself about (if you really know me, you'll understand this isn't pride, it's sober judgment of how much I've grown).<br />
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Now every ounce of energy I might have had from my minuscule amount of sleep is completely drained, Chloe has calmed down and eaten and is now in bed resting peacefully, and I am counting my blessings and catching up on some reading.<br />
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A nap would sure be nice, but I probably won't even attempt that for fear of starting the whole de-groggifying (I made that word up just now...) process again to go pick Kylee up in an hour and a half..:Shellie:.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00568161083085355424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970290043441915248.post-76237681589324424982012-09-02T17:23:00.001-07:002012-09-02T17:23:36.094-07:00One Year Ago Today...Labor Day weekend last year held a monumental day for us.<br />
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That Sunday we were asking the Lord for a specific answer as to where He wanted us to go and do. And He answered.<br />
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We had been seeking His direction on what He was calling us to for almost a month. This is something that we have always done on at least a semi-annual basis, just to check in, make sure we're still in His will and fully submitted to Him and that our hearts are pure. Until that point these inventories were typically short and simple, consisting of asking the Lord, Him saying, "Stay where you are," us repenting of any pride, resentment, or whatever, then receiving refreshing and renewed vision, joy, and strength.<br />
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But this time we got a different answer.<br />
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So we were listening more intently and digging deeper.<br />
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And on that Sunday we got the answer: "Move to Louisville and join Chris and Hannah Davis at Destiny Church."<br />
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It's amazing how much can happen in just one year. How beautiful to be sitting in Louisville now, one year later, walking by faith on the path He called us to.<br />
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This is all just the goodness of the Lord!.:Shellie:.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00568161083085355424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970290043441915248.post-39319607658063806452012-08-25T13:49:00.000-07:002012-08-25T13:49:50.330-07:00Praise the Lord, O My SoulWe have been in Louisville for 4 weeks now.<br />
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We're pretty well settled into our apartment. The only room I have left with full boxes (other than the boxes of books still awaiting bookshelves) is our bedroom and I've been searching everywhere for my motivation to finish that, with no luck. But we definitely feel at home here.<br />
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Now that we've been here a few weeks and are settling in, I am noticing some expectations that I've had for this move and this season of our life that I had sworn I didn't have. I've been through a bit of a cycle of getting frustrated, losing my temper, whining, getting depressed, realizing I'm being ridiculous, repenting, and ruling my soul.<br />
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One of the biggest expectations I've had has been expecting this job that Tom had been pursuing to be the answer to all of our financial woes. Boy was I mistaken. Turned out the job is only commission, an independent contractor position, and Tom has to find all of his own leads. So far he has made a grand total of $125 in the 4 weeks we have been here and has spent more than that in gas and supplies. So now he is only doing that part time, hoping that he can get some deals going, and he has started working for pennies as a security officer overnights at a university hospital. Needless to say, I had to swallow my pride and repent, rule my soul and trust my husband and my Lord.<br />
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Just like every other period of job hunting and financial struggle, it seems many costly things come up. The Pontiac is out of service for now, having problems with the coolant reservoir. We replaced the reservoir with some help from a friend, but now the coolant is leaking from some yet to be determined location. So we are down to one vehicle until we can get the car looked at. With Kylee starting school we have had to get her uniform clothes, supplies, and now need to buy her new shoes. Then there was the whole me losing my phone thing... And now we are getting to the point that we need to get our Kentucky driver's licenses and register our vehicles and get in-state car insurance. The expenses seem to be piling up and the income is not. Thankfully we were approved for Kylee to receive free breakfast and lunch at school, which is definitely a big help.<br />
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But this is all the goodness of the Lord! We did know walking into this that it would be hard and we would be walking by faith. Every day I have to make the choice to not look at the things around me in the physical and trust my heavenly Daddy to take care of me. I'm holding on to the promises I find in His Word that echo in my spirit. One such promise is in Isaiah 26:3 - "You will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!"<br />
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I am resting in that perfect peace, keeping my eyes on Jesus. I am thankful for all of the wonderful gifts the Father has so graciously given and I trust Him to work everything out for our good so that we can continue on His mission here in the Highlands with Destiny Church.<br />
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The most rewarding aspect of our time here thus far is building relationships with the beautiful people at Destiny. We are overwhelmed with their joy and love and faith. Every opportunity we have had to get to know each of them more has been greatly cherished. What an incredible blessing to be in fellowship with such amazing brothers and sisters!<br />
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So there is a bit of an update for you all. Thank you everyone for all of your prayers, love, support, and encouragement as we continue to serve the Lord and His people in this community.<br />
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Here is a short video to make you smile:<br />
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<br />.:Shellie:.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00568161083085355424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970290043441915248.post-53504684114191028612012-08-11T20:40:00.001-07:002012-08-11T20:40:14.903-07:001 Corinthians 9:27Maybe it's the lower altitude, which means more air weighing me down?<br /><br />Maybe it's the fact that, for the first time in over a year, we are actually drying our clothes in a dryer?<br /><br />Maybe it's still leftover weight from my last pregnancy that I've been trying to ignore for almost 2 years now?<br /><br />Or maybe I'm just gaining weight. I don't have a scale to verify that theory, though. (Is there an iPhone app that I can use to weigh myself by standing on my phone??)<br /><br />Whatever the reason, my clothes seem to be fitting a little more snug than usual. I'm slightly shocked because now we have a million stairs in our home that I climb and descend numerous times a day, we are pretty tight on money so extra snacking is a luxury we can't afford, and my full time job now is to wrangle my children and keep my house in order. <br /><br />But, alas, my muffin top does not lie. <br /><br />And so, to Jillian Michaels I turn, with my faithful companion and fellow sufferer by my side. Tom and I blew the dust off of her "The Biggest Winner!" 5-DVD boxed set (that we acquired for free some time ago), strapped on our sneakers, filled our water bottles, and enjoyed a nice, affordable butt-whipping. <br /><br />Now I don't think I ever want to move again. Perhaps, for Tom's sake, I should take a shower before dragging my beaten bones to bed...<br /><br />And maybe, just maybe, we will do it all over again tomorrow. <br />.:Shellie:.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00568161083085355424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970290043441915248.post-86824616177260868752012-08-05T07:02:00.001-07:002012-08-05T07:02:12.471-07:00One WeekWe've been in Louisville for one week now. We're settling in pretty well. Almost done unpacking, which feels great! We just need some furniture like bookshelves and a desk to finish up. <br /><br />The apartment is just big enough for the five of us. The girls love their big room that has enough room for sleeping and playing. It's kind of like their own little getaway upstairs. I'm adjusting to not having a dishwasher and only having one bathroom. Tom's man heart is loving all of the little projects he's needed to do. Josiah is finally sleeping in his room, but still hasn't slept in his bed. He's made a habit out of sleeping on his floor against the door. Poor little dude is having the hardest time adjusting. <br /><br />Tom's job turned out to be different than what we were expecting, but for now he is giving it a try. He seems to be starting out great, which is encouraging. I'll let him tell of what he is doing and how he likes it. <br /><br />I've had a few moments of being overwhelmed with the house, with the kids, with all of the logistics like getting Kylee set up for school and needing to figure out insurance. Tom has been great about speaking peace and grace over me and helping me where he can. The hardest thing has been Josiah's struggle with adjusting. He has been incredibly clingy and needy. It's completely understandable; this is a big change for such a little guy! Prayers for his dear, sweet heart would be much appreciated. This mama is exhausted! Thankfully there are amazing people in our church family at Destiny who have reached out to help with the kids and who have helped answer my questions about figuring out the logistics. I am more than blessed!<br /><br />Speaking of Destiny Church: I LOVE being here in person and getting to know these amazing people! Our hearts are near bursting with love and joy for the people the Lord has called us to serve. I am looking forward to being in a more "normal" state in our house so we can have more time and space to connect with them. *happy sigh*<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/05/1231.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/05/s_1231.jpg' border='0' width='199' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I love living in Louisville! This is such a beautiful city with so much to do. We enjoy living on Bardstown Road and being able to walk to shops and restaurants and even the church building. The people are great and I am even getting used to the very different style of driving. It will take some time for me to learn my way around, but I am so grateful for the Google Maps app on my phone in the meantime! I absolutely love all of the beautiful architecture and the plethora of green foliage here. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/05/1232.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/05/s_1232.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The mini people are still amazing. They bring me so much joy! I love that I have all of my time to take care of them and order our household. Kylee is super excited to start school in two weeks Chloe is sad that she doesn't get to start school yet and has assured me that she is happy I get to stay home with her but she is sad Kylee won't be home with her anymore. Josiah, despite all of his clingy-ness and troubles, is still absolutely hilarious. He talks all the time now and is climbing all over everything - including bathroom and kitchen cabinets. It blesses my mama heart that all 3 of them get along so well and dote on each other all day long. I love listening to their chatter and laughter as they play in Siah's room or eat lunch together. My heart is so full. <br />.:Shellie:.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00568161083085355424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970290043441915248.post-71036438533833697462012-07-28T07:01:00.001-07:002012-07-28T07:01:14.118-07:00We're Here!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/28/1187.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/28/s_1187.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We made it! <br /><br />It is such an amazing, almost surreal feeling to wake up in Louisville this morning. After nearly a year of dreaming about and preparing for this move, the adventure is at last in full swing!<br /><br />The last week has been hectic and very near exhausting. With finishing up work commitments, saying "so long" to beautiful friends and family, packing all of our earthly belongings, and driving across the country with 3 kids and a moving truck, we have had very little down time. All of the time spent with people and all of the tedious sorting of our things to ensure that we only brought what we want to keep was well worth it. I am overwhelmed by the blessings of our send-off from our previous home. The Father is so gracious to us!<br /><br />Let me just say that I am so thrilled to set up our new apartment and make it our own. Chris and Hannah Davis have gone above and beyond in helping us work out getting into the apartment they just moved out of and making us feel welcome in our new home. I absolutely love that everything we brought does not even fill up the whole 17' truck we loaded it into! I'm excited to have the time and availability to unpack and order our home myself this time. I feel all grown up and on my own, free to fly like a baby bird leaving its nest. I have been blessed with great teachers and I feel like I'm ready! (You might think, Finally! But if you know me, you will realize this is kind of a big deal because I have had my mom and other wonderful, loving people doing a lot of the ordering and organizing in my home and was a bit lost and lazy at times.)<br /><br />The whole process of packing and traveling has been kind of a big deal. Especially for the mini people. I just want to brag about them a little: They have been awesome! Watching all of their things be packed in boxes and seeing it all in the moving truck and waving "see you later" to everyone and everything they have ever known was a lot for such small ones. They took it all in like pros! They cried some. They got frustrated a few times. But seriously, they have been wonderful! I was a bit concerned about driving the van by myself while Tom drove the truck, but it went way better than I had dared hope. They certainly have been equipped for the call the Lord has placed on our life. <br /><br />Some great moments and quotes from the last few days:<br /><br />When my mom expressed her joy for knowing we are in the Lord's will but her "selfish" desire to keep us with her, Kylee said, "It's not selfish, Grammy; this is what Jesus asked us to do!"<br /><br />As we were nearing the end of the drive and finally only a couple of hours from the city, Chloe exclaimed, "Look out Louisville, here we come!"<br /><br />Josiah can now say "Louisville"! It's pretty cute. :)<br /><br />As we drove over the Ohio river into Louisville, I was telling the girls we were in the city and asking them what they thought, Kylee whimsically sighed, "It's so beautiful!"<br /><br />Gosh. I just love these kids!<br /><br />We were honored to stay with some beautiful people in Colorado Springs Wednesday night and some more beautiful people in Kansas City Thursday night. What a blessing to connect with precious friends in the Kingdom across the country! <br /><br />About 40 miles from Louisville we drove into an impressive thunder storm complete with torrential rain and strong wind. That made for an exciting drive into the city! As we were driving down Bardstown Road to our apartment, all of the power on the street went down. We ran through the rain and big puddles to get to the ever darkening apartment as the light faded in the sunset. Several people from the fellowship at Destiny Church came to help unload some essential things like beds and towels from the truck, which was such a blessing. Because of the weather and lack of light, though, we decided it would be best to hold off the unloading and get a hotel for the night. We even had people bring us some essential groceries. How beautiful to be greeted by such willing, loving, serving hearts! <br /><br />Staying in the hotel turned out to be kind of nice and refreshing. I finally got a shower and feel human again. :) Now we are gearing up to enjoy a nice breakfast in the lobby before embarking on today's plans of unloading the truck and attending our first Destiny Church weekend gathering as a family!<br /><br />What a fabulous life we have been given. :)<br />.:Shellie:.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00568161083085355424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970290043441915248.post-24005673597749079082012-06-14T01:08:00.001-07:002012-06-14T01:08:43.450-07:00He Prepares<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/14/130.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/14/s_130.jpg' border='0' width='188' height='269' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Scout's motto: Be Prepared!<br /><br />Yet the Bible says: We can make our plans,<br />but the LORD determines our steps. (Proverbs 16:9 NLT)<br /><br />So I think my resolution and personal motto is: He prepares. <br /><br />I feel like the Lord has been preparing me for all that He has for me and I am so excited! Although nearly all of the plans and expectations I've made have fallen apart, i.e. our plans to go to Thailand this year and our plans to move to Kentucky, I am at peace and loving this season of faith.<br /><br />My most recent realization of His preparation came to me tonight as I was reflecting on my day...<br /><br />I had four separate points of connection and conversation with four treasured girl friends of mine today. Now, "old me" would typically feel drained and overwhelmed, having been anxious about each encounter, especially when you add a full day of work, mom stuff, fighting some kind of cold or bug, and only getting 4 hours of sleep last night. <br /><br />But instead, I felt energized and exhilarated! Every conversation felt natural and effortless. This is a new feeling for me. You see, I used to fret irrationally about what to say or how to say it, constantly stressing over not making a fool of myself and hoping I don't miss a line or cue. Ugh. That is so exhausting and futile!<br /><br />Instead I am learning to trust the Lord, be myself, and treasure each opportunity to connect with others. What a relief! Especially considering that I know I am called to minister through relationship, particularly in this next season of my life. I am stoked that I am seeing fruit of the Lord's preparations, despite my own preparations failing. <br />.:Shellie:.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00568161083085355424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970290043441915248.post-3471770160497474432012-05-13T19:03:00.001-07:002012-05-13T19:03:59.543-07:00Honeycomb Tombs: An Album in ReviewLoss. <br /><br />Grief. <br /><br />These things are a natural side effect of living. That doesn't make them easy, though. <br /><br />What do you say to a 15 year old boy whose mom just died of breast cancer? Or a first time mom whose baby unexpectedly died shortly after he was born? Or a close friend who just had a miscarriage? Or a friend whose unborn nephew would not survive once he was born?<br /><br />There are no magic words. There is no "easy" button. In times like these, perhaps silence is golden. <br /><br />But what if there was something you could give to them to accompany them on their journey with grief? Or if you had something to accompany you if you find yourself on that journey?<br /><br />Karla Adolphe, a beautiful person and incredible musician, has put together just that. Her new album, Honeycomb Tombs, is full of songs to aid in the grieving and healing process, no matter what that might look like. I have never heard a more hauntingly beautiful voice or been so deeply moved by such an anointed heart. Every song on this album stirred emotions within me that I didn't realize existed. I have been spared many sorrows in my own life but have had my heart wrenched by the sorrows of those around me and I believe that this is a beautiful gift from the Father Himself. <br /><br />The song "Invisible Lines" was one of the first I heard from the album and will stick with me forever. The lyrics say: "our hearts broke at the same time... torn across invisible lines... mine was still beating... yours said goodnight..." Just one simple example of the fabulous way Karla has of painting word pictures for what we see with our hearts. <br /><br />This album is completely free and available to <a target="_blank" href="www.karlaadolphe.ca">download</a> on May 15. I urge you to add it to your own music collection and share it with everyone in your world. Even if you aren't currently in a state of dealing with loss or grief this music will seep into your soul and minister to you in a profound way. <br />.:Shellie:.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00568161083085355424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970290043441915248.post-21358261261909692732012-04-16T21:12:00.001-07:002012-04-16T21:12:50.669-07:00Thailand or Bust!This family update has been a long time coming...<br /><br />On July 5th, all five of us plus three of the youth in our ministry are leaving for a month long mission trip to Thailand. We will start and end our journey briefly in Texas, where we will be meeting the rest of our team that is going, and receiving the necessary training to be the most effective we possibly can while in country.<br /><br />We are all very excited about being able to travel the globe as a family, especially knowing it will all be for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Even the kids can show you where Thailand is on our little bouncy globe. We know the Lord is calling us there for many different reasons. Certainly one of the greatest reasons is because of the dire need that is found there.<br /><br />For info on the trip go here: http://www.globalexpeditions.com/mission-trips/summer-trips/asia/thailand/ If you select "Quick Facts" you will see details about Thai culture and how to pray. <br /><br />We have been doing fundraisers since the summer of 2011 for getting us over there, but we still have a long way to go financially. As we write this (April 16th) we have 80 days left before we leave, and we need your help to make it there. Be it through prayer and/or financial support, we want to offer you the chance to partner with us and with the Lord for what He is going to do this summer.<br /><br />If you are interested in helping through prayer support, send us a private message and we will put you on our prayer team newsletter.<br /><br />If you are interested in helping through financial support, you can go to Global Expeditions' website and donate directly to us there. The direct link is http://www.globalexpeditions.com/donate/ and our Group ID to donate to is 2659982, so feel free to do so as soon as possible! We need roughly $4400 per person, so any and all gifts are fully welcomed and appreciated! <br /><br />If you have any questions, feel free to let us know. We will definitely be keeping you updated as we prepare to go change the world, and while we are over there too!<br />.:Shellie:.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00568161083085355424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970290043441915248.post-11334674825553672842012-04-13T23:51:00.001-07:002012-04-13T23:51:07.252-07:00Yep, Blessed.For the record: I have the most awesome family ever. <br /><br />Tonight we went to dinner at Dos Hombres after work with my coworker, Laura. Tom let me know he wanted to get dessert afterward too, and the kids invited Laura to join us for that as well. I thought that was it, but snickering girls and shushing secrets made me a bit suspicious... <br /><br />Then the cashier at Red Mango handed me a bag and said, "And I believe this is yours too."<br /><br />At this point my girls turned into monkeys at the zoo who discovered new people to fling poo at... They were laughing and squealing and hopping and running around, obviously excited about whatever was in that bag. <br /><br />We made our way through the crowded FroYo shop to a table and the girls started pulling things out of the Pier 1 bag in my hand. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/13/3739.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/13/s_3739.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A colorful new journal with a blue be-jeweled pen from Kylee. Exactly what I have been needing since I finished my last journal a few days ago and have been learning so much that I've been wanting to write out. Kylee picked it out herself and it is perfect, which means a lot coming from this picky journal-er!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/13/3740.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/13/s_3740.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />An embroidered purple scarf from Chloe. This was handpicked beauty from my trendy little accessorizer. I told her I especially like that it's purple because it reminds me of her. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/13/3741.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/13/s_3741.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A necklace with many wonderful dangling doo-dads that apparently Josiah was adamant about getting for me. I'm sure he can't wait for me to wear it so he can play with all the cool things when I hold him. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/13/3742.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/13/s_3742.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A fabulous blue and turquoise cuff bracelet from my amazing husband who knows how to pick fun, artsy jewelry better than I do. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/13/3743.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/13/s_3743.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A fun bubble bead necklace that apparently is from Jesus, but Daddy got to give it to me from Him. ;)<br /><br />All of these gifts were so thoughtful and beautiful. Laura was impressed and wondered if it was my birthday. I assured her it was not. Tom told us the story of how he and the kids were talking about how much they love me and wanted to do something special for me, just because. This blessed me the most. He said that the two young men behind the counter at Red Mango were pretty excited to be a part of it. <br /><br />I'm so blessed to be loved so fully. I can't stop smiling! I am honored that my children and husband are so ecstatic to show me their love and affection. These may be small trinkets that didn't cost a great deal of money, but the hearts they came from and the thought that went into each gift are so precious to me. <br />.:Shellie:.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00568161083085355424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970290043441915248.post-44007046033102664292011-10-27T15:52:00.000-07:002011-10-27T15:53:01.054-07:00Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love the fall.<br />
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(Now I am obviously referring to the "autumn" type of fall rather than the "falling" type of fall I wrote about in my last post.)<br />
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I love the cool, crisp air.<br />
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I love the beautiful colors everywhere I look.<br />
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I love walking in fallen leaves when they are dry and crunch under my feet.<br />
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I love that it is getting dark earlier.<br />
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I love putting my mini people in hooded sweatshirts and snuggling with them to keep warm in the wind.<br />
I love the excitement of the changing seasons.<br />
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I guess I have always viewed fall and spring as the "transitional" seasons. Creation is changing in preparation for the next stage of being. Preparing for the harsh cold of winter or the intense heat of summer. I think that is why I love these two seasons the most; I feel like my life is also in constant preparation for what is to come, in a very good way!<br />
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Sometimes there have been falls in our life where it feels a lot like death is setting in. The trees lose their leaves and go into the like-death hibernation mode and it seems that our life follows suit due to the loss of a job or other financial hardships, relationship difficulties, ministry stresses, etc.I wouldn't cite those falls to have been my favorite. But they were necessary for the growth that followed in the spring and summer and I am thankful for even the hardest of autumns.<br />
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Other times there wasn't any kind of changing season whatsoever, such as when I lived in the Marshall Islands with my family. The weather there was the same year round. The only "seasons" I ever heard mention of were the "rainy" season and the "windy" season. Whenever I tried to inquire as to when each was approximately going to come about, I pretty much gathered that if it was raining outside it was the rainy season but if it wasn't it was most likely windy so then it was the windy season... Not much of a "season" difference as far as I could tell! It makes me smile to think about it, though. I loved the warmth of the sun all year long and the warm lagoon waves on the warm coral sand any time I wanted. I miss seeing and hearing the rain move in from way out somewhere in the unending ocean and watching it move expediently toward the shore. I miss island life and would go back if the opportunity were ever to arise.<br />
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But there is certainly something special about witnessing the changing of the physical seasons. Something about Starbucks bringing back their Pumpkin Spice Lattes and Peppermint Mochas. Something about hot chocolate and marshmallows and laughter with my precious daughters. Something about the kids' faces lighting up when they see the different colors of the leaves on the trees as we're driving to church on Sunday morning. Something about the crisp freshness in the air. Something about seeing people draw closer together to stay warm.<br />
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Oddly enough, I feel like cleaning my house more in the fall than I do in the spring. So that is what I am setting out to do this fall: clean my house. And my cars. And my heart. I guess you could say I'm implementing a little "Fall Cleaning" in my life. It's gonna be good!<br />
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I guess I think about how I'll be in my house a lot more than I'll be out of it over the next several months, so I better make it look and feel and smell as inviting as I have always hoped it would. And I believe that as I clean out the dusty cobwebs from my kitchen ceilings and the caked on grime from the doorknobs and lightswitches, I will have time to listen to the Holy Spirit a little more about the cobwebs in my heart that are keeping me from loving the Lord how I ought to and spreading His Kingdom wherever I go by loving the people around me. In making my home more readily presentable, I'll be able to open my doors and share all that I have with peace and joy. In the same way, in allowing the Truth and love of Jesus to clean out my heart, I will be more readily available to open my arms and embrace my friends and loved ones with more grace and joy, welcoming them into my heart more and more and receiving the blessing of who they are on a much grander scale.<br />
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The only thing I don't like about fall, however, is that it always seems so short... I hope this fall is long enough to hold all of the love and joy and bliss and blessings and growth that my loving Daddy has in store for me and for you!<br />
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And if we have the opportunity, let's you and I grab a pumpkin spice latte together to celebrate this great time of year!.:Shellie:.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00568161083085355424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970290043441915248.post-27621980748474709402011-10-05T16:00:00.000-07:002011-10-05T16:00:57.940-07:00FallingIn my house things fall. A lot.<div>
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Mostly this is because things are constantly being put higher and higher to keep them out of reach of 6 curious hands. The other reason is because we have a habit of piling things instead of just putting them away.</div>
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Regardless, things fall. </div>
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And I often get upset when things fall. It frustrates me that not everything has a place. It gets under my skin when people don't put their stuff away (including myself). It burns my buscuits that we don't have a closet for this or a drawer for that.</div>
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It really isn't the most mature thing for me to respond by screeching or cursing or blaming other people or throwing things across the room, but I have to confess that these are not unheard of reactions on my part. I have grown and am growing, but there is still plenty of room to grow more.</div>
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When I <i>react</i> to these things, rather than <i>respond </i>to them, I am like a <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1:5-7&version=NIV">wave tossed on the ocean</a>, doubting and lacking wisdom. How embarrassing when I behave in such ways, especially in front of my kids and husband. Not exactly the example of the Lord's love and peace I hope to be in my home.</div>
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As I said, I have grown in this; now I have a choice to respond rather than react, laughing it off and cleaning things up and putting things away. What is the point of getting upset about it when I could have prevented it by putting things away anyway? When I still make the choice to react immaturely (usually accompanied with excuses like "it's been a really bad day already" or "it's all [fill in the blank]'s fault"), I have learned to get over it quickly, laugh it off, apologize for how I acted, and move on with my day. I used to seethe about things like that for hours and hours, wasting precious time that could have been spent much more pleasantly and making those around me suffer. How foolish! I am grateful that this is something the Lord has worked on in me and is still working on in me.</div>
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This freedom I have to make a choice on how to respond when things fall (or other annoying things happen) shows me that I am becoming more <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%201:1-3&version=NIV">like a tree</a> planted by the streams of living water whose roots go down deep and whose branches bear much fruit -<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=fruit+last&qs_version=NIV"> fruit that will last!</a> This is truly my desire.</div>
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The amazing thing about all of this is that it isn't dependent on me, but it is dependent on my trust in the Living God. The verse in James about the wave is based on the concept of asking the Lord for more wisdom and Him giving it to me. The verse in the Psalms about being like a tree talks about delighting in the laws of the Lord and meditating on them all the time. The verse in John about bearing fruit is all about being chosen by the Lord and not only asking for things in His name, but receiving them as well. Wow! There is so much yet to learn.</div>
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So instead of getting upset about things falling, I will stop being lazy and put them away, first of all, but second and more important, I will rest in the Lord and become so consumed by His love and faithfulness that I can't even see the things around me falling as I fall into His goodness.</div>
.:Shellie:.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00568161083085355424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970290043441915248.post-87901498821491269202011-09-21T10:33:00.000-07:002011-09-21T10:33:11.780-07:00The Cell Phone<br />
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Lately I feel as though my life has, in essence, exploded. I
don’t mean for this to have a negative connotation, so please don’t hear that.
I do mean that I am not the same that I was 6 months ago and I am not even the
same today as I was yesterday. When I say “exploded” I am referring to the
physics of an explosion completely changing the look and feel, the topography
and physical recognition of whatever is in the zone of impact. The explosion is
the power of the Holy Spirit and my life is the zone of impact.</div>
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In the last year or so I have endured trials of many kinds:
I have been hurt and I have been hurtful; I have received Truth and I have
believed lies; I have been forgiven and I have forgiven; I have been judged and
I have made judgments; I have been accepted and I have felt rejected; I have
loved and I have been loved; I have learned and I have slacked off; I have
given much and I have received much. These things aren’t different than any
other person’s life or any other season of life. So what am I learning in this
particular season of trials and blessings?</div>
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I was listening to a teaching at <st1:placename w:st="on"><a href="http://www.originscommunity.com/">Origins</a></st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Church</st1:placetype> in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Boulder</st1:place></st1:city> Sunday night about The Pattern of
Surrender. Pastor Ramin Razavi started in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%2047:1-12&version=NIV">Ezekiel 47:1-12</a> about the vision
Ezekiel had of walking out from the temple through the different levels of
water (seriously, you should check it out!) and he posed this question: “How
deep are we willing to go in the living water of Christ?” </div>
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This made me think about my own faith. </div>
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Faith: such a heavy word. So much is encompassed in just
this one concept.</div>
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So as I was driving home from <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Denver</st1:place></st1:city>, worshipping and praying and trying to
listen, I asked the Holy Spirit about that next depth of Living Water I am to
venture into. He asked me what I want it to be. I remembered some of the
ministry from the Healing Path Day Retreat (based out of <a href="http://www.robinpasley.com/the-healing-path/">Robin Pasley's book</a>) I had the privilege of attending on
Saturday regarding being best friends with the Holy Spirit. Now, as I have
mentioned in the past, I am kind of new to the whole concept of the Spirit’s
ministry in and through me. So I expressed the desire to have that best
friendship and to understand Him more so we can move together naturally as one.
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He told me to call my (sleeping) husband (poor thing). I
couldn’t understand what that had to do with anything. I honestly thought, well
sheesh, here I am trying to spend time with You to understand You better and
You want me to call my husband… </div>
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So I called <a href="http://freedomreignshere.blogspot.com/">Tom</a> and he was very gracious and loving and we
chatted for a few minutes but I was in the mountains and had bad reception so
he kept asking me to repeat myself and I kept asking him to repeat himself and
it was really just kind of silly to try to have a conversation at all. So we
decided to get off the phone and talk later when I was in a place with better
reception.</div>
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I hung up the phone and gave this kind of puzzled look of “Huh?”
to the Holy Spirit. He then began to reveal to me how I view communicating with
Him and Jesus and the Father. I realized through this conviction that I feel
like I’m talking on a cell phone with bad reception whenever I am praying. </div>
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Of course, this isn’t an accurate picture of what it looks
like to communicate with the Almighty God. Jesus says in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2028:20&version=NIV">Matthew 28:20</a>: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red;">“I am with you
always, to the very end of the age.”</span></i><span style="color: red;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t say “I am just a cell phone call
away, and if you get lucky, I’ll answer! And if you get <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">really</i> lucky, there might even be good reception and you’ll be able
to clearly hear My voice!” </div>
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So, why do I feel like the latter words are more accurate
than the actual words of Jesus? </div>
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I wish I had an answer to share with you. I am still trying
to sort through all of my issues to hopefully discover what has caused me to
believe this lie that communicating with the One who loves me so dearly and
rejoices over me and is with me always is like talking through bad cell phone
reception. I am on a mission to discover what has caused me to think of this as
normal and live the lie that I won’t ever be able to have clarity in
communicating with my Lord. For surely, since He is with me always, He is as
close as my own breath and He is able to whisper sweetly in my ear and I am
able to confide in Him at any moment. I long to walk in faith that this is
true; I want my life to reflect that I am in constant communion with my Maker.</div>
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In all of my recent learning and revelation, I feel as
though my eyes have been opened and I can finally SEE clearly. I wrote about
how I feel like I finally received my corrective lenses in the spiritual realm
here. I truly believe that as I discover where the roots of these lies about
communicating in the spiritual realm come from and I root them out of my life,
I will receive spiritual hearing aids and I will hear with clarity beyond what
I can fathom and I will walk in communion with my Lord like never before!</div>
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When I get it all figured out, I’ll share with you, dear
readers, so that you, too, might find the freedom that is being offered me. If
you have already found said freedom, please do share about your journey that I
might be encouraged and blessed and find the answers all the sooner!</div>
.:Shellie:.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00568161083085355424noreply@blogger.com1