tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42273364399991641182024-03-14T10:03:18.085-05:00TechnoIndigoLiving Life. Trusting God.Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764184231825939465noreply@blogger.comBlogger204125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227336439999164118.post-28300508250208446292015-01-11T14:03:00.001-06:002015-01-11T14:03:19.588-06:00No Fear<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/vPmKluynsU/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">When you're not wearing your glasses and you're nearsighted, and a tiny little moth flies close to the wall, it casts a gigantic shadow that just might freak you out. I'm sure there's a message in that, and it just might have to do with worry. After I began breathing again, after squinting wildly at the wall, I realized I had nothing to fear after all. It was just a tiny little moth, not some monstrous spider or something. It was a reminder to keep my head about me. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7 AMP)</a></div>
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A photo posted by Nora Whelan (@technoindigo) on <time datetime="2014-11-11T03:04:39+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Nov 10, 2014 at 7:04pm PST</time></div>
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<br /><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764184231825939465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227336439999164118.post-86515967796131498692015-01-11T14:00:00.002-06:002015-01-11T14:00:41.274-06:00Hold Fast<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/wNhnEHSnlc/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">Dark, cold and wet has been the only weather I've seen for several days now. Ready for a break in the clouds. Even still, I know the sun is shining behind that thick layer of clouds overhead. The weather has been kind of like the feeling of discouragement that overshadowed the early part of the week while still dealing with my knee still hurting and my tires on my car seeming a little unbalanced. But I hold fast to what I know persists in the midst of all these little things that distract me, and that is the goodness of my Savior. That my circumstances shouldn't determine how I feel or act. That He can get through to the deep places that just need an extra measure of His presence. That I'm still dealing with my knee hurting (less now than earlier in the week, but it still has that twinge in it that makes me treat it with special care as I go about my day), and my tires are still a bit wobbly (tried to deal with that tonight, but Walmart's air compressor broken!) but I can be joyful in my Lord, and I can let His peace overwhelm me, instead of being overwhelmed by my circumstances. Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7 NLT)</a></div>
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A photo posted by Nora Whelan (@technoindigo) on <time datetime="2014-12-05T04:17:45+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Dec 4, 2014 at 8:17pm PST</time></div>
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<br /><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764184231825939465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227336439999164118.post-39008667633957440502015-01-11T13:59:00.002-06:002015-01-11T13:59:45.057-06:00Set Apart<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/wWt_2tSntM/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">To be holy, or set-apart, is a call to change. We are to no longer be who we used to be before calling on the name of Christ. To call yourself a Christian implies an initial change of heart, as well as a desire to continue to change! God may love you right where you are, but He definitely doesn't want to leave you there! We continue to grow and change from our old life to then strive for holiness and righteousness as we live out our walk as a Christian. If you have no desire to change from how you were living before - after you've come to Christ, what are you really doing? Does not the thought of Christ dying on the cross for your sin cause you to want to change your life and turn from what you used to do? Who can go on worshipping idols, living in sexual sin, getting drunk, etc. if you have turned to Christ? Am I saying that it's easy to stop sinning? Absolutely not! Even Paul, who wrote a majority of the New Testament, admitted it was a daily struggle. But the desire to NOT sin any longer is going to be evidence of your walk. There is a battle between the flesh and spirit. But if you willingly and unrepentantly keep on sinning you are on dangerous ground. It might be a good time to reevaluate where you really are standing. If you find yourself in a place you don't want to be, and you want to change, turn to Jesus, and let Him work in you. It doesn't take pomp and circumstance to come to Christ. Just simply come to Him. It may not be an easy road, but it is quite the journey.</a></div>
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A photo posted by Nora Whelan (@technoindigo) on <time datetime="2014-12-08T17:59:10+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Dec 8, 2014 at 9:59am PST</time></div>
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<br /><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764184231825939465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227336439999164118.post-66879336043715182372015-01-11T13:58:00.000-06:002015-01-11T13:58:04.209-06:00Jehovah Jireh<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/wfXmrNSnn2/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">Jehovah Jireh - God the Provider I've been worrying about many things lately. Even after hearing this last Sunday about how we need to be joyful in all circumstances, be prayerful, and be thankful - it is still a challenge. Things come up and they just try to trip you and make you worry. You think that your circumstances are too overwhelming and you just want to wallow in that self-pity and pout about how everything is going wrong. But you must remember to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). When you don't feel like doing these things is the most important time to be them. These aren't things we do. They're things we are. So the last few days I've found myself overwhelmed, struggling to *be* these things. Then today, God reminded me again that He is faithful. That He will make a way where all I see are difficult circumstances. Holy Spirit encouraged me and reminded me that my God is a God who provides. Little things throughout the day just encouraged me - from being told how good I looked since I was discouraged about being at a plateau in my weight loss journey, to having fun losing at Uno at our year end lunch at work, to finding a purple plaid shirt at Rural King, among a myriad of other ways Holy Spirit has reminded me today to be joyful, prayerful, thankful, and that He always provides, whatever the need. “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. (Matthew 6:31-33 NLT)</a></div>
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A photo posted by Nora Whelan (@technoindigo) on <time datetime="2014-12-12T02:36:39+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Dec 11, 2014 at 6:36pm PST</time></div>
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<br /><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764184231825939465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227336439999164118.post-39221943260487476182015-01-11T13:55:00.001-06:002015-01-11T13:55:23.106-06:00Response to Rob Bell article on RelevantPosted to my Facebook page on <span><span class="fsm fwn fcg"><abbr class="_5ptz" data-shorten="1" data-utime="1419269471" title="Monday, December 22, 2014 at 11:31am">December 22, 2014 at 11:31am</abbr></span></span><a class="_42ft _4jy0 _55pi _5vto _55_p _2agf _p _1zg8 _4jy3 _517h _51sy _59pe _nl" data-hover="tooltip" data-tooltip-alignh="right" href="https://www.facebook.com/technoindigo#" id="u_jsonp_36_u" rel="toggle" role="button" style="max-width: 25px;"><span class="_55pe" style="max-width: 11px;"></span></a><br />
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I've not seen this show, but I did read the article linked here. The
following is a quote from the article: "During the second segment, Bell
dug further into his illustration by discussing the cross of Jesus
Christ, and why it is the ultimate metaphor for the “reconciliation of
all things.” His message was simple: The cross is such a culturally
enduring symbol because it is a representation of what God did for us in
order for people to be able to be reconciled to His perfect <span class="text_exposed_show">love[...]"</span><br />
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My question would then be: How can you talk about reconciliation and
the cross and not talk about sin and hell? What's the point of having a
Savior if there's no sin or hell to be saved from? Being saved from a
messy past or a poor current situation here on earth isn't the complete
answer! What did God do for us with that cross that Rob so (seemingly)
trivially pointed to? He sent His Son to die for our sins so we'd have
everlasting life! (John 3:16 {everlasting life being the opposite of
everlasting death, which is where we would be going without Him}) Yes,
love is good, because God is love. Yes, love (God) wins. But you cannot
only highlight a single part of the Gospel. When you do that it ceases
to be the Gospel because it ceases to be delivered in wholeness. The
greatest love of all is that although we sinned, God still loved us in
our sin, and sent His Son to take our sins upon Himself and die for that
sin, so we could spend eternity with God. THAT is the greatest love.
THAT is what people really NEED to hear. THAT is the point of the cross.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.relevantmagazine.com/culture/-rob-bell-show-premiere-was-about-cross">http://www.relevantmagazine.com/culture/-rob-bell-show-premiere-was-about-cross </a></div>
Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764184231825939465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227336439999164118.post-34661303791896977022015-01-11T13:44:00.000-06:002015-01-11T13:44:05.198-06:00Re: Leaving Church(Posted on my personal Facebook page <span><span class="fsm fwn fcg"><abbr class="_5ptz" data-shorten="1" data-utime="1420825182" title="Friday, January 9, 2015 at 11:39am">January 9 at 11:39am)</abbr></span></span> <br />
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I keep seeing these posts from various publications about why people
are leaving the church. The gist of all the ones I've read is that the
church isn't doing enough to meet people where they are. The church
should basically accept the lgbt community as it is, allow those who
don't believe in heaven or hell to spread their misinterpreted
doctrines, and allow swearing and drinking in excess. Here is a
paragraph from this particular article (below at the end of this post) that pulls out some of the
biblical e<span class="text_exposed_show">xamples of people the author apparently identifies with: </span><br />
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"Even if we are the woman in adultery, or the doubting follower, or the
rebellious prodigal, or the demon-riddled young man, we can’t be
anything else right now in this moment; and in this moment, we need a
Church big enough, and tough enough, and loving enough; not just for us
as we might one day be then, but for us as we are, now."<br />
<br />
Well, I
have news for this author: The adulterous woman was forgiven and told to
stop being adulterous; The doubting follower had faith and believed;
The rebellious prodigal came home; The demon-riddled young man had his
demons cast out from him! To think that you can come to Jesus and stay
the same, without even a hint or an inkling of desire to ever change is
the biggest lie out there about Christianity. And to go around hating on
the church because YOU refuse to change... How in the world is that
going to make a better church? Or even a better you?<br />
<br />
No, people
are leaving the church (in America) because they don't feel catered to,
they aren't having their feelings met, and they aren't getting instant
gratification.<br />
<br />
If that isn't your reason for leaving the church,
at least stop harping on how the church has failed you and look at what
you can do for the church to help reach people! If you want a church
that looks like Jesus, you better start acting like Jesus. Keep in mind,
Jesus wasn't a social activist hipster.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.churchleaders.com/outreach-missions/outreach-missions-articles/244545-dear-church-heres-people-really-leaving.html#.VK_eQUt43vU.facebook">http://www.churchleaders.com/outreach-missions/outreach-missions-articles/244545-dear-church-heres-people-really-leaving.html#.VK_eQUt43vU.facebook </a></div>
Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764184231825939465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227336439999164118.post-87826446508754453452015-01-11T13:39:00.000-06:002015-01-11T13:58:18.729-06:00Pay It Forward<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/xa2uhGSnhr/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">I know that some people who post those "pay it forward" kind of things are just doing it to encourage others to do the same and give to those in need (if you've done this in not trying to step on your toes, I really want to encourage you to something greater). I've seen churches and prominent Christians post things about what they did to help someone. Sure, it gets a lot of likes and retweets and shares, and may even make you feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside. But that's just temporal stuff. What lasts is when the only person you share that good deed with, other than the one who received the blessing, is God. What if we did that? What if, instead of looking for some likes and shares and a viral Internet post to showcase our good deeds, we took those things before God. We would have the satisfaction of knowing that our all-knowing Father had seen what we'd done. Then, instead of having an Internet post that will spike in interest for a few minutes and be forgotten the next, we would also know that we would be rewarded in a more long term way. Again, maybe this is one of those things where we may not get rewarded this side of Heaven. But this is another way we can show our love to God - by being obedient to what He's asked of us. I'm learning a lot about that in my own personal study. Maybe I'll post more about obedience later. Like I said, I'm still learning. This was the verse of the day on the Youversion Bible App. It's a verse that has come to mind when I see the blogs and the Pinterest posts about paying it forward or posting your kind acts, etc. I don't want to make an act of kindness about me. I mean, shouldn't our kindnesses point to Christ anyway? Father, help me to give generously to those in need, without feeling the need to share (or overshare) on social media or elsewhere. Let me guard my speech, that it wouldn't be about me boasting about what I've done, but that I would boast only of You. Give me eyes to see that the reward from you should satisfy. In Jesus' name, Amen</a></div>
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A photo posted by Nora Whelan (@technoindigo) on <time datetime="2015-01-04T05:03:48+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jan 3, 2015 at 9:03pm PST</time></div>
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<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764184231825939465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227336439999164118.post-2381593549096520862015-01-11T13:38:00.001-06:002015-01-11T13:58:26.331-06:00Do Good and Don't Give Up<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/xX1K1tSnrm/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">Whatever you're doing. However you are serving others. Don't give up. Don't quit. Even if you are not given credit. Even if no one ever sees what you do. If no one ever hears of your deeds. Don't quit. Don't let pride steal away the blessing that is coming. Don't do it for the blessing. That's just the icing on the cake. But do good out of response to God. Because He loves us. Don't let the worldly desires of acknowledgment and accolades weary you if they don't come. Do good because you are a child of God. Do good because deep down in that new person that you are, you really want to. The flesh doesn't want to do good. It gets tired and lazy and selfish. But don't you know we all struggle with that tired, lazy, selfish flesh that just wants to stay comfortable? Doing good isn't always comfortable. Sometimes it's dirty, or too cold or hot, or stinky, or it keeps you up late. Sometimes doing good runs you face first into your fears that you have to trust to God while you strive to keep at it. But whatever you do, don't give up or get weary in doing good. There's a blessing coming. I don't know when, or where, or how (or if?) that might manifest this side of heaven... But a blessing is coming. Even if it's only our reward in heaven, isn't that enough? Isn't Christ enough of a reward to keep us motivated toward doing good? I'm convicted in my own spirit of these things as I write this. He should be enough for me. God, I thank you for the opportunities You have given me to do what is good. Help me to stay strong in the doing, and focus on You. I praise You for your abundant grace, that You do bless your people this side of heaven. But let whatever blessings you have for me on this earth not be my focus or my goal. Lord, help me live to please Your Spirit and do Your will. In Jesus' name, Amen.</a></div>
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A photo posted by Nora Whelan (@technoindigo) on <time datetime="2015-01-03T00:52:28+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jan 2, 2015 at 4:52pm PST</time></div>
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<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764184231825939465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227336439999164118.post-87820257547350174092015-01-11T13:34:00.003-06:002015-01-11T13:58:34.716-06:00New Year's Eve<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/xS-1buynqF/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">God knows what's going to go on in our lives, when we don't. Especially when we don't. We try to plan. We try to do things our own way. But God knows what's going to happen. His will isn't for our harm. If we find ourselves in captivity - captivity to sin, living in the wilderness, in a dry season - we need to pray. And we need to truly seek His face. God promises that when we seek Him we will find Him. Let's seek His face this year. Let's look for Him, whether we are rejoicing or whether we are facing isolation and captivity through some circumstance from without or from within. Whatever we find ourselves, we should pray. We should seek His face. We should draw closer to Him, de we can find Him, and share in the blessings He longs to pour out to us. #NYE</a></div>
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A photo posted by Nora Whelan (@technoindigo) on <time datetime="2015-01-01T03:40:43+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Dec 31, 2014 at 7:40pm PST</time></div>
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<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764184231825939465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227336439999164118.post-84226665260010841452013-10-12T00:05:00.002-05:002013-10-12T00:05:47.209-05:00Set Apart<div class="heading passage-class-0">
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Romans 12:2 (ESV)</div>
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<i><span class="text Rom-12-2" id="en-ESV-28232">Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.</span></i><br />
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John 17:15-18 (ESV)</div>
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<i><span class="text John-17-15" id="en-ESV-26763"><span class="woj">I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.<sup> </sup></span></span><span class="text John-17-16" id="en-ESV-26764"><span class="woj">They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.</span></span> <span class="text John-17-17" id="en-ESV-26765"><span class="woj">Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.</span></span><span class="text John-17-18" id="en-ESV-26766"><span class="woj"> As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.</span></span></i><br />
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2 Corinthians 7:1 (ESV)</div>
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<span class="text 2Cor-7-1" id="en-ESV-28901"><span class="chapternum"></span><i>Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.</i></span></div>
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1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)</div>
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<i><span class="text 1Pet-5-8" id="en-ESV-30457">Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.</span></i><br />
<i><span class="text 1Pet-5-8" id="en-ESV-30457"></span><span class="text 1Pet-5-8" id="en-ESV-30457"> </span></i><span class="text 1Pet-5-8" id="en-ESV-30457"></span><br />
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Colossians 3:1 (ESV)</div>
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<i><span class="text Col-3-1">If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.</span></i></div>
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John 15:19 (ESV)</div>
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<i><span class="text John-15-19" id="en-ESV-26707"><span class="woj">If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.</span></span></i><br />
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Just a few of the verses about being set apart.<br />
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So called Christians keep acting like the world.<br />
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I want to live set apart.Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764184231825939465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227336439999164118.post-55159135543850121152013-04-14T20:26:00.000-05:002013-04-14T20:26:13.538-05:00For those under pressure<br />
Reading 2 Corinthians one day, it dawned on me that some of the first few verses of the passage are very powerful in how they say that what you go through is for the glory of God. In my NIV Study Bible, it notes that Paul is probably speaking here in the third person about himself, for literary effect, and not speaking of an actual group of people unless the context indicates such. So I wrote down the passage in first person, as if Paul were speaking of himself here. Look at what he is saying to this congregation:<br />
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We were talking tonight during Bible study about how people see things happening to people and they can't understand why. Our pastor mentioned a story someone online told about a car wreck they had seen, and the 4 believers who had been in a car that wrecked and rolled, and then caught fire, had seen a spiritual being pull them from the wreckage. The person online had asked why the wreck had happened in the first place. The primary answer we all thought of was that God would get the glory. I can think of many other situations in which this passage would be applicable. If someone has been in a life threatening situation, dealing with disease, battling depression or suicidal thoughts, facing financial strain or other stresses so great that you don't know what to do... any time something happens that brings you to despair that you cannot handle, or puts you in fear for your life, and you come through that, God should be given the glory. He has brought us through those things so that we would rely on Him. Whatever He has brought you through. Whatever He is bringing you through. He is with you.<br />
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Below I've included the video "Just Keep Breathing" by We The Kings. Although the group is not a Christian band, this song has a very Christian spiritual theme to it (at least in how I'm looking at it, God can speak so much through music that's not "Christian" music). I follow the CTFxC on YouTube, which is the bassist for the band, Charles Trippy's channel for his daily vlogs. I know that the language and lifestyle of the members is far more secular than Christian. But I think they realize that there's something more. Recently they have been thanking their fans for their thoughts and prayers due to Charles having some seizures recently, after celebrating one year since his first. So they have at least given some credit there. However, there is so much in this song. It's an encouragement that you're not alone. Let go of the things that are too much for you. I'd like to follow that up with "Give it to God". Let it go and give it to God. Don't try to hold on to it. As Professor Scott Johnson of Bethel College used to say, "Inhale grace. Exhale gratitude." God will give you the grace to get through whatever it is pressing down on you. Give Him praise that He has, or is, delivering you.<br />
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<br />Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764184231825939465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227336439999164118.post-57510486702414817362013-03-30T22:35:00.001-05:002013-03-30T22:35:15.984-05:00PerplexedSo many things on my mind that I could write about right now.<br />
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Today was our last big work day at the new church building to get it ready for Resurrection Sunday... which is tomorrow. It was hard, but we did it, Praise God! Kind of thankful we're not having Bible Study in the morning, because we will be focusing on the main service. We had a test-run tonight, to get the kinks worked out of the sound system and such. Two people were baptized, and we had food and fireworks afterward.<br />
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For some reason it feels like it's been a long time since I've been with my church family. It's only been since Sunday. But worshiping with them tonight was much needed. My heart has been longing to sing out in worship. Probably because this week has been one that has had me perplexed. The last couple of months or so have been super stressful all around, but this week was just... different.<br />
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I thought it was interesting, when I read the passage from 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 that this is where the song "I'm Trading My Sorrows" gets its lyrics. The leave out the part about being perplexed, but not in despair. Of course it didn't rhyme with the rest of the lines/rhythm of the song (though if they tried hard, I'm sure it *could* have worked!) But it is such a powerful line. If we are perplexed - We don't know what to do. But we are not in despair over it, which would be the normal response to not knowing what to do about something. Because isn't that what we do when we don't know what to do? We fret, we worry, we let our thoughts run rampant and they kind of take over. But as Christians, we don't have to be that way. We can be perplexed. However, we don't have to fret, or worry, or over-think things to the point we want to pull our hair out and scream.<br />
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So if you are hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted, struck down, or all of the above; take courage, because in Christ you are not crushed, you're not to despair, you're not abandoned, and you are not destroyed.<br />
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I know this is the last thing the enemy wants you to hear, much less think and believe. But maybe you just have to believe this to get through whatever it is you may be going through. Maybe this is a choice you have to make. Maybe it is a new attitude that the Holy Spirit has given you. Maybe you're just having a bad day and you need some encouragement. Be encouraged. Life doesn't have to be like it's always been.<br />
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<br />Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764184231825939465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227336439999164118.post-47564071866895965792013-03-10T21:53:00.002-05:002013-03-10T21:53:30.289-05:00It's been a whileIt's been a while since I've posted. Not that I haven't had things to post about. I have been sidetracked by work, being sick with a sinus infection, and trying to help out with the new church building as much as possible.<br />
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I have a new craft project I'll be working on as soon as I can get my supplies. It will involve carving basswood. I am so excited for this!<br />
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So much other stuff I would like to post right now, but I have to get going. I might make a post through the week if I have time. This is all I have for not.Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764184231825939465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227336439999164118.post-32677296969485699952013-02-14T15:24:00.001-06:002013-02-14T15:24:10.073-06:00Valentine's DayI found myself annoyed with the Valentine's Day stuff this year. More so than usual. I usually don't care much for it either way. I still don't care for it much but it's really annoying sometimes when you have been single forever. I had read the passage below several weeks ago, then was reminded of it again at Bible study last night. I have quoted it below - parentheses mine.<br />
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"Are you pledged to (another)? Do not seek to be released. Are you free from such a commitment? Do not look for a (spouse)... I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord." (1 Corinthians 7:27, 32-35 NIV)<br />
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Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764184231825939465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227336439999164118.post-52717223167816467352013-01-28T15:39:00.001-06:002013-01-28T15:39:37.706-06:00Famous OneI was reading through my news feed on Facebook earlier. Someone posted about a famous person being at a meeting or conference they were attending. They said they would be front and center in the audience while this person were speaking.<br />
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When I read that I though that If given opportunity to meet someone famous people stand in awe in their presence.<br />
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We have opportunity, not only every once in a while, but daily to stand in the presence of the true Famous One. <br />
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Do we treat our time with God the same we treat our time with a human who happens to be popular in the eyes of your peers or the world?<br />
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I'm not saying that we run around screaming our heads off and fainting like these preteen girls do for Justin Bieber. <br />
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What I am saying is that maybe we should be a little more excited for what God has done through Christ for us! We clap louder for a good play during a football game on tv. Should we not cheer that God has defeated death and given us eternal life? Isn't this something that we should be a little more than ho-hum about?<br />
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Anyway... That's my random thought for the day. I know it's not a very well written thought, but it's what was on my mind. Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764184231825939465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227336439999164118.post-75653770053910143692013-01-21T08:55:00.001-06:002013-01-21T08:55:20.602-06:00RhinocehorseI had a strange dream last night. Not that most of my dreams aren't, but this one stuck with me long enough to remember it.<br />
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I dreamed that I was at my parents house, and had to go outside to do something at 4am or so. It was more light than dark out, but I could sense that the time was around 4am. The color was not quite like dusk, but almost, that blue-gray-dark color that is still light enough to see detail but dark enough you know it isn't daylight anymore. I looked west beyond the corner of the porch as I headed back inside. Over by the fence I saw a horse looking creature. It was a greenish-gray color, and looked to be fairly muscle bound, like it was a body builder or something, its muscles were huge and somewhat foreboding. Its face looked somewhat angry or determined. It also had this large protrusion from its face, like a horn, but it wasn't a unicorn, because it did not originate from its forehead, but more the bridge of its nose, like a rhinoceros. Its horn was a good 3 or 4 feet in length, almost looking like a broadsword, but very dull and rough, almost like the weapon used by the Uruk-Hai in Lord of the Rings, except without the extra turn to the blade on the end.<br />
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The creature saw me and breathed out deeply, and changed course from south along the fence row to due east, directly toward me. It came down to a dip and up over the short rise near the very edge of the porch, and swung around toward me. As it came toward me I was wary, but not really afraid of it. Adrenaline was pumping, and I was in a fight or flight mode, but I let the creature come toward me, because I could not run fast enough to make it inside before we would collide. So I stood near the sidewalk, which was as close as I could get to the door, and I waited for it to come. When it did near me, I seemed to do one of those slow motion martial arts blocks with it. I stood there and stepped to the right, using my right hand across to simply push its horn to the left as I sidestepped. Since it was running at full speed, it had to continue in a counterclockwise run in a fairly wide circle around me.<br />
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I then ran inside the porch and latched the door. I thought that it was not much safer inside, since the door was a simple screen door, and the windows could obviously be punctured by that massive horn, but the creature circled a moment and left, once I was inside.<br />
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Then I woke up briefly, only to go back to sleep and dream other strange dreams that I don't remember. But this one I did remember.Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764184231825939465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227336439999164118.post-11847929322980722562013-01-07T23:21:00.001-06:002013-01-07T23:21:55.019-06:00The End of the World as We Know ItAs I was driving back to my apartment tonight, I looked up and saw a small bright light coming straight down over the shoulder of the road. It looked like a shooting star. But it seemed a lot closer, like maybe 50 feet in front of me. It was probably a reflection from the lights of the car passing me on the left. I don't know. I thought it seemed a bit strange. Then I thought about if it were the end times (like for real, not like this is the age of the end times kind of thing) then how sudden would that be? And how strange it would look to people. What if this was it?<br />
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Then I thought about what we talk about in church all the time but I rarely see happening (of whose fault but my own?) - ask yourself -<br />
How many of the people do I know would be going to heaven in the end times?<br />
How many of them can actually say that Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior?<br />
How many of them think of His name as something other than a swear word when they are frustrated<br />
How many just think He is an awkward and uncomfortable topic of conversation?<br />
How many of them simply don't believe that He exists?<br />
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"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son."<br />
John 3:16-18 NIV<br />
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You have been given a choice. We are not robots. You can choose to follow and do your own thing. Live your life how you want to live it. Out have that freedom. Or you can go after the good things. It means denying self. It doesn't mean this life here on earth will be perfect. But it means a security in your eternal existence. It means that you will not be bound for eternal torture, that you are trying so feebly to run from right now. Just look at what we do. We try to avoid bad situations an horrible things and circumstances. It's impossible to do so here on earth. But it's not impossible with Christ in the scheme of eternity. Think about that for a moment. Everything that hurts you. You could be living with that pain for eternity. Or you could turn it over to your Savior who took all that pain and agony on Himself, hung it on the cross, and separated it as far as the east from the west when He rose up out of that grave!<br />
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You can be mad at me for posting such things. Or you can study and see what the Bible is really all about. If you don't know something, study it. Be willing to learn. You cannot be open minded if you shut out the things you are unsure or have questions about. Ask questions. I may not be able to answer all of them, but I can try. If I don't know something I will do some research and try to find an answer for you.<br />
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You'll never get to know someone without having a conversation with them. I can at least help with the introductions. The rest is up to you, whether you keep that conversation going. I can only plant seeds, I can't make them grow.<br />
Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764184231825939465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227336439999164118.post-4679141993406265792013-01-06T19:36:00.000-06:002013-01-06T19:37:15.883-06:00The Greatest of These is Agape<div class="heading passage-class-0">
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians+13&version=NIV">1 Corinthians 13 </a></h3>
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New International Version (NIV)</div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-1" id="en-NIV-28667"><span class="chapternum">13 </span>If I speak in the tongues<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-28667a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians+13&version=NIV#fen-NIV-28667a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-2" id="en-NIV-28668"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-3" id="en-NIV-28669"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-28669b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians+13&version=NIV#fen-NIV-28669b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</sup> but do not have love, I gain nothing.</span></div>
<b><span class="text 1Cor-13-4" id="en-NIV-28670"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-5" id="en-NIV-28671"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-6" id="en-NIV-28672"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-NIV-28673"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.</span></b><br />
<span class="text 1Cor-13-8" id="en-NIV-28674"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-9" id="en-NIV-28675"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>For we know in part and we prophesy in part,</span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-10" id="en-NIV-28676"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-11" id="en-NIV-28677"><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>When
I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I
reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-12" id="en-NIV-28678"><sup class="versenum">12 </sup>For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.</span><br />
<span class="text 1Cor-13-13" id="en-NIV-28679"><sup class="versenum">13 </sup>And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.</span>Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764184231825939465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227336439999164118.post-18297550470418075752013-01-01T00:58:00.001-06:002013-01-01T00:58:49.552-06:00Resolution/RevolutionNew Year's. The cliche time of year when people make resolutions that typically last maybe a week. Maybe longer. But rarely through the year.<br />
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I don't really have any resolutions. Goals, maybe. But not resolutions in the traditional sense.<br />
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I'm currently sitting at my parent's house watching/listening to the International House of Prayer, Kansas City, <a href="http://www.ihopkc.org/watch/onething/">onething</a> conference. Ringing in the new year, not with watching a shiny crystal ball fall from a tower in NYC and listening to pithy secular music, but ringing in the new year with worshiping the One who gave us life. I desire to see the level of worship that they have at onething in the local churches here. The focus on prayer and worship, along with rightly dividing the Word. <br />
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My desires for the new year are to grow deeper in Christ. To sell out to Him. To lose myself for the One who found me. In my worship, in my prayer life, in my devotions, in my readings, in my life.<br />
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On Sunday, pastor Floyd talked about living wholeheartedly for God, and asked the simple question: Are you living wholeheartedly for God? Just a few days ago I was thinking about how I don't like who I am outside of church. I let my guard down. I don't pay as close attention to what I say, or how I react to things, or who is around me. It made me thing: What kind of Christian am I? A Pharisaical hypocrite! I don't want to catch myself wondering how I would act, or react, if I were around people from church. Because it doesn't matter whether I am around people from church, or if I'm in the middle of a crowd of strangers - there. is. always. ONE. constant. - and that is Christ. He is the only One I should care about how I act around. Which means the anger, and irritation, and annoyance (because I tend to be antisocial and jump to conclusions, etc [like walking into a store and being judgmental because they don't have something on the shelf that I think they should have and I let them know it), need to be transformed into love. So, in short: No. I haven't been living wholeheartedly.<br />
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Another desire for this new year... Which sounds like a cliche resolution at first: to lose weight/become more fit. But I want to do it, not only for health, or to fit into clothes I haven't worn since college... I want to get to a point where I can kneel in prayer again. Maybe that sounds silly. I know that how you situate yourself when you pray is not as meaningful as what you pray... but there's just something about kneeling in prayer. And I can't stand it that I can't kneel. So that's my biggest motivation for losing weight. Aside from all the other reasons (like maybe my knees wouldn't give me such issues in general, aside from not being able to bend to kneel). I want to be able to jump and lift my hands in worship without being self-conscious about how I might look (Coz I know it can't be pretty).<br />
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I also hope to continue to grow in my spiritual giftings/discovering them. Learning to walk in what I haven't yet fully discovered or had revealed to me.<br />
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I'm excited for what this year holds. I could recap this last year. It was full of firsts. Apartment. Full-time job. Car. It was also a time of transition and growth. Much of that to do with my church (no it's not technically mine, i don't own it, it's God's church, but it's where i go, and where i call home). A point of transition - spiritually especially, happened during out Women's retreat in August. I am blown away by the transformation in the women of the church, in myself, and in the church as a whole as a result of the things we learned that weekend. I feel like it accomplished what we set out to do: grow deeper in Christ, and get to know each other better and bring unity to our women's group. Although I have not been able to attend on Wednesday nights much since the retreat, I still feel that there is a closeness that was not there before the retreat. It brought us together. Most important it brought us closer to Jesus. I really feel like that weekend, although I was kind of distant all weekend due to personal battles trying to steal it from me, was a turning point for me to bring me out of the desert again. <br />
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I can't wait to see what God has in store for me this year, but also for the church. I'm looking forward - praying & believing - for immense spiritual growth, for courage to spread the Gospel, to speak to the surrounding people and communities, to show the people in this county who God truly is.<br />
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Anyway, that is all I have for now. I already started this post last year, and what do you know, a new year has already rolled around! (sorry for the stale new year's joke)Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764184231825939465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227336439999164118.post-26211659868013313852012-12-30T17:22:00.004-06:002012-12-30T17:22:51.546-06:00CreateI have been trying to let my creative side out a little more lately. I have been doing some art projects on paper with yarn, as well as pen/pencil/crayon, and I have just re-installed my Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0, which I had lost after moving, and just recently rediscovered.<br />
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Here are some of the things that I have been creating.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvGCDbxHI-eC9ptoXCjCpx1t-pDPVpYw_2suaXxFBuHg9bclY6peawGYX2159u8eoE6rlz7XrrKZJSq7zGXzbryR6Ilsfl3vgaV0x3bwA_qz0rnk4M97_07mn-avWocS3Lx6CzeGk48E/s1600/iphone+161+cropped_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvGCDbxHI-eC9ptoXCjCpx1t-pDPVpYw_2suaXxFBuHg9bclY6peawGYX2159u8eoE6rlz7XrrKZJSq7zGXzbryR6Ilsfl3vgaV0x3bwA_qz0rnk4M97_07mn-avWocS3Lx6CzeGk48E/s320/iphone+161+cropped_edited-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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One of the first projects I did a few months ago. Just Sharpie markers and highlighter on paper.<br />
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Inspired by <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+6:45&version=NIV">Luke 6:45</a> "<span class="woj">A
good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and
an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.
For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of."</span><br />
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My latest Sharpie/pencil project. The pencil colors didn't turn out as bright as I had hoped, but I didn't have markers that I wanted to use for them, because they were too bold. But these are the three panels I ended up with.<br />
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Got the idea for this from <a href="http://gracewaymedia.com/">gracewaymedia.com/</a> and tried to do my best at recreating it. (I'd go buy theirs if I had the money - mine is not refined at all.)<br />
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Another attempt, with blue and purple, instead of two shades of blue. No snowflakes on this one either.<br />
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Red and tan diagonal stripes. I was trying to do something in my church's colors. It didn't turn out readable. So I made one with a bit of white over the top of it so text could be added.<br />
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640x480 attempt at following the tutorial from <a href="http://youtu.be/bqvNiT_Ap_E">octotuts</a> on YouTube.<br />
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HD version! lol. Didn't turn out great, but the scatter/fade/etc is not the same in Photoshop Elements as it is in the real deal. Wish I could afford CS-whatever-number-they-are-up-to-now. For Photoshop and Illustrator.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pxXuqOLqcQBprzBIk3h4MdTHu4lDyrgmupyIbEsQcixsAeqaMeV8_q76tGbJcGvW_OatsUU8YRHhYcysi1vZJ93LcyD85mojIU8JZbdUOq5W1p6DnjzaXbyLa6XZ1FxMHj6sZmyz9Lg/s1600/FollowingJesus640x480+Watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pxXuqOLqcQBprzBIk3h4MdTHu4lDyrgmupyIbEsQcixsAeqaMeV8_q76tGbJcGvW_OatsUU8YRHhYcysi1vZJ93LcyD85mojIU8JZbdUOq5W1p6DnjzaXbyLa6XZ1FxMHj6sZmyz9Lg/s320/FollowingJesus640x480+Watermarked.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This was inspired by our pastor's description of what he plans to preach about next week. He's going to talk about how people are "fans" of Jesus, and "like" Him, but don't really FOLLOW Him.<br />
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There you have it. My most recent art endeavors. Just trying to do something somewhat productive with the artsy gifting that God has given me.<br />
<br />Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764184231825939465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227336439999164118.post-8743246976637474872012-12-16T23:19:00.001-06:002012-12-17T14:16:47.033-06:00Fed UpI am sick and tired of seeing stuff about Santa. I've seen several movies recently that talk a lot about believing in Santa, and completely ignore the real reason for the season. I know it's a cliche phrase for Christ, but it is true (well, after the church tried to get people to focus on Christ instead of the pagan nature worship they were doing at the winter solstice.)<br />
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I don't see how, actually I do but that's another point I have tonight, people can keep talking about believing in Santa - who has never been made out to be an all powerful god, just an old dude in a red suit zooming around the planet visiting all the children in one night via magic or something esoteric such as that - and they cannot even briefly entertain the thought that God might in fact be real.<br />
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Which brings me to my second point. I know that people so nonchalantly deny that God exists because of free will in this broken and sinful world. <br />
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I know that as Christians we are called to love. But I can't help but want to pound people/the media over the head with a few candy canes at this time of year when they keep talking about believing in Santa and they don't even touch on the birth of the Messiah.<br />
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Never mind that Christ wasn't born in the middle of December. But that's beside the point.<br />
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The point is that people have almost completely forgotten the Messiah. They have forgotten that God came to this earth to live as we did, yet without sin, and experience life as we experience it, only to take on himself all of our sins to offer himself as a sacrifice so that we could live. <br />
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There is a supernatural war going on. If that is not more evident in the events of this last week I don't know what will make it evident. These shootings weren't senseless acts of violence. They were sinful acts of violence.<br />
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We need to put Christ back in Christmas, and put God and prayer back in schools. The enemy cannot stand when Jesus' name is spoken. We need to pray for our nation, reach out to our neighbors, and spread the Gospel in love to these people that have no hope. In Christ there is hope. He is our hope. Not Obama. Obamas promises are empty, as each mans promises are. Only God will fulfill each and every promise He has made.<br />
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Anyway. This nation needs the Gospel. This nation needs prayer. And this blogger needs sleep. That's the summation of my post. I'm off to bed.<br />
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*Also, we don't need more gun control laws. We need self-controlled people. These shooters have no self control. They act on unnatural urges to do wrong. If you support gun control you should also support anti-abortion, because over 100,000 babies are aborted daily. If that is not at least as horrifying as this latest shooting, then I don't know what to say.<br />
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Ending my slightly political and possibly very emotionally charged post now. <br />
Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764184231825939465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227336439999164118.post-46995269896001861892012-12-10T23:25:00.001-06:002012-12-10T23:25:51.126-06:00AtmosphereFor some reason the last couple weeks I've felt like there's been a shift in the atmosphere. Not in some new age sense. But in the very real spiritual battle sense. I'm not sure I've prepared myself for battle as best as I could have. I have felt a weight. Not overwhelmingly so. Something like a dull headache but in the spiritual realm. If that makes sense. Maybe you think I'm crazy by this point.<br />
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I don't know. I know it's not just me. I feel like others sense it too. I feel challenged to seek God more, (notice a theme lately?), and I'm not sure I'm doing as much as I can to seek Him.<br />
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I don't know what the point of this post is. I mean, as moody as I can get, and have been the last few days, I just feel like there is another sense of something different in a spiritual realm. Kind of like when a weather system moves through and I get a headache. I don't know what the atmosphere shift is. It's just something I feel.<br />
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Maybe I'm just rambling. But this thought has been on my mind for a couple of weeks or so now. I don't know exactly when. Maybe it's just something I am personally experiencing. Maybe it's just a spiritual battle, as I work with my friend Kelsey, on putting together a ladies night for the women's ministry at church. I want to be encouraging and not be all meh! I have been blessed so much by many of these ladies and I want to be a blessing, not a hindrance. More and more I find I'm being pulled out of my shell a little more. <br />
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Anyway, that's all I've got tonight. I have a long day/week ahead. Transitions coming up. I wonder how long NERD Energy Drink stays good... I have some from a couple years ago that I hadn't finished. I hope they're still good coz I need something to give me energy and focus this week!! <br />
Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764184231825939465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227336439999164118.post-30930104234251954772012-12-02T23:49:00.002-06:002012-12-02T23:49:49.203-06:00Seek the LORDThis has been on my heart this week. For myself, that I would seek the Lord, and not waver in seeking Him just because recent enthusiasm may have dwindled some. Not that my enthusiasm for what God is doing in myself, or the church body, has dwindled. But sometimes the freshness wears off some. It is then that seeking His face is ever more important. Seeking God means talking to Him, and inquiring of Him. (See four different Hebrew words for "seek" and their meanings <a href="http://internetbiblecollege.net/Lessons/Hebrew%20Words%20For%20Seeking%20Or%20Inquiring%20Of%20God.htm">here</a>.) I think it also means listening, because how can you inquire someone without listening for a response?<br />
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Oh, that we may seek Him continually, and would not let Him out of our sight! It is when He is out of view that we start to worry about the things going on around us, and begin to sink into despair, such as <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+14%3A22-33&version=NIV">Peter</a> did when he took his eyes off Jesus while walking with Him on the water. Let us be refreshed in our desire to seek His face!<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Jer-29-11" id="en-NIV-19647">For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.</span><span class="text Jer-29-12" id="en-NIV-19648">Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.</span> <span class="text Jer-29-13" id="en-NIV-19649">You will<b> seek me </b>and<b> find </b>me when you<b> seek</b> me with all your heart.</span> <span class="text Jer-29-14" id="en-NIV-19650">I will be found by you,” declares the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”</span></span></i><br />
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2029:11-14&version=NIV">Jeremiah 29:11-14</a><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Ps-119-9">How can a young person stay on the path of purity?</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-119-9">By living according to your word.</span></span><span class="text Ps-119-10" id="en-NIV-15909"> </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Ps-119-10" id="en-NIV-15909">I <b>seek you</b> with all my heart;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-119-10">do not let me stray from your commands.</span></span><span class="text Ps-119-11" id="en-NIV-15910"> </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Ps-119-11" id="en-NIV-15910">I have hidden your word in my heart</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-119-11">that I might not sin against you.</span></span></span></i></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-14" id="en-NIV-19650"></span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119:9-11&version=NIV">Psalm 119:9-11</a><br />
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New International Version (NIV)</div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Deut-4-29" id="en-NIV-5034">But if from there you <b>seek </b>the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God, you will <b>find</b> him if you <b>seek</b> him with all your heart and with all your soul.</span></span></i></div>
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+4:29&version=NIV">Deuteronomy 4:29</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text 1Chr-16-10" id="en-NIV-10831">Glory in his holy name;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text 1Chr-16-10">let the hearts of those who <b>seek </b>the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> <b>rejoice</b>.</span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Chronicles+16:10&version=NIV">1 Chronicles 16:10</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text 1Chr-16-10"><span class="text Ps-27-4" id="en-NIV-14290">One thing I ask from the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-27-4">this only do I <b>seek</b>:</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-27-4">that I may dwell in the house of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-27-4">all the days of my life,</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-27-4">to gaze on the beauty of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-27-4">and to <b>seek him</b> in his temple.</span></span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+27:4&version=NIV">Psalm 27:4</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span class="text Ps-34-10" id="en-NIV-14399">The lions may grow weak and hungry,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-34-10">but those who <b>seek </b>the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> lack no good thing.</span></span></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+34:10&version=NIV">Psalm 34:10</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span class="text Ps-40-16" id="en-NIV-14542">But may all who <b>seek </b>you</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-40-16"><b>rejoice </b>and<b> be glad </b>in you;</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-40-16">may those who long for your saving help always say,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-40-16">“The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is great!”</span></span></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+40:16&version=NIV">Psalm 40:16</a><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Ps-105-2" id="en-NIV-15609">Sing to him, sing praise to him;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-105-2">tell of all his wonderful acts.</span></span><span class="text Ps-105-3" id="en-NIV-15610"></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Ps-105-3" id="en-NIV-15610">Glory in his holy name;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-105-3">let the hearts of those who <b>seek </b>the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> <b>rejoice</b>.</span></span><span class="text Ps-105-4" id="en-NIV-15611"></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Ps-105-4" id="en-NIV-15611">Look to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> and his strength;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-105-4"><b>seek </b>his face always.</span></span></span></i></div>
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+105:2-4&version=NIV">Psalm 105:2-4</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span class="text Lam-3-25" id="en-NIV-20380">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is good to those whose hope is in him,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Lam-3-25">to the one who <b>seeks </b>him;</span></span></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lamentations+3:25&version=NIV">Lamentations 3:25</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="text Deut-4-29" id="en-NIV-5034"> All italics/bolding mine for emphasis.</span></span></span> </div>
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Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764184231825939465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227336439999164118.post-16336410064091718042012-11-28T21:47:00.001-06:002012-11-29T00:05:31.033-06:00Reflections, Gratitude, & Spiritual GrowthAs I reflect on this last year and how blessed I have been through the stress and the mess of things, I only have gratitude toward God, and for those who have walked beside me in this journey and continue to do so. <br />
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Out of that gratitude I want to give back and be a blessing. I just don't know how to minister well to people. I used to serve a lot more than I do now. Anymore I don't get as much time learning as I used to. So that makes me cherish the times I can be in service and listen and learn. I'm not really cut out for teaching, I don't think anyway. Maybe God has other plans for me. But I don't know right now. I just feel like I have forgotten to be a servant these last few years. I was nominated for a Servant Leadership award during college. That blew my mind then because I didn't know what anyone saw in me that they would even nominate me then. I especially don't see that in myself right now. And I want that to change. <br />
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This last weekend I gave a friend a back massage. I haven't really had much opportunity to give back massages to friends since college. I used to give my friends (you know who you are ;) ) back massages a lot. I loved doing that; being able to minister in healing with massage. I always took the opportunity to quietly pray for my friends during that time. It blessed me to be able to help them feel better. It definitely blessed me to be a blessing. Just being able to help my friend move her head better blessed me. Being given the opportunity to give a back massage again was a blessing. The last time I gave back massages was for a ladies night like a year or more ago. That's too long a time between giving back massages!<br />
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I just feel so many things stirring in my spirit. Ministering to others, serving others, praying for others both one-on-one and corporately. I haven't really felt a heart of ministry since college. I hadn't been with a group of believers who are all seeking God and ready for breakthrough in the spiritual realms since college. I keep being reminded of my time with Prayer Watch. I feel as if I wandered from that path after Prayer Watch ended, and am returning to where I was then, and growing beyond it. I am still excited for what God is doing in the church body that I am a part of. I don't want to become complacent in this season of growth. I don't want us to stop seeking just because we've grown a little. I pray the fire keeps burning within us and the Holy Spirit keeps pouring out His presence among us.<br />
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We, I, can't back down or become stagnant in growth. It makes me think that the complacency that I felt early this week, which i feel was part of a spiritual attack to get me to just stop being fervent in my reading or studies. I mean how easy would it be to just have given up early this week and let myself fight through the jaw pain and being tired and moody this week coz that's what my body felt. I could have just blown off my readings and not tried to study anything. I could give up on trying to bless others, because what can I really do? Right? How easy is it to become complacent in the day to day grind! When I feel like that I know I can't give in. Because I know God has greater things in store, not only for myself but for the small church body that I call home. <br />
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I feel as if a shift happened in the atmosphere when the women got back from our retreat in August. Something happened there. Something changed in our church. A fire was lit. We really did begin a "Fresh Brewed Life". It wasn't just a catchphrase for the weekend and what our leaders hoped would happen. It actually happened. It has been evident in our lives. I'm still excited for what God is doing in us, how He is growing us, molding us.<br />
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I can't put it into words adequately, so with that I will finish this slightly long winded and random post. I don't even know how many of my thoughts were cohesive. I do have a tendency to begin a thought without any backstory. And I feel like that has been several of my most recent posts. I don't think I have a really good starting point without going into far too much detail that would really be unnecessary and somewhat boring for most. Especially those adsensewatchdog people that keep stalking my page and jacking up my stats. Oh well. Time for me to sleep and see if my dreams are any more cohesive than this blog post. <br />
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Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764184231825939465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227336439999164118.post-19537412197081947902012-11-24T01:55:00.000-06:002012-11-24T01:55:25.625-06:00Commercialism and Connection - A potpourri of thoughts<br />
The more I see of commercialism, the more I hate it.<br />
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Yes, I like stuff just as much as the next person. But I keep getting annoyed with stuff. Like my last computer hard drive disc. It stopped working. I lost all my pictures, music, and other files. It was depressing. <br />
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I think of photography. I love photography. I like looking at pictures. I want a decent camera (like a DSLR) just so I could contribute to the plethora of photographs that are out there. Because people don't take the time to stop and enjoy the sights of what is around them every day. But then I think of heaven. We won't have photography in heaven. We won't <i>need </i>photography in heaven. Because we will be worshiping the Creator of all the beautiful things we see in this world. That will be all that will matter. Worshiping the Creator.<br />
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I look at days like today. Black Friday. The "kickoff" of the so-called "Christmas Season". People take one day to be thankful on Thanksgiving, and turn around the next day and practice a ridiculous display of greed, on what is supposed to be the season in which we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Christ Jesus. Never mind the fact that it's a Catholic holiday (I am a non-denominational Bible-believing Christian,) and I do not celebrate the Catholic Mass remembering Christ's birth, but I do think that His birth is obviously worth remembering (and I dislike those who want to take Christ out of Christmas). Christmas is also not in the correct season... since Jesus was likely not born in the winter time. Christmas trees stem from a pagan ritual to celebrate the winter solstice, so should we as Christians really be decorating them?<br />
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How easily we lose sight of what is important in this season: Celebrating Jesus Christ and the fact that He came to earth, to live and grow up here like we do, yet without sin, so that He could take the burden of our sins and die in our place. Spending time with family and friends - being face to face with those we love... not going out and buying more crap that can't love us back.<br />
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Community and belonging are things that have been on my heart for a long time. Something that I don't see many churches *get* even though they may talk about it. So to see people, both Christians and non-Christians, so disconnected from others that they would trample those in front of them just to get some piece of metal/plastic, it's heartbreaking. <br />
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One of my more recent thoughts has been "Connect In Person". If you follow me on Twitter, you'll see me hashtag it sometimes, #ConnectInPerson. As much as I enjoy technology and social media, it can be a detriment to your social life. I would much rather spend time with people than online just browsing random sites and checking on what other people are doing. I don't get to spend a lot of time with family or friends because of my schedule. I enjoy when I can spend time with people. I think we focus too much on our social scores online, Facebook stalking each other, following people just to get more followers. Lately the unsubscribe button in e-mails has been my friend, when it works. I get too many stock e-mails, not enough personal ones. I see too much clutter in my Twitter feed. There are too many obnoxious posts on Facebook. So at the risk of losing followers, I am un-following several people and products, just to clean up my feeds.<br />
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Why do they call it a feed? What are we feeding ourselves? These social media platforms don't force us to follow these people or pages. What are we posting? Are we lifting up others with what we say? Or are we constantly tearing down everyone, including ourselves?<br />
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That is about the end of my thoughts for this evening. I'll leave you with a quote that has been on my mind recently. Mostly as I reflect on the craziness of this year. I could give a recap, but that should be another post in and of itself, and I don't know if I feel like doing that. But it's on my mind, and it also relates to general connectedness. Because I would not be as connected with my church family now if it wasn't for the events of the last year with my job, moving, the women's retreat, spiritual growth, and other happenings throughout the year.<br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><i>“<span class="quote">We had some random things happen to us; some good,
some bad, some you can’t explain, some you don’t want to, but one thing
we did learn for sure…when God throws a curveball…don’t duck…you just
might miss something.</span>” </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"> Will --- Extreme Days</span><br />
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Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09764184231825939465noreply@blogger.com0