tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82348440863100605452024-03-14T04:54:00.776-07:00WilliamstandFinding Christ in everyday life- A journey of self discoverytanya williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134588100203622388noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234844086310060545.post-48702242731529588612019-10-21T22:23:00.005-07:002019-10-21T22:23:38.694-07:00Passion or purpose?<div>
Passion or purpose? </div>
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It's hard to navigate this life as an adult - 'adulting' is hard! And I feel like the universe tricked me into becoming one. But nevertheless - I must soldier on. </div>
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I have been learning a lot lately and I have really been trying to understand my life's journey. I have conversations with friends and with God often about what my purpose is. I scroll through social media and I am bombarded by the many podcasts, clips, conferences and posts about living your purpose and by extension- 'your best life' and many times it leaves me feeling a bit- well- inadequate.</div>
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It seems as if everyone is living that 'purpose driven life' except me! </div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;"><b>"Find what you are passionate about" they say.</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;"><b>"Do what you are passionate about and you will never have to work a day in your life!" </b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;"><b>"Find your purpose" and the universe will unfold itself to you.</b></span></i></div>
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These statements have become very popular in our culture lately so I wanted to take a little peep into the passion / purpose mentality.</div>
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I like that word 'passion' It seems intense, exciting and energizing. There are a few things I am passionate about, my job, my children, creating learning tools for my classroom are just a few. I will spend hours on end creating tools for my classroom and have been known to burn dinner because I was so wrapped up with making something I totally forgot I was cooking. If I am to follow the 'passion' guide, creating learning tools could be something that I could happily do for the rest of my life! This kind of passion can also be monetized and that could lead to me living my best life too. Passion, this tangible that can get you on your life's path does have a flip side though.</div>
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I'm passionate about writing, yet, I haven't written a single word on here since January! I think about writing all the time, and am subscribed to so many newsletters from writers,I have read so many blog posts but still that passion hasn't translated into anything remotely meaningful. Maybe my passion has waned and it just needs a new course or an amazing motivational speaker to get things kick started again? What do you think?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aNWJQNypDW8/Xa6O_5p8ytI/AAAAAAAAF9E/MRSgmifTDDkOCzqHRyvfbYoy4HZ8-cM-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/design-desk-eyewear-313690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aNWJQNypDW8/Xa6O_5p8ytI/AAAAAAAAF9E/MRSgmifTDDkOCzqHRyvfbYoy4HZ8-cM-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/design-desk-eyewear-313690.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>The truth is - Passion lies. </b></div>
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Passion is controlled by emotions. Emotions? well they are a fickle thing. </div>
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Passion is a feeling, an emotion, a strong will to do something that drives you. As long as emotions are at the heart of a thing, we must step back and examine that very thing. Emotions are wrapped up in self.</div>
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For an art course, I interviewed a well known Jamaican painter, I asked him - 'how do you get the drive to paint so many things?' His response - 'I wake up and I don't want to always finish what I start but then I remember that I have a family to feed, and so I do what I must.' Passion? His passion to provide for his family was greater than the passion that started his creative works. Both, however feelings of duty. Duty to self, duty to family.</div>
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<b>So if passion is a liar -what of purpose?</b></div>
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As for finding purpose? I didn't even know it was lost. Let's be honest - at some point in one's life they will question their true purpose on the planet. What am I here for? Why was I created? What meaningful thing should I be doing to impact the world?</div>
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How does one seek out that which is seemingly lost? Send a search party? Call in the coast guard? Ask family and friends? Search within? Go on a retreat? Do meditation and yoga? I don't know either - I never professed to know anything. But I do know someone who does.</div>
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All the years I thought God forgot to make Eve, I always felt like she was an after thought until I recognized that God had that intention all along. He just wanted Adam to equally recognize that he needed someone too. It was not until Adam was actively doing something that he recognized that he was indeed one of a kind and that is when God created his Eve.</div>
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It's interesting to note that in Genesis 2 vs 19 <span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/kjv/genesis/2.htm" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">them</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">was</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> the name thereof</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> that the Lord brought the animals<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>to Adam, he was helping Adam fulfill his purpose. Adam could have easily walked the garden and do his animal inventory and namely by himself; but God was very intentional in the way this purpose was achieved - together. Adam didn't have to go searching for his purpose and neither do you.<br />
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That same God that helped Adam, is the same God we serve today.We don't need a 'discovery call' or to do a course on Udemy. Our purpose has already been given to us. We need to be in union with our maker and the best thing is - he will help us to do the work - not do it for us though!</div>
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We have to do the work - Listen, scientist say there are 1.2 million known species of animals on the planet - known! Adam had a lot of work to do and when we read the bible, we tend not to place it in its proper time context - this whole animal naming purpose of Adam probably took years. And he had to be original too, with zero duplication - just wow!</div>
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<b>Purpose takes the same amount of work that passion does - the difference is purpose is God given and passion is self driven.</b></div>
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So that seemingly elusive purpose that so many seek, how does it reveal itself to us? Live in the presence of God. Walk and talk with him in the cool of the day and follow his command to be fruitful, replenish the earth and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth (Genesis 1 vs. 28).</div>
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Can I be frank, knowing ones purpose doesn't mean that we will live it out, just like being passionate about something means that we are going to do it. Living a God given purpose requires trust, love, faith and total obedience. Purpose carries responsibilities that one might not be prepared for and that is one reason we don't go searching for it, we are made to discover it when we are uniquely ready to take it on. The Lord must prepare us as he did Adam, helping and guiding on the way. </div>
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How can we be sure we are in purpose or passion? The truth is we can be passionate about something and that is not what the Lord would have us do to reach the lost. We can be passionate about medical advocacy or feeding the homeless or teaching, all good things, yet, it might not be your God given purpose. It might just be something you became deeply enthralled in because of a life experience or a goal you had as a child. That thing you are passionate about is not necessarily that gift that will make room for you. </div>
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Passion can mimick purpose so closely that it might be hard to decipher between the two.</div>
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<i><b>Passion wants to help people too</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Passion makes you do the work as well</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Passion drives you daily</b></i><br />
<i><b>Passion needs sacrifice</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Passion feels optimistic all the time</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Passion can bring fruitfulness and growth in many areas</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Passion can take you many places - infront of kings even</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Passion can seem innate </b></i></div>
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<i><b>Passion has imposter syndrome too</b></i></div>
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How do you know for sure you are walking in God's purpose for your life? I don't think that you can ever be 100% sure but I do know that if you are in communion with him, it will become clearer when you actually begin.</div>
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<i>That purpose thing - it requires real sacrifice. I don't want to do it sacrifice</i></div>
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<i>That purpose thing - it requires time and communion with God.</i></div>
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<i>That purpose thing - it requires faith</i></div>
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<i>That purpose thing - at the heart of it is love</i></div>
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<i>That purpose thing - it requires a trust, not in self or your innate abilities but a trust so big, it's scary</i></div>
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<i>That purpose thing - it requires work</i></div>
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<i>That purpose thing - it requires a vision so much bigger than yourself</i></div>
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<i>That purpose thing - it requires fasting, prayer and action</i></div>
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<i>That purpose thing - it requires you to do a thing without knowing what the next thing to do is</i></div>
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<i>That purpose thing - it is hard and it is scary.</i></div>
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Not every one is passionate about a thing but every one was created with purpose. Everyone. Stop searching for your purpose. Simply ask God to reveal it to you and then move at it purposefully.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cMgWFsdXA98/Xa6QOxLV0JI/AAAAAAAAF9Q/N4HvdW2DzEoPloN2AyK973FU_edMu0NpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/birthday-bow-card-264771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cMgWFsdXA98/Xa6QOxLV0JI/AAAAAAAAF9Q/N4HvdW2DzEoPloN2AyK973FU_edMu0NpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/birthday-bow-card-264771.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I write not out of passion, I think I did at first, but now I must write out of purpose.<br />
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Share how you will commune with God to reveal his purpose for your life</div>
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Jeremiah 29:11<span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/jeremiah/29-11.htm" target="_blank">For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.</a></span><br />
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you may also like: <a href="https://williamstand.blogspot.com/2019/01/do-it-afraid-or-fear-not.html" target="_blank">this post on fear</a><br />
or <a href="https://williamstand.blogspot.com/2016/05/when-jesus-replies-with-fig-fat-no.html" target="_blank">this one on faith</a><br />
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tanya williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134588100203622388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234844086310060545.post-826781893906420002019-01-13T20:46:00.002-08:002019-01-13T20:46:31.831-08:00The problem with #muteR.Kelly<br />
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<span lang="EN">The problem with muting R. Kelly<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">The problem with muting R. Kelly from a
christian perspective is that well - we would, on that flip side, be advocating
to mute ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Breath in, chest up - slow release.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">It's a hard pill to swallow eeh. I agree. I am
you. I stand with all women shoulder to shoulder who have been abused. The pain
is realest in the darkest rooms. It's haunting when you try to forget and
loudest when you keep silent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Abuse hurts the ones who asked for nothing in
return.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">If you were old enough to party in the 90's
and 2000's you would definitely love you some R.Kelly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">His music got you moving and talking and some
other things too but there was always that thing - that thing <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/13/arts/music/mute-r-kelly.html" target="_blank">we all heard about him marrying Aaliyah when she was 15</a>. I never knew if it was true or not
and he said he thought she was older. Then there was that whole video trial
debacle. He walked and made more music.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">But the thing about muting R.Kelly is we would
all need to mute ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">I sat in bible study once and the pastor was
discussing <b>/sin</b>/. And every Christian knows that <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+6%3A23&version=KJV" target="_blank">the wages of sin is death</a>’.
All sin equals death. I agreed. But then the question was posed - are there some
sins that are greater than others?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">I wasted no time to answer that question - my
answer- YES.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">My pastor's answer - NO<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Me: dilemma.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Of course some sin are greater than others. Of
course the worst sinners must be murderers, child molesters, abusers and the
like.Those sins are particularly despicable. But oh, despicable me!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">The truth of the matter is child molester and
me liar have done the same thing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Abuser and me gossiper have done the same
thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Pedophile and me fornicator have done the
same thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">We have both sinned and fallen short of God's glory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><b>To mute one is to mute all.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><b>The truth is our secret sins and unknown lies
are now hidden or worse accepted as human flaws.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><b>What if we all stood in truth, having all our
secret vices and sins exposed? Who would be left to cast the first stone?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><i>NONE.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+8%3A7&version=KJV" target="_blank">Let he who hath no sin cast the first stone</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">My hands would fall at my hips - empty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">The world, that made up many of its laws from
the commandments is actually where a lot of our skewed views of a hierarchy of
sin comes from, it is certainly true for mine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">To be fair- the bible has its fair share of
severe punishment for sins, even unto death - cue - Sodom and Gomorrah and Noah
and the Ark, where some sins seemed downright- unforgivable - But God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Murders gets life in prison or the electric chair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Liars...well they get blocked and deleted from
friends lists.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Child molesters get 10+ years in prison.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><o:p> </o:p></span>Gossipers...they get many ears to whisper in.</div>
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<span lang="EN">Oh But God. - The gift of God - eternal life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">He came to set us free from all the sin and
shame. He nailed it all to the cross when He died for you and for me. He doles
out His grace and offers freedom from the sin that holds us captive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><b>Am I advocating for anyone who commits sins
that also happen to be a crime to be given God's grace? YES<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><b><i>Am I advocating for anyone who commits a
sin that happens to be a crime to not pay or suffer the consequences of his/her actions? NO!</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Should we #mute the whole world?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Cause you do know that's what we would have to
do right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">A whole world full of sinful people. All our sins are equal at the foot of the cross.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">My biggest hope for humanity is that men and
women would know who they are in Christ. That men<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>would not have to seek their manhood through
control and power over women. That women could be seen as how God sees them and
not as objects of sexual lusts and desires. That women can see themselves as
valuable, not because of their outward appearance but because they were created
in the very image of the master creator of the entire universe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
hurt people would help instead of hurt and that the whole world would not become
blinded by its collective pain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Mute R. Kelly? That's totally up to you - I
have long since lost my appetite for that kind of music - but appetite is such
a fickle fickle thing - just ask Eve.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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What is it that you are battling with and need to be free of today? Lean in to the grace that Jesus provides.<br />
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<a href="https://williamstand.blogspot.com/2018/08/what-to-do-when-you-dont-feel-committed.html" target="_blank">Related post on Grace</a> - what to do when you don't feel committed to that thing you need to be committed to<br />
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Tanya❤️tanya williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134588100203622388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234844086310060545.post-87336789015427464152019-01-08T21:28:00.001-08:002019-01-08T21:28:22.445-08:00Do it afraid or Fear not?It's a new year filed with new year's resolutions, vision boards 2019, scripture writing plans, scripture for the year and word for the year 2019 - the people of the world are ready to take on 2019!<br />
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If I am to be honest, so am I. I have a word for the year too, I have the vision for 2019 but in the midst of it all, my heart encountered this very popular phrase - <b>"<i>Do it afraid.</i>"</b><br />
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I have seen it all over social media people living their 'best life' posing atop a mountainside, going skydiving, starting new businesses with the hastag #doitafraid. There is usually an explanation of how they conquered their fear by ..well..just <b><i>doing it- afraid.</i></b><br />
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Let me be honest here - I looked at it and I agreed - A jubilant 'yes' resounded from me. I am going to face my fears and do it afraid too.I was proud of all these persons for conquering their fears but silently contemplated if I ever would.<br />
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<b>A new year can bring such confidence</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fear not?</td></tr>
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But then this thing happened. My spirit said - '<b><i>Do it afraid or fear not?</i></b>'<br />
I was confused.<br />
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The question began to haunt me and I decided that I would allow my mind to mull it over a bit. Could this be a post for <a href="https://williamstand.blogspot.com/2017/01/when-hoarding-becomes-thing-how-to-let.html" target="_blank">my reluctant series of the world vs. the word?</a><br />
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I went investigating what the bible had to say about fear, overwhelmingly it said, "<b>fear not</b>!" Then I happened to look if I saw any articles or posts about '<b>doing it afraid'</b> - I saw plenty - plenty renowned christian authors posts about '<b>doing it afraid</b>'. I curled in....ooops.<br />
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See - I was in opposition to the thinking of '<b>doing it afraid' </b>and I was just a girl who mulled over something in her head. I was just a girl who began to think that saying '<i style="font-weight: bold;">doing it afraid' and 'fear not' were not one and the same. </i>I began to feel like this thing laid on my heart was no longer valid. I began to fear that my thoughts would be totally discredited because I didn't agree with the popular sentiments of '<b>doing it afraid</b>.'<br />
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<b>'Doing it afraid'</b><br />
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The thing is that the disparity between <b>doing it afraid</b> and <b><a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/fear-bible-verses/" target="_blank">fear not</a></b> seems so small and the outcomes are often the same. I am afraid to do something -I face my fears- I do it anyways- I achieve my goal. Even if I don't achieve what I originally set out to do - I have still gained because I will know what to do next time to improve my odds. Or at best I conquered my fear and now am better for it. There is no loser there right?<br />
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But for me - the tiniest, sliest word in<b> 'doing it afraid</b>' is '<i>I</i>'. I did it afraid. I felt overwhelmingly, crippling fear and I did something to overcome that fear and came out victorious on the other side. It's hard to see - Like the serpent said to Eve - "<i><span style="color: blue;">You will not surely die</span></i>"( Genesis 3 vs. 4) and she nor Adam certainly did not drop dead physically, but spiritually they died because of a subtle play on words.<br />
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Doing it afraid is acting in my own self and my own strengths to get past something that I fear. Let me use a practical example - say a person is afraid to fly but they want to experience an awesome <a href="https://williamstand.blogspot.com/search?q=fear+of+travelling" target="_blank">vacation</a> in Italy - they might try to <b>do it afraid </b>by :- travelling with a friend, taking a favourite book, listen to tapes about being positive or just simply <b>do it afraid</b> by going on the plane and being a nervous wreck and an annoying passenger. But best believe they will make it to Italy. They did it afraid. Actually, let's be fair, they could have even prayed about it and made it too.<br />
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But let's not be fooled the Word of God doesn't call us to do anything afraid, or feel the fear and do it anyways. The word of God calls us to be fear<b>less.</b><br />
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<b>Doing it afraid and being fearless is not the same thing.</b><br />
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Doing it afraid</b> is acting from a point of self.<b> </b><br />
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<b>Fear not</b> calls for one to be <b>fearless</b> in all situations because God is with you in every situation.<br />
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The bible has many accounts where it speaks of not being afraid - not because God thinks that as humans we will be brave in all situations ; he expects that we will be afraid or he wouldn't have said - <b>Fear not</b>. What He doesn't call for us to do is 'do it afraid.' He expects us to check that fear right at the door by calling on Him, that in our weakness of fear, we will gain bravery and strength to face the things that cause us to be afraid in the first place.<br />
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Moving towards something afraid is not trusting in God's ability to remove all doubt and fear from our hearts and minds so that we can act in the spirit of power and a sound mind.<br />
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It is entirely different to say - I am going on this awesome vacation in Italy because I know that the God I serve will protect me and remove all fear from my heart and mind rooted in whatever construct I might be operating in. Whether it is fear of terrorism, fear that the world is unsafe, or maybe someone I knew died in a plane crash or just general distrust of mechanics of a plane.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A18&version=KJV" target="_blank">Perfect love casts out ALL fear.</a></b><br />
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If perfect love casts out fear how is it then that I am going to subscribe to doing something afraid? Isn't it reasonable to assume that even while I am doing the action I am <b>still</b> afraid? So what then was cast out? ( because fear has torment- 1 John 4 vs. 18) Is it to say that a fear can't be instantly cast out by God if I seek Him fervently to do so? Is anything too hard for God or are we ascribing our thinking to how God can operate?<br />
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<b>Because he first loved us - perfectly- He doesn't ever want us to be tormented by any type of fear.</b><br />
<b>Fear </b>of loving others, self; fear of flying, fear of dying, fear of spiders, clowns, towns or cities - no fear at all.<br />
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In the story of David and Goliath found in 1st Samuel, the army of Saul were greatly afraid of Goliath and his army. David, a shepherd boy came on the battlefield and was ready to fight, unafraid - his words -<span style="color: blue;"> "the Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine"</span>(1 Samuel vs 35). Verses 45 and 46 are also instructive and proves that David wasn't operating out of fear or doing anything afraid - he had a certain confidence as he said "This day the Lord will deliver thee into mine hand;..."<br />
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The Bible accounts also of Moses who was asked in Genesis 12 by the Lord to 'get thee out of thy country, and from they kindred, and from they father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee." Genesis 12 vs. 1. The story accounts that he left not knowing even where he was going actually and proponents of the 'do it afraid' thinking says when Abram left, he must have left being afraid but trusted in the Lord so much so that he left but the bible doesn't give an account of his fear - it only speaks to his certain trust and belief in his God. Where I believe that he 'did it afraid' is when he did not trust God enough to protect him when he went into Egypt and told his wife Sarai to lie and say she was his sister to save himself from being killed by the Egyptians - that he did afraid because he didn't ask God to remove the ungodly sense of fear and save him alive.- but I could be wrong.<br />
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The story of Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego also shows that trust in God casts out all fear and causes one to act in strength and bravery. The Hebrew boys were not afraid of the firey furnace - their resolve was Our God will save us and if not we will still not bow to your gods. ( Daniel 3 vs. 17- 18).<br />
<b>They did not do it afraid - they feared not- they were resolute.</b><br />
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<b>Doing it afraid is man's way - Fear not is God's way</b>.<br />
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I am not afraid to do it because God is with me and he will carry me through is different from saying I will approach whatever I fear afraid.<br />
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It is so subtle, so very subtle but most of the lies of the enemy are.<br />
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<b><u><i>Consider the following:</i></u></b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Jesus did not do it afraid did He? Was He afraid to heal on the sabbath day but did it afraid anyways?</li>
<li>Was he afraid to speak to scholars at the age of 12 but did it anyway?</li>
<li>Was Jesus afraid to be challenged by religious Scholars but answered them afraid anyways?</li>
<li>Was he afraid when tempted by the same devil that tempts us? Did he rebuke Him afraid?</li>
<li>Was He afraid when they took him captive to crucify Him but did it afraid anyways?</li>
<li>Was Jesus afraid to die on the cross but did that afraid?</li>
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<b>Feel the fear and do it anyways? - was that Jesus' example?</b><br />
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Feel the fear -<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+34%3A4&version=KJV" target="_blank"> and do this</a><br />
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<b>Psalm 34 vs. 4</b> <span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">I sought the </span><span class="small-caps" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.</span></span><br />
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You might also like to read the first in the series - <a href="https://williamstand.blogspot.com/2017/01/when-hoarding-becomes-thing-how-to-let.html" target="_blank">When hoarding becomes a thing</a><br />
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What fears are you facing today? Will you do it afraid or do it fearless as God intends? Let me know.<br />
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Tanya❤️<br />
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tanya williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134588100203622388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234844086310060545.post-5288710130703557332018-08-16T21:16:00.000-07:002018-08-16T21:16:38.909-07:00What to do when you don't feel committed to the thing you know you need to be committed to<i><span style="font-size: large;">Amazing Grace</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">"</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Amazing Grace - How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me, </span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I once was lost, but now I'm found</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Was blind but now - I see..</span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">" -</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> John Newton</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>This song, often sung at funerals in Jamaica, captures how I and many others view the grace of God. I have been watching Pastor Micheal Todd's series entitled 'Grace like a flood' where he examines God's grace - simply defined as the <span style="color: red;">'unmerited undeserved unearned kindness and favour of God'</span> it's an excellent series- </i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOIxxHtPpnw&list=PLhYvOKkFVSGs87WA2RC5pC2sN3S-zg0xY" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">you can watch all nine parts here</a><i>. It has changed my understanding and perspective on grace.</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have commitment issues.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have issues with consistency.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have issues being committed to this thing I need to be committed to.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I question myself.daily.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I question God.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I apologize to God.Often.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I ask his forgiveness for not being committed to this thing I need to be committed to.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As I do this thing, I do not know if it is the thing I am called to do.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I ponder if writing is God's purpose for my life.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So what do you do when you don't feel committed to the thing you know you need to be committed to?</span></i></h4>
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Do it anyways! </span></i></h4>
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Do it until you are instructed to do otherwise</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Do it while you pray for direction.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Do it until an answer comes.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Have the courage to move even in your uncertainty.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I haven't written on this blog in so long, that coming on here feels like a betrayal of sorts; I fumbled around trying to figure out the landscape that I had grown so accustomed.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have betrayed my talent.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have betrayed my stories.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have betrayed my readers.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have betrayed the reason I first put black on white.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have betrayed my God.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The sole purpose of your talent is to use it for God's glory. It must be multiplied.</b></span></i><br />
<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+4%3A10-11&version=NIV" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">1 Peter 4:10-11</a><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 </span><span style="font-size: small;">Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30457A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30457A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> as faithful<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30457B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30457B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. <span class="text 1Pet-4-11" id="en-NIV-30458" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30458C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30458C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30458D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30458D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> so that in all things God may be praised<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30458E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30458E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.</span></span></h1>
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The longer I stayed away from that thing I wasn't committed to, was the harder it was to find my way back and the harder it is now to find my words and redirection.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Every time I decided not to write another story, I told a lie on <b>GRACE</b>. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I believed God's grace was not sufficient for me. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I believed his grace didn't cover my disobedience.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I believed his grace wouldn't forgive me for my inconsistency.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I believed I didn't earn His Grace.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I believed a lie.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It has been more than a year since I have written here and my life has changed significantly! My family had a 'suddenly' happen. Whenever there is a 'suddenly' in the Bible - things are going to change - immediately. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There is no hit like the one you don't see coming - Micheal Todd - truer words have never been spoken. That 'suddenly', surprise hit - it knocks you out cold!</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But God.</span></i><br />
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<h4>
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">His GRACE abounds.</span></i></h4>
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">God is good.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">God is kind.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">God is gracious</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">God is ALL you need when the storms of life knock you down.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Grace - like a flood.</b></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What do you do when you aren't committed to the thing you know you need to be committed to?</span></i></h4>
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Accept God's Grace.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Accept that you can't disappoint God - He already knew you would struggle in the things He has assigned you to - that's why He gives you that grace like a flood.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I thought I wasn't worthy because I wasn't standing where God had left me.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I thought I wasn't worthy enough to write words that people would read about a God that I thought was upset with me. A God I wasn't in fellowship with as I ought to be. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I rejected his love.</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I rejected that my sins were covered.</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I never understood his love. I did not fully understand <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+8&version=NIV" target="_blank">Romans 8</a> - that there is nothing that can separate me from God's love - not even me and my unwillingness to commit and serve him.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hid like Adam.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hid like Eve.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hid like Jonah.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I cast my words into the sea.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Unworthy.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Unsure.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Unfaithful.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Impure. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Saved by Grace!</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Saved by Grace!</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Saved by Grace!</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Saved by Grace!</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Amazing Grace that doesn't condemn. <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" </span>- <b>Romans 8 vs.1</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Amazing Grace that invites my words.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Amazing Grace that gently guided my hand over black tiles with white letters.</span></i><br />
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<i style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">What do you do when you don't feel committed to the thing you know you need to be committed to?</i></h4>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Renew your commitment by renewing your mind.</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>I must now re connect with God and accept His unwavering Grace and renew my mind by recommitting to the study of His word. Rebirth and renewal must be at the heart of it all.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Grace is not that far off thing that I access when I fail, when I am overwhelmed, when I am despondent - no- grace is all encapsulating. It surrounds me.always. It is mine to have, to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, when I am obedient and disobedient, when I imagine myself worthy or unworthy, whether I think I need it or not- It is there. I reach out my hands and grab grace and it empowers me- Grace like a flood!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>What is that thing that you need to become recommitted to?</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Much love and blessings</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Tanya</i></span>tanya williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134588100203622388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234844086310060545.post-85090515966444033172017-01-01T16:32:00.000-08:002017-01-10T17:46:16.348-08:00When hoarding becomes a thing - how to let go<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-5e9d86c8-5c7e-9a7f-9deb-5d32e1e2ee1b" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">I've been like that spoilt child you see in the store. That one that throws himself on the floor, kicking and screaming because he isn't getting his way. I decided I was not to be moved. So I kinda stopped writing. I just wanted to write what came to mind, God wanted to do something decidedly different. I threw a tantrum but I never ever learn...God...well...he always wins. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://williamstand.blogspot.com/2016/10/the-puzzling-truth-about-gods-plans.html?m=1" target="_blank">Funny, when you find yourself outside of the will of God..things go awry. Go</a>d and I haven't spoken that much, I haven't spent as much time with him as I should. I was throwing a tantrum you see. And God was looking down at me like those embarrassed parents do. He wasn't arguing or reasoning with me though; he was just waiting on me to stop and get back up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">So what's that new direction? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">He wants me to compare things. Compare things?... Exactly! Not just anything...compare his word with the world. I did not want to do that, I thought it slightly redundant. Everybody knows that the Word of God is in contradiction to the World...so why should I write about that? Plus..that really would take up many more hours in study than I believe I have the time for...no… I wasn't doing that!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">The more I stood in opposition to his leading is the less I wrote; it was the less I felt compelled to write, even though I constantly thought about writing on this blog. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline;">Tantrums make eyes wet, ears hardened and mouths loud.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">Tantrums make writing difficult.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">I needed to write. It haunted me. I do suppose Jonah felt like this as he bunkered down on that ship, running in place, haunted by God's words. He said..throw me overboard and the storm will stop. I would rather perish than be obedient.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline;">Obedience is better than sacrifice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">I relent. I know not what he does but he will have his way in me and I write about the things I see in his word vs. the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">And so it begins.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">I consider myself the creative type, I like to make charts for my class, and teaching allows me to express myself that way. So whenever I go somewhere and see things..I take them home. I saw a meme on Facebook recently that read..” I collect things and will keep them, just in case I'll use them in the next 462 years.”...I laughed so hard, cause..that was so me. I'm a hoarder. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">I don't much like the term ‘ hoarder', it sounds kind of vulgar, makes it sound like a bad thing almost. So I prefer to say, I collect things that I just know I can use someday, and when that idea comes to me how to use that ‘ thing' I feel completely justified with my 'collection’ habit. I also hang on to other things too, like empty bottles that I'm sure I will use, and old note books from high school, college and university, old clothes that I am certain will fit when I lose that 30 or so pounds and I even have a collection of markers that don't write anymore. But, don't, please do not get me confused with those persons you see on that TV show whose houses are so filled with 'stuff’ that they can't even move freely. No, I'm not there. I'm a collector, they are hoarders. The things I keep actually have some use and will come in handy as soon as my ideas kick in!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">There are a few times a year that I actually do some kind of ‘ spring cleaning' and throw some of the things away, reluctantly so, but when I do, there is such a sense of relief, but I really only throw those things out to make way for some new 'collectibles’, if I am to be totally honest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">So, when I had to look at comparisons, I had to take a hard look at me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;">Collecting things that you might have use for in the future does a thing to your present.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">Our world tells us we always are in need of more 'stuff’, it promotes a DIY culture that justifies ‘collecting’ habits. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">Our world tells us to hold onto things for nostalgic reasons. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">Our world tells us to have ‘ treasures’ right here on earth, after all, we deserve it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">Our world tells us to hold onto our past, for if we let it go, we will be somehow disconnected from who we are. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline;">We must hoard, I mean...collect.things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">Yes, Jesus wanted me to compare things. I had hoped it was things that I saw in the world and not things that I actually did. Mirror to face! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;">Hoarding does this one thing. It says God's blessings and provisions are not new.every.morning</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">It says, He.is.not.enough. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">I do not want to tell that lie. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">“ </span><span style="color: #4a86e8; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline;">The Lord is my portion saith my soul; therefore, I shall hope in Him.”</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"> Lamentations 3:24</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">As simple as it is, if I collect things in hopes of using them for my ‘greatest idea ever’, it is saying to my God that he won't supply my needs according to his riches in glory in that moment. If all good things come from Him, including ‘great ideas’ why wouldn't he provide all the things needed?... He never does half a job..does He?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">“ </span><span style="color: #4a86e8; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline;">Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be made known unto God</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">.” Philippians 4:6</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">It is saying that I am self sufficient, a forward thinker even, I have saved something for my present from my past. How cool am I right? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">The thing about physical hoarding is it also gives way to spiritual hoarding. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">The things we keep in our spirits because we can't let them go. </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;">Hoarding.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">That pain we keep, that doesn't allow us to forgive. </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;">Hoarding.</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">That mountain top moment we relish that doesn't allow us to climb higher. </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;">Hoarding.</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"> That one time when we were able to complete a fast but get stuck in that glory moment that we don't do another.</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;">Hoarding</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">. That time when we allow our fears to cripple us because we gave in to the enemy. </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;">Hoarding</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">We inadvertently keep things that we should let go of in order to grow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">Do you know what keeping empty bottles and papers and just stuff does? It prevents you from getting the things you actually need. Mentally, you are telling yourself you actually have that thing already, when all you have are empty bottles, papers with holes and a whole lot of useless stuff.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;">But some of us like the illusion of having lots of stuff.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">For the world tells us that the more ‘ 'stuff' we collect or have, is the more successful we are. So imagine, going through your own home, and throwing out all the empties, all the paper, all the clothes that don't fit, all the old letters from boyfriend's past, all the things in the garage that you haven't used in a year. Just imagine, for a moment how many bags and bags of ‘stuff' you would have...that was just nothing but garbage!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">Now..look..forward, at the seemingly emptiness that remains. Scary isn't it? Now you realise that where you thought you had ten bottles of perfume, you have one. Where you thought you had learning resources you could fall back on just in case the internet dies.. suddenly...you have nothing. Where you thought you had a closet filled with clothes, you actually have about four solid outfits. Where you thought you had a working grill, you have an old rusty tin pan. Where you thought you were keeping boyfriend memories, you were actually closing off yourself from being truly loved by someone else.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">Do you feel the emptiness? Is it a good feeling? Do you feel now the need to replace the emptiness with more ‘stuff’? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;">You already have all you need right in that moment, right in that empty place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline;">God can fill empty cups to the point of overflow….</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">….. but if the cup is already overflowing with your 'stuff’...wherewith shall it be filled?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">I am by no means promoting a minimalist lifestyle, </span><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline;">having less 'stuff’ doesn't automatically mean you have more God.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">I am just asking us to let our lives, homes, hearts, minds, tongues be filled with more God. If you are going to hoard, hoard some more of him. He can fill empty vessels, not ones full and overflowing with the stuff of this world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">If you have fallen victim to that hoarding culture, where you need all the things for yourself, there's a huge chance, you aren't giving as much as you could or should. As Christians, we are called to give. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">I recently saw some videos of door buster sales on black Friday, I saw people trampling, fighting and running into stores in order to fill the need for more stuff, that more than likely, they don't need. It struck me as so sad, the day after ‘ giving thanks’ for all that we had to the person that gives us all good gifts- people still felt the urge to trample over feet to get that one.more.thing. when will it ever be enough? Will we ever have enough? What will quench the need for more?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">So comparison lessons #1. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">Do not hoard stuff for future use- God is in your future, He already has the things you will need.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">Hoarding tells God his blessings aren't sufficient for you</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">DIY culture says you don't need God because you can..well..as they say do it yourself</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">Do not fill your life with more stuff...fill your life with more God</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">Physical hoarding can easily give way to spiritual hoarding</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">Let go and let God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">And what's the point of hoarding anyways? If the owner of the house knew when the thief was going to come, he would have stood watch. We never can know just when the thief will come to take away All the things we have collected over the years. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">That 'collection’ habit I have….that hoarding habit I have, I am slowly speaking to it, every time I see something I'm sure I'll need…. I bin it and then I smile - just a little. Learning = change. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">Tanya❤</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 45.3355px; vertical-align: baseline;">You may also like: <a href="http://williamstand.blogspot.com/2016/03/one-space-left-lesson-in-obedience.html?m=1" target="_blank">one space left</a></span><br />
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tanya williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134588100203622388noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234844086310060545.post-67946100500420876632016-10-14T22:42:00.000-07:002016-10-14T22:42:59.597-07:00The 'puzzling' truth about God's plans It has been the best of times; its been the worst of times. It's been a long time. Thirteen weeks, at least that's what my blog tells me. In those thirteen weeks, I thought about writing every.single.day.<br />
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<b>Why didn't I?</b><br />
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A lot has happened, and because I have been away so long, it's hard to know just where to begin. My sister has been insisting I write a praise report on God's goodness towards my oldest daughter, so I will do just that.<br />
<br />
That seems a good place to begin.<br />
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<b>I call it .. The great puzzle.</b><br />
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My youngest daughter likes to do puzzles; <i>me?.... Not so much!</i> I don't like to sit in one place too long, I don't like to look for the pieces and make them fit just right, I don't find it at all relaxing, and to top it off, I'm not very good at it. I remember as a child when I used to visit my late aunt's house, she would have those 1000 piece puzzles. Many times they would be in a state of 'un done' and a few weeks later 'all done' and displayed on a center table with a vase on it. I didn't give it much thought then but that must have been a true labour of love. Me?...as they say...' I ain't got time for that!'<br />
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I don't like '<i>puzzling</i>' as my daughter calls it, but I often attempt it and end of uniquely frustrated.<br />
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A few years ago life got <i>'puzzling'</i>. My daughter had to stop going to private school. It was no longer affordable, she had to be sent to public school and it was a difficult transition. Getting her into a 'preferred' public school proved futile and she ended up at one that didn't top the list. Fast forward four years and she has transitioned to one of the top high schools in the country! She did so well that she earned two scholarships to cover her high school career.<br />
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<b>Who could it be but God?</b><br />
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When she had to leave private school, I was devastated and angry at God for not providing some way for her to stay. I wondered where was my 'four days late?'<br />
<i>Four years later he showed me that not only is he always on time but he is the plan.</i><br />
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<b>God, the ultimate puzzle master.</b><br />
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The pieces of the puzzle did not fit for me at the time and I spent many wasted days and nights trying to put pieces together that almost fit, but as you know.. ' <a href="http://williamstand.blogspot.com/2015/09/when-delay-feels-like-denial-and-you.html?m=1" target="_blank">almost doesn't count'.</a> I have been humbled by a God that proved that not only is he good at ordering our steps but he is excellent at putting puzzle pieces together.<br />
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Why?<br />
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<b><i>He is the puzzle master, he has all the pieces. All.</i></b><br />
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Us?... well we have one puzzle piece at a time that we get to put down when something happens. The problem is, we don't seem to know this. We think we have all the pieces and we go on misadventures trying to do our '<i>puzzling</i>' and end up ...well..puzzled.<br />
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When everything fell in place with my daughter, I had to smile, I had to say.. ' I see what you did there God'. I realised why no other situation concerning my daughter ever worked the way I wanted it to. I.did.not.have.that.piece.of.the.puzzle. It was not mine to fit. <i>I was not good at puzzles. </i><br />
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<b>The 'puzzling' truth </b><br />
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I have come to realise in these few weeks away that I need to trust the timing of my life. I need to let go and let God. I need to trust him, <a href="http://williamstand.blogspot.com/2016/05/when-jesus-replies-with-fig-fat-no.html?m=1" target="_blank">even in the big fat no's.</a><br />
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<b>Behind all of God knows (no's) are yes's waiting on obedience.</b><br />
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<b>Why haven't I written in so long?</b><br />
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There is something so haunting about standing in disobedience to God that can paralyse a person that thinks about writing everyday.<br />
<br />
My blog needs to go in a slightly different direction and it is a little bit '<i>puzzling</i>' to me. It isn't exactly where I would put down that puzzle piece.. you know...the one that I think I have!<br />
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<a href="http://williamstand.blogspot.com/2015/10/how-not-to-trade-gods-perfect-for-yours.html?m=1" target="_blank">Many days I often have to go back to <b>Jeremiah 29:11</b></a>. It is life. It is the answer to all the puzzles we often try to solve. It is what I and you must apply when we are led in directions that seem '<b>puzzling'.</b><br />
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Are you trying to put puzzle pieces together?<br />
Do you have a praise report? Share it with us below.<br />
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You might also like : <a href="http://williamstand.blogspot.com/2016/03/jesus-loves-you-regardless-of-state-you.html?m=1" target="_blank">Jesus loves you regardless of the state you are in.</a>tanya williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134588100203622388noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234844086310060545.post-4434196344608083552016-07-12T12:01:00.003-07:002016-07-12T12:01:59.588-07:00life doesn't just happen.....'It's life, things happen'...I've been hearing that a lot lately.<br />
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I don't want to believe that. I can't afford to believe that. Alot of 'things' have been happening lately and it's been a little more than stressful - and if life just kinda happens...its happening to me a little too much.<br />
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Car trouble..check<br />
Sickness...check<br />
Work stress...check<br />
Phone issues...check<br />
Big fat no...check<br />
Frustrations....check<br />
Faith issues?....<br />
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Yes, life has happened and there are days when I have felt like having a pity party in the basement with some coconut ice-cream but life doesn't just happen to me. I had to remind myself of that a couple of times this week.<br />
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My steps are ordered by the Lord!<br />
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Faith issues?...<br />
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When things seem endlessly slow and unbearably low,<br />
Remember our God sits high and looks low. He has promised to never leave or forsake us; He is our father and he is just.<br />
Encourage yourself in the Lord, speak life with every word.<br />
The world may say that things just happen but the Christian should know all things happen for good to them that love the Lord and are called by his purpose.<br />
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Faith issues?..... I'm leaving that box unchecked.<br />
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For those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength...that word renew....make new again...rewind...again and again as life ' happens' .... I' ll wait on renewal.<br />
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I'm still here!<br />
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<br />tanya williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134588100203622388noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234844086310060545.post-91099580594514531552016-05-12T03:31:00.000-07:002016-05-12T18:24:11.259-07:00When Jesus replies with a BIG FAT NO!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial unicode ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">On Saturday my phone got shattered.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial unicode ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Just four days later, my hopes suffered the same fate.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial unicode ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I was listening to a preacher on Periscope on Saturday, he was
giving a simple, yet powerful message – Psalm 50:23 </span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "arial unicode ms" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Whoso
offereth praise glorifieth me and to him that ordereth his conversation aright
will I shew the salvation of God.” </span><span style="font-family: "arial unicode ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">It struck a chord. I
had been letting my doubts speak for years. The next few days, I had fewer
conversations! The ones I had were just with me and my God. I had begun to
understand that I needed to speak life over myself.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial unicode ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">If you asked me to explain how the phone fell face down on the
cold hard concrete, I’m not sure I could, but as I caught my breath and hoped
for the best, disappointment came. Remarkably, all functionality of the phone
was intact, the Periscope replay still played, the volume was still soul
reaching, but it was shattered nonetheless. I was running my life from that
device, this blog, schoolwork, research, my bible notes, pictures, just about
everything was on it and I had to decide, should I pronounce it dead or try to
make it ‘worthy’ again? I chose the latter. Hopefully, it can be repaired as
good as new.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial unicode ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">There is this song like – ‘<i>When Jesus says Yes, nobody can say
No</i>,’ (and isn’t that the truth) but when you land on the other side of Yes,
that flipside, that <b><i>BIG FAT NO </i></b>side – there is
another song you sing.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial unicode ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I had fasted. I prayed. I repeated bible promises. I planted a
seed. I had spoken life over my days. I had been asking Jesus for something my
heart desired, something I had hoped for. <a href="http://williamstand.blogspot.com/2015/09/when-delay-feels-like-denial-and-you.html" target="_blank">Jesus grants the desires of your heart.</a> That same Jesus, after my sacrifice, said…<b>NO! A BIG FAT NO!</b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "arial unicode ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">On Wednesday, hope, well- it just died – fullstop.</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial unicode ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I now, became my phone – shattered but working; fully functional
with a broken screen. If you asked me to explain why my hopes fell on the cold
hard concrete of life, I’m not sure I could, but as I stepped out in faith and
outside of fear, disappointment came with that <b>BIG FAT NO!</b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial unicode ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Out of all the people in the Bible, I have never heard anybody
wanting to be Job – ever! No one names their kid Job, no one longs to lose
their loved ones, no one wants to have their friends say the dumbest things at
the most painful time of their life and no one wants to lose all they have ever
had. If there was ever a happy ending in the Bible, it was Job, but the
process! The process was brutal!</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial unicode ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The thing about Job though, that we all, I’m sure, find
remarkable, was that faith; Satan questioned it, but God, he believed in it.
God believed in Job’s faith so much that he removed that covering from him and
let that Satan run Job through a sieve. He shattered his business, wealth and
family in one go! Talk about overkill!</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "arial unicode ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Curse God and die!</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial unicode ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Job couldn’t see the future, he wasn’t a prophet, he didn’t dream
dreams, he, just a man, who loved God. On that day when his hopes were
shattered, Job could not envision the turn- around that lay up in God’s hand
for him – all he could see was desolation. <b>YET</b> – all he
held onto was his God!</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "arial unicode ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">His fate didn’t determine his faith – neither must yours or mine</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial unicode ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I would take a guess and say that Job probably prayed that day
when he lost everything; I’m sure he made all the relevant first fruit and
burnt offerings unto his God, but that didn’t spare him from being shattered.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "arial unicode ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">God, must teach lessons in faith, he tailors his plans according
to his students. </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "arial unicode ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Differentiated learning they call
it in education circles, I have to do it too, it takes into account your
students’ abilities and learning styles – I must teach the way all my students
learn. It isn’t a one size fits all experience anymore. This <b>NO</b>,
was my differentiated instruction.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial unicode ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I had whispered in my prayer time that I wanted an increase in
faith, I had said it out loud too; the word became flesh; God agreed, then
replied with that <b>BIG FAT NO! – Now your move my child.</b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial unicode ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Curse God and Die!</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial unicode ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Job 2:10</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial unicode ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "arial unicode ms" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But he said unto her, Thou
speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? Shall we receive good at
the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this Job did not sin
with his lips.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial unicode ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Job, did not lose his integrity, and neither will I. <b>Psalm
34:1</b></span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "arial unicode ms" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall
continually be in my mouth.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial unicode ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I had whispered for increased faith. God had answered, “I
will grant your request for increased faith, by saying <b>NO, </b>now.
I will say <b>NO</b> now, and see if you will still<b> TRUST</b> me,
see if you will still<b> LOVE</b> me, see if you will still believe
that <b>I WILL</b> do exceedingly abundantly above <b>ALL</b> that
you ask or think.” God whispered a <b><i>BIG FAT NO</i></b> and
I shed a tear or two, but my<b> faith</b> did not waiver, and I
surprised myself when I whispered … “<i>Well, I guess you have something better
in store for me; guess I will wait.” </i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial unicode ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">So, that<b><i> No</i></b> song you sing, that we have
sent for Jesus but he hasn't come song, I’ll sing it knowing<i> “he’s four
days late, but still on time.”</i> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial unicode ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Martha thought all hope was lost, the family was shattered but God
was going to show up and Lazarus was going to come forth. I was
disappointed, but I didn't die!</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial unicode ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Do you think God loves us any less than he did Lazarus?</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial unicode ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1Corinthians 2:9 </span></b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "arial unicode ms" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But
as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into
the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial unicode ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I'm there for it!</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "arial unicode ms" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Related post :<a href="http://williamstand.blogspot.com/2015/08/birthdays-and-mercedes-benz.html" target="_blank"> Birthdays and Mercedes Benz</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "arial unicode ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">You may also like : <a href="http://williamstand.blogspot.com/2016/04/hello-fear-theres-something-i-need-to.html" target="_blank">Hello Fear</a></span></span></div>
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tanya williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134588100203622388noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234844086310060545.post-1898392295961699152016-04-21T22:00:00.000-07:002016-04-21T22:00:54.479-07:00I've hit the big 5O! A guide to blogging success in ChristI have hit the big five O!<br />
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Apparently 50 is a milestone number for writers. I've always seen sitcoms celebrating the 50 th and 100 th episode. So I'm celebrating too. Technically, this is my 51 st but who's counting?<br />
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When I just started my blog, I read everything blog related; I went on a few bloggers networks- they said- don't apply unless you've written 50 posts! So I wanted to get here, it meant being taken seriously. It meant you were committed... It meant you were blogger network worthy.<br />
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So...like most ' goals ' when you get there, you are like ' now what? ' What happens when you hit those self imposed, man made targets?<br />
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I have scribbled a few of my thoughts, dare I say tips in this post about 'successful' blogging.<br />
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<b>Push pass the crowd and touch the hem of his garment! </b><br />
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When I started this blog 50 posts back in July, I had no idea there were so many Christian blogs out there. I felt like Alice in Wonderland- lost!<br />
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<b>But I wrote still! </b><br />
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I read all the posts that offered advice on how to grow your blog. I visited successful sites and tried to get ideas, I read posts on SEO's. I latched on to free webinars, signed up to receive mail from ' <i>the people who went through it already so you don't have to'! </i><br />
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<b>I wrote, and I waited with every post to see a share- I waited for that ' viral post!'</b><br />
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Afterall, that's what makes blogs successful right? And doesn't God want us to be successful? If he called us to share through this medium, shouldn't we do all it takes to get in the big leagues?....<br />
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Your answer will depend on who you ask, but I read on a holy experience.com, one of my favourite Christian blogs...viral is closely related to virus! Isn't that the truth!<br />
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We are called to share the word for God's glory, not our own- he's been teaching me that. We all like to feel appreciated, and acknowledged for our efforts but this type of work requires all egos to be left behind; so if it's viral content we seek, we are in the wrong line of work.<br />
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The lady with the issue of blood pushed through the crowd to touch Jesus. We, in our efforts to push through the crowded blogosphere, must also seek to touch Jesus to be made whole. Jesus, and by extension his disciples touched lives - one at a time. Remember, the harvest is plenty, it's the labourers that are few. There are enough people out there for every blogger to reach one!<br />
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<b>Find your niché </b><br />
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God, in his wisdom gave us all a purpose, each one different but all to be used for his ultimate glory. I used to sing this hymn in high school...the line...' <i>And we though many throughout the earth, we are one body in this one Lord.</i>' It occurred to me that we look around at others and try to imitate their successes, not appreciating that our one true and wise God has given us a fire shut up in our bones for us to unleash! Each member important but with its own function. We must uncover our purpose and use it to his glory, that alone will make you successful.<br />
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<b><i>The disciples, I suspect, might have had no idea their own writings would have changed a generation! They too didn't have a cult following but were just men, like you and me, being obedient to the unction of the spirit.</i></b><br />
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So, if you find that you are a great cook, and want to inspire others to eat healthier, feed that! If you have a way to write to reach the young- play it up. If you have a heart for the homeless- love them. Ultimately, we are feeding his sheep.<br />
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<b>Write your truth</b><br />
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Another tip I came across from successful bloggers - <i>write posts that help others in some way. Give advice to help others through their struggles. </i><br />
Many times when we go through our trials, we are fooled by the adversary that noone understands. We are alone. No one has gone through this before; we hide ourselves behind shame. But, oh, for some honest truth to shine through and light our darkness! In our quest to make our blogs successful, we often make it sanitised and cookie cutter perfect! The lost stay that way and slip deeper down the rabbit hole. The disciples were honest. They said- look right here at this thorn in my side, it's bothering me and I have prayed for relief. Relief wasn't immediate but it's coming. Again they made us know that that thing which we want to do, we do not but do what is wrong... We are in a battle of flesh and spirit but there is a hope in Jesus if we keep our minds stayed on him.<br />
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<b>We have to write our truths to help others.</b><br />
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That shameful story, that dark place where we once hid, we must shine light there and look for others and bring them out from the depths of their own hells. People need raw, honest truths as desperately as the blind want to see. If your writing helps one, then you are successful.<br />
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<b>SEO and the numbers game</b><br />
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I used to come into my blog and painstakingly look at my numbers- how many visitors did I have today? Which post did they read? How many shares did I have? Were their any comments? Then I started to compare my blog with others and I started to 'introspect'. So many posts are written all over the Internet about how to increase your numbers, get more traffic to your blog, get more followers and get noticed. To what end? It's easy to lose sight of the end!<br />
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I read an interesting article early in my blog about Christian blogging and getting more traffic, the writer thought that we need to be just as vigorous in getting noticed as all the other genres of blogging because we have a greater purpose. The article also said the more people we reach, the more souls we are likely to touch; I agreed, in part.<br />
Numbers and blog traffic are important especially if you want to monetize your blog and segway into appearances and book deals- cause as they say ' ain't nobody got time to listen to a person who isn't relevant'..right?<br />
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But, oh for a God who tells me that my talent will make way for me. Oh for a God that gives me favour! Oh when Jesus says ' yes' nobody can say no! I am by no means promoting mediocrity, for my God does nothing that isn't 'good' but God has a process, and most often, he starts small, with just a seed. As the tree grows, he prunes and then we all bear fruit in due season, and as we stay under his guidance we continue in prosperity.<br />
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<b>God promotes, not man. You will be in the right place at the right time when he believes you are ready. Your job?... Be obedient.</b><br />
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I could have better numbers, I could write better titles for my posts to turn up in Google searches but I write the titles that are on my heart. I try to be honest. I look at my numbers now and I do not allow them to tell me I am not good enough a writer. I do not allow them to tell me that my content is bad. I am learning that I am pre approved, as Jennifer Dukes Lee says; I am going through my process.<br />
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<b>Be true to yourself and give yourself a break.</b><br />
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I have a full time job, I'm a single mother, and I am basically running this blog from my phone! I have internet and PC issues and writing weekly posts, plus doing all the marketing it takes to run what is deemed a successful blog is a struggle. I'm tired and stretched thin, I am aware of my truths and I have to let them guide my decisions. If it were up to me, all my spare time would be spent sleeping but I know I am called to write and I have to push past my tiredness and sometimes laziness and make the best use of my time. But I don't beat up on myself, instead I lean. Lean on him that can make my burdens light and fix it for me. It will all come together, he promises, he knows the plans he has for me and you...and just like his creation...it is good!<br />
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Life, begins at 50 huh?...let's see<br />
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Happy blogging disciples!<br />
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<br />tanya williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134588100203622388noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234844086310060545.post-103247508098255582016-04-03T00:52:00.003-07:002016-04-03T00:52:07.337-07:00Hello fear, there's something I need to tell youHello fear.<br />
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Just before the Easter break, I started teaching homophones, in our curriculum, it is referred to as word pairs. Fear, was not one of my featured words - it came in threes. I didn't want to complicate matters in an introductory lesson.<br />
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Fear, you see, complicates matters.<br />
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Fear and I have been having a symbiotic relationship for years, a little fear is good right? It keeps you in check, keeps you out of trouble and it can even help you to make critical decisions (that fight or flight hormone). Over time though, things took a turn for the worst. Fear became a friend I loved to love, and it slowly ate away at my being.<br />
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Fear overtakes things and makes light places dark places.<br />
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Recently, while I looked at my fearful place through a trembling heart, I realised how much of myself I allowed fear to cover with its dark veil. I hadn't allowed parts of me to live. I hadn't allowed parts of me to be known. I hadn't allowed myself to be forgiven...by me.<br />
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Fear, you see, takes small pieces at a time...until...<br />
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It is a crippling feeling to face my fear, for in doing so, I had to face a part of me that made me feel shame. I had made a mistake that was costly. I had made a mistake that had ramifications. I had made a mistake that I let define me. My mistake, let fear dwell in my mind and my heart. But, I lived life with a smile that covered fallen away pieces. I lived life with my own private, unspoken fear.<br />
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Fear likes to hide things.<br />
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When God decides to work on a heart, he's going to disturb some things. He's going to uncover some things. He's going to come in with that light and shine it on that dark place. That place that fear abides. Funny, one would imagine that when his light bursts in and illuminates a dark place, that would be the end of that- no more darkness right?....wrong!<br />
Just like a flashlight in a dark room, he zooms in on an area; you get to see the rubble that's there. You then, have to clean up!<br />
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Fear meets fare.<br />
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When that light shun on fear, when I saw how many pieces of myself was hidden in the dark places, I wept. I wept because of my mistake. I wept because I had become a prisoner of my past. I wept because I was afraid to clean up. When you have to take piles of garbage out, it's highly likely that people will see. It's even more likely that they will judge you. It's a given, you will condemn yourself. I did. But. I looked at fear, and through the tears, I said 'hello fear'...there's something I need to tell you!<br />
"Meet your word pair...fare." A price has already been paid for me to journey through this life, without you.<br />
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2 Timothy 1:7 " For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind"<br />
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Facing fears ultimately means stepping out in faith. Faith is the kryptonite of fear. Faith; my greatest struggle to date. So, if God is shinning his light on my fears, he is simply asking me to increase my faith. He is asking me to trust him. He is asking me to rest in him. He is loving my unspoken broken to wholeness.<br />
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Letting go of fear, means letting go of a familiar safety net. When you do that, you mourn a loss. This too can lead to another kind of vulnerability, that can lead to...fear.<br />
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What if I let go of fear and I am judged?<br />
What if my mistake is forgiven by God but not by man?<br />
What if I fail?<br />
What if my faith weins?<br />
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Fear not!<br />
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Fear delights in secrecy. Fear establishes insecurity. Fear gives legitimacy to self doubt. Fear cripples. Fear steals time and let dreams die. Fear held these words in its dark place.<br />
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I put off writing this post for weeks, fear gripped the words and threw it in a pile of rubble. It turns out, that's the very pile God shun his light on. I saw it. I moved towards the pile with knees that wobbled, I took up a word at a time like a shy child in a room full of strangers. My heart pounded through my chest with every word I made into a sentence until I breathed steady breaths of relief. God, never gives you more than you can bear and he only asks you to bare your dark places to heal your brokeness.<br />
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" So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10.<br />
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Hello fear'...there's something I need to tell you...I made a list and you're on it.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #ccccdd; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13.4px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 19.1429px; text-align: center;">Hello Fear" by Kirk Franklyn</span><br style="background-color: #ccccdd; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13.4px; line-height: 19.1429px; text-align: center;" /><br />
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Hello Fear <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Before you sit down there's something I need to explain <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Since you're here <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I think I should tell you since we last talked things have changed <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />See I'm tired of being broken-hearted <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />So I made a list and you're on it <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />All my hopes and my dreams You took from me <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I want those back before you leave <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Hello Fear <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I knew I would see you, You have a hard time letting go <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />See these tears,Take a good look cuz, soon they wont fall anymore <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />God's healing my hurtful places <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />That seat that was yours now is taken <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I'm no longer afraid,See I'm better this way <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />And one more thing before you leave <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">[Chorus]</i><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Never again will I love you <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />My heart it refuses to be your home <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />No longer your prisoner <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Today I remember <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Apart from you is where I belong <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />And never again will I trust you <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I'm tired of fighting it's been way too long <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />No longer your prisoner <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Today I remember <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Who I was and now it's gone <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />They're gone <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Hello Fear <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Da da da da da, da da da da da <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Farewell Goodbye So long <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">[3X]</i><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Hello Grace <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />It feels like forever, I thought my chance with you was gone <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />See your face, it reminds me of mercy <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />And please let me say I was wrong <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Never knew your touch was endless <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />How you never run dry of forgiveness <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Didn't know how bad it was, was afraid just because <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Sorry fear, grace took your place <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">[Chorus]</i><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Farewell Goodbye So long <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">[8X]</i><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Hello Fear <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Before you sit down there's something I need to explain</div>
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Taken from www.azlyrics.com</div>
tanya williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134588100203622388noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234844086310060545.post-86906641708929800322016-03-24T21:09:00.002-07:002016-03-24T21:09:30.576-07:00Jesus loves you, regardless of the state you are inI<a href="http://williamstand.blogspot.com/2016/03/one-space-left-lesson-in-obedience.html?m=1" target="_blank"> had another chance encounter </a>with a homeless man, this time, I had choices; I chose to park by him and his dog. I didn't pray for the car this time - I just went ahead and bought him lunch.<br />
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<i>God works on our hearts in mysterious little ways.</i><br />
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As I stood with the bag in my hand, a lady was to my left, a man in his car to my right; unwanted spectators in my moment of insecurity. I waited, I hesitated. I let my mind wander into those of my spectators. Their voices sounded very much like my own.<br />
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'Why would you give him food?'<br />
' He's probably a drug addict!'<br />
' It's his own fault why he's here in this state'<br />
' You are being an enabler.'<br />
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In a moment, a voice cried out softly and said, ' it doesn't matter why he's here, your job is not to judge him but to help him.' ' You were once found wanting too, but I still loved you.'<br />
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With that, I handed over the bag with just a ' Sir, sir...here.' He barely looked me in the face, but he did say thank you. He didn't look in the bag, he put it beside him. He went back into his world. I didn't get the gratification I think I wanted for my good deed.<br />
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God, has ways, of working on your heart.<br />
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In that split second before I handed over my obedience to this man, I thought of what I should say. I ended up saying..Sir...Sir...here; I pondered saying Jesus loves you. I didn't.<br />
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Why?....because I saw a man blackened with dirt, filled with metal rings on his fingers, hanging unto a dog on a leash and thought...in a split second...hearing the words 'Jesus loves you' wouldn't mean a thing!<br />
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In a split second, I thought, that the good news that Jesus loves us, would mean nothing to a person in their lowest state. In a split second, I thought hearing about the love of God would have no bearing on a man who no one saw, who people avoided, who the world 'justifiably'ignored. How would hearing that Jesus loved him make a difference to him?<br />
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Jesus, he works on hearts, in mysterious ways.<br />
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I drove away, again, having this time delivered food but not the bread of life. I felt like I failed again. How could a self proclaimed Christian not think that the good news is worth sharing to anyone at anytime under any circumstances?<br />
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I thought about my choice for a while, it rested on me like a cross too heavy to bear alone. It dawned on me that my choice is what so many make on a daily basis. How we complicate the simplicity of Jesus' love! How we over think what Jesus can do and inflate what we do. Jesus never asked us to save anyone. He just asked us to be messengers.<br />
We need only to be on one accord with what Jesus came to do...save us..love us.....first.<br />
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I made up in my mind, in only a split second, that hearing that 'Jesus loves you' would have zero bearing on a man that was living on the streets, how could he? If Jesus loved him, wouldn't he be with family and friends? Would Jesus love him homeless?....I knew he would think these things if I told him these three words...I withheld. I over reached, over stepped, over thought, and made the love of God small enough to fit into ' my own understanding.'<br />
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Jesus, changes hearts. He's changing mine with not so chance encounters.<br />
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The Lord works in mysterious ways, his wonders to behold, I don't know what he's up to, but I know he's up to something. I trust his heart. I trust my heart in his hands.<br />
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That simple sentence, 'Jesus loves you ' it carries weight, heavy enough to stand on its own yet simple enough that it needs no further explanation. It just is.<br />
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And isn't the love of Jesus something wonderful? That love that boldly bore my sins and yours. That love that stood unashamed betwixt two thieves. That love that has the holes in hands to prove to all the doubters that it is real. That love that reaches us from our earthly graves. That loves that does not care about our station in life. That love that rescues the perishing and cares for the dying. That love that's says..I loved you first. That love that calls us friend. That love that calls us heirs. That love that invites us All in. That's the love that we must share.<br />
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Share it often. Share it everywhere.<br />
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<br />tanya williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134588100203622388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234844086310060545.post-84963429189878042622016-03-10T11:41:00.002-08:002016-03-10T11:41:37.242-08:00One space left- a lesson in obedienceIt was the only parking spot left. It was right near an iron post in a corner, I wasn't positioned to drive in seamlessly. I would have to reverse. On reversing, there he was. A young man in old clothes, with plastic bags by his side filled with what looked like clothes. He looked newly homeless, despondent. I looked around the parking lot, hoping to see a reverse light or any indication that another space was becoming available. No such luck! I hesitantly drove in, beside him.<br />
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The car on my left was still running, as I looked over, I read the driver's eyes - it said- <i>are you seriously going to park there beside him?!</i> I held my head down wondering how his eyes had read my mind. I glanced over at the young man, I whispered a prayer - for the car! I said to my God, 'Lord, please don't let this guy do any harm to this car.' After, I said a prayer for the human, I said - 'Oh and Lord, help him', or something to that effect. I got out the car sheepishly, I tried not to look at him, thinking I was being nice by not staring. The man in the car to the left, I saw his eyes again...it read my mind..again...<i>'are you seriously leaving your car beside him?'</i><br />
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I stood in the line, it was longer than I was comfortable with, I was getting a patty for my mummy. A few weeks before she had said, "I would eat a patty from a sore foot man!" That's a phrase only a Jamaican would probably understand, it simply means, she wanted a patty, very badly, even from someone that would seemingly be unclean! I was being the 'good' daughter, I was getting her her heart's desire.<br />
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As slowly as the line moved, my thoughts raced, thinking about the man by the car. I wanted to move the car badly. Then a thought came into my head that quietly whispered, "Get a patty for him too." My mind hesitated. Then I said okay. Another whisper, "Get him something to drink too." Hesitation, then I said okay. I knew who was whispering. I ordered. With patty, drinks and change in hand, I walked back to the car. The whisper said- "Give him the change too." I am on a very strict budget, I wanted my change, I shook my head in the negative, I argued, then I decided to obey. On my short walk back to the car, which felt like an eternity, I had a few conversations with myself.<br />
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It is funny how a patty, a drink and change can make you adjust your thinking. I no longer thought about damage to the car, now I thought about damage to my ego. How would I approach him? What would I say? What if he rejects me? What will the man on the left say to me with his eyes? Should I tell him that God said to give it to him? Should I say I'm a Christian and I just wanted to help? I shook my thoughts quiet, and just decided that I would say whatever came to my mind. I stepped to the side of the car.<br />
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The young man, the young man that had the plastic bags of clothes. The young man in the old clothes that I feared parking beside. That young man that I had prayed for after I had prayed for a car. That young man- was gone!<br />
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The young man and his bags were gone, and I stood in the parking lot holding the bag. I looked around, I hadn't been gone that long, I made a 360. He was nowhere in sight. He seemingly had disappeared. I sighed. The man to the left was still there, this time, his eyes didn't reveal my mind. I opened the car door and sat. Still. I felt defeated, un-redeemed. Then I said to God - "well what exactly was the point of that?" "Why exactly would you let me do all of that for this young man to just disappear?" I didn't get the point.<br />
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As I drove away, I still looked, I wanted to give him the food, I wanted to have him feel like someone cared, I wanted to 'save' him by this one gesture but most of all, I wanted to redeem myself! I didn't want to be the girl who drove in a parking lot and parked beside a homeless person and prayed about my car- first! I didn't want to be the Christian girl who prayed for people in need when it was in my capacity to help them. I didn't want to be that Christian girl who didn't show kindness to strangers. I wanted to not feel shallow.<br />
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I didn't see him. I drove home. Mummy got two patties and a drink that day.<br />
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I related the story to a blogger friend, she remarked that it was a great story. I couldn't see it. She said, that is a remarkable story on obedience. She then asked, if that were to happen to you again- would you react differently? Would you hesitate as much? Or would you just be obedient immediately?<br />
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I believe, in all sincerity that I would be more compassionate; my thoughts would not mirror the man on the left, and I probably would have less hesitation to help a fellow human being. I didn't see the lesson at the time, but I thank God for the experience. Now- I look around for people just like him.<br />
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I want to be a Christian girl who gives as lead by the spirit.<br />
I want to be a Christian girl who values people's souls<br />
I want to be a Christian girl who sees people like Jesus sees them<br />
I want to be a Christian girl who prays for people and not things<br />
I want to be a Christian girl who doesn't care what the world thinks about her actions<br />
I want to be a Christian girl who does what she is lead to do, even if she doesn't want to do it.<br />
I want to be a Christian girl.<br />
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And God, He is wise. If I had gotten to deliver that bag, I might have thought of myself as 'good', I might have done like the many persons on social media, who post pictures and write long posts how they were lead to buy food for homeless people. I might have blown my own trumpet. I thought about those people as I walked over to the car with the bag. I said to myself, I won't take a picture though. We have to be careful in doing the right things, that we have the right motives. Less we think of ourselves as 'good.'<br />
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There was only one space left in the parking lot, I got it, right beside a homeless young man, I didn't want to park there. There was only one space left, Jesus, got it, in the midst of two thieves. He asked that the cup be passed from him, yet he said, thy will be done!<br />
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So I say, whatever the lesson, whatever the reason for my experience that day, thy will be done.<br />
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<br />tanya williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134588100203622388noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234844086310060545.post-67202733852303953912016-03-02T08:36:00.002-08:002016-03-02T08:36:44.796-08:00Fasting, does it move God?Fasting. That Christian discipline. Fasting. That Christian discipline that Jesus said would remove certain kinds of demons. Fasting. That Christian discipline that Jesus said would remove certain kinds of demons often never goes as we plan.<br />
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On my very first serious Christian fast, I had high hopes. I expected a divine visitation. I expected Jesus himself to visit me in those quiet prayerful moments. I was waiting on the bright lights, the tears to flow and a life forever changed. I would become, after that encounter a Christian missionary or something equally selfless and fabulous! As you probably already guessed, that did not happen. God rarely does what is expected.<br />
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What I got was something entirely unexpected. I looked relatively the same but my sensibilities had changed. My heart had decidedly become a little softer. Hard was becoming soft. I didn't sign up for that. I was in it for a change in altitude, I wanted to bear fruit, I wanted to find my purpose, I wanted an encounter.<br />
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Jesus, it seems, was in it for the heart of it.<br />
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I listened to the preacher Paula White a lot during that period. Her thoughts on fasting, and I paraphrase here:- 'Fasting does not move God, it moves you.' I wavered in agreement at the time, but at the end, I saw her point. God probably is less impressed that you can bring yourself to stay away from food to allow yourself to spend time with him. After all, we were made to worship him, for in him we live and have our being.<br />
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God I believe is decidedly pleased that you have decided to allow him to do a work in you. It is his work, his plan and he will accomplish it as he wills.<br />
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Bearing fruit, that Psalm 1 kind of bearing, takes being placed at a spot where there will be an abundance of sustainance; it requires deep roots, it requires pruning, mulching. It requires time but most of all, it requires that seed- that seed that needs to be planted on a soft heart- first!...<br />
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Fasting moves you to be obedient to God's probing and prodding. When he says move..move! When he says wait...wait.<br />
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Which brings me to my point. I haven't written in a while, partly because I had become very busy with obligations at work but upon listening in my fast...I heard...stop.<br />
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I feel like I am hearing that my blog needs to take a different direction, it is actually a series I have been mulling around in my mind for awhile but kept putting it off. So, I am listening for confirmation... I believe I have it now but doubt is still there.<br />
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So while me and my heart work out our issues, and I work on my obedience and faith. I will write what is laid on my heart, as I have always done.<br />
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That fasting thing. It accomplishes what it will. That Christian fasting. That Christian fasting thing. That Christian fasting thing that Jesus said will get rid of certain demons, he did it too. He did it before he started his public ministry. If he can, why not us?<br />
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What is your experience with fasting?<br />
Did you get what you imagined you would?<br />
Share your experience with us...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The now empty nest</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The empty nest</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pomegranate</td></tr>
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<br />tanya williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134588100203622388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234844086310060545.post-19108045972317349412016-02-14T17:09:00.002-08:002016-02-14T17:12:19.647-08:00Love abuseDay 5<br />
Love abuse<br />
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John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him will not perish but have everlasting life."<br />
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Recently, I read a blog post on yoursewtrendy.com, my fellow blogger Jaime hosts Sitting Among Friends blog party every Wednesday. I'm always there.(I can't make a live link because I'm using my phone, but I urge you to check it out). She wrote a post about love and examples of love in the Bible and how we can follow those examples when we love. It struck a cord and one song kept playing in my mind. 'God favoured me'. One line from it in particular.. ' love, I've had my share of Love Abuse..manipulated and its strength misused..'<br />
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Yes, I thought, love abuse. I've had a lot of that. We've had a lot of that and on today, Valentines Day, many are celebrating just that. Love abuse. When you have had that pure genuine child-like love we all originally had manipulated and misused, we begin to have doubts. We first doubt ourselves. We doubt others. We doubt love. We wrap that soft love with hard shells. We build walls instead of bridges. We start to mistrust love. We tell love it doesn't exist.<br />
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If there comes a time when genuine love appears, we find it hard to recognise it. We tell it it's a liar. We accuse it. We leave it for that special friend....love abuse. We become trapped in a cycle of hurt and abuse..with little love to show for it.<br />
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Love is patient<br />
Love is kind<br />
Love is felt most when it's genuine<br />
And I know he favoured me because my enemies did try, but didn't triump over me.<br />
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Now that hard has covered soft, and we only recognise and respond to love abuse; in comes God with that love on a cross. In comes God that's says ' I love you my child'. I love you with all my being. I love you with all your faults and flaws. I love your hard places. I love your soft places. Will you love me back? The dilemma now is, you don't know what to do with this type of love. You no longer trust yourself to choose love. You only now know, love abuse.<br />
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Houston.. We have a problem!<br />
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Many times, its not that we don't want to love God, it's that we don't know what real love looks like anymore. We can't let anyone into our hard places for fear that they will injure our soft places. We can't trust the people we see, touch and feel, how must we accept, receive the love of Jesus?<br />
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Truth is, there is no easy answer to that question. The answer that I know, is just to try him. Just to try him fully and you would be surprised how much he will heal your unspoken broken and make you whole again. The next thing you have to do is Trust him. That's the hard part. The trust part. You don't even trust your own judgement. But you must let go and let God..* welp*. It must be done. It can be done; slowly. Strip back the layers and receive a lover who is willing to be with you even unto death. One who doesn't just pay lip service but one who actually has the holes in his hands to prove it.<br />
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I'm not big on Valentines Day, something about being single has something to do with it. What I am big on is learning to recognise the love of Jesus as something wonderful.<br />
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And I know he favoured me because my enemies did try but couldn't triump over me.<br />
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"Jesus wept."<br />
<br />tanya williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134588100203622388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234844086310060545.post-32271722168283373412016-02-13T21:23:00.000-08:002016-02-13T21:23:29.878-08:00How do you love?Day 4<br />
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Jesus loves us<br />
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I typed the perfect little post, it got deleted.... Queue my * wonk wonk* soundtrack somebody. Day 4 has its challenges, life is full of them but we must soldier on. Luke 22:32 says " But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to me, strengthen your brethren." The Lord prays for us! Isn't that incredibly awesome?<br />
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Jesus prays that our faith in him not wane, even when Satan seeks to sift us like wheat. He is watching, he is present. He is praying.<br />
Luke 22:32, says importantly..' When' ...when you have returned to me, not ' if'. Not if but when. Jesus knows that sometimes, life may rock us, sift us and beats us to the ground; he knows too, that sometimes we may just deny ever knowing him because of it. But he's a praying father, and there isn't anything more powerful than a praying parent.<br />
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Why do we pray for our children? In a word...love.<br />
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Malachi 1:2 " I have loved you, saith the Lord. Yet Ye say, Wherein hath thou loved us...? God has demonstrated his unfailing love towards his children in so many ways long before he was nailed betwixt two thieves. His love for us his only crime. Our crime? Denying him. Denying his love.<br />
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How do we love?<br />
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I listened to a video recently about the book the Giving Tree. I read the book a long time ago, a boy, who a tree loved first, would go playing under the tree. The tree, because of its love gave unselfishly anything the boy asked. The tree willingly gave his fruits, its shade and as the boy grew he asked for more, eventually taking the lumber leaving the tree with just its stump. Years later, the boy, now a man came back but there wasn't anything else for him to receive. The tree offered its stump. The man sat.<br />
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I always felt bad for the tree, it didn't know to say ' no'. It gave everything it had, for love, our God gave his very life, because, like the Giving Tree, he loved us first. Unlike the tree, God tempers our desires for our own good. We will not always get everything we ask for even though Jesus will always have what to give.<br />
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Many times we behave just like the boy in the story, we selfishly ask for things not thinking how it affects others. We treat Jesus as if he is our giving tree, and when we get what we desire, we forget him; only to come back when we are in need again.<br />
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How do we love?<br />
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I have no problem loving everybody, it's just my neighbour I can't love!.... I laughed, yes, we live just like that. People are hard to love, up close. We have to try to follow Jesus' example of love. Love, yet say no. Love, and say yes. Love and say wait. Love and let go. Love and let God. Love and be patient. Love and be kind. Love and be wise. Love and be sacrificial. Love and give. Love, even if you love first, love even if you are hated. Love even when persecuted. Love and forgive. Love and love.<br />
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How did Jesus love?<br />
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John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish but have everlasting life.<br />
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<br />tanya williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134588100203622388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234844086310060545.post-48361074980017509532016-02-12T14:27:00.002-08:002016-02-12T14:30:18.213-08:00Is your answer always a yes? Be careful who you say yes to!Day 3<br />
What are you saying 'yes' to?<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Romans 5:19</span><a href="http://williamstand.blogspot.com/2016/02/the-empty-nest.html" target="_blank"> <span style="color: red;">"For by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by one shall many be made righteous"</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://williamstand.blogspot.com/2016/02/the-empty-nest.html" target="_blank">So an odyssey began</a>. One that led one righteous innocent man to die on a cross of sin and shame to save me. I said it, out loud even. "<a href="http://williamstand.blogspot.com/2016/02/when-you-look-for-me-in-us-you-might.html" target="_blank">I was innocent of the charges, I had done nothing wrong, I didn't crucify him</a>." I was guilty on all accounts. Made a sinner since that faithful day, that day before man counted time. I was made guilty that day when bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh, the perfect help meet made a fatal decision. I was made guilty when the man looked upon the woman who was made only for him, said ..."yes". Innocence was lost for us all that day when the first man was obedient to his perfect mate but disobedient to his maker.<br />
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That word, 'yes' is a tricky one. We say 'yes' many times when we really want to say no. We feel so obligated to say yes to everyone; to please everyone, to strip ourselves in our obedience to 'yes'. As a parent, you will remember around the age of two, when your sweet little babies learnt the word 'no!' We were at our wits end when they say no, even to the things they needed. We encourage 'yes's', we encourage obedience in our children. They need to be obedient to us,to their teachers, to adults, to the Sunday school teacher, to the choir director and of course to God! Many times- in that order. Obedience for me comes with a caveat. Yes- doesn't always signal obedience.<br />
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Jesus's obedience is hard for me to accept; that being fully man and fully God has my mind saying 'no'. I can't wrap my head around it. I understand most things in theory, I understand the concept of being God and man-<a href="http://williamstand.blogspot.com/2016/02/the-empty-nest.html" target="_blank"> I understand that heaven wasn't empty</a> - I understand that Jesus was born of a woman - I get it- in theory. Here's where I have an issue- being God with this plan of his - Jesus's 'obedience' didn't seem to me like much of a choice between that 'yes' and 'no'. John 1 is interesting to me in this regard "<span style="color: #0b5394;"> 1.</span><span style="color: red;"> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. </span><span style="color: #0b5394;">2</span><span style="color: red;">. The same was in the beginning with God.</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> 3</span><span style="color: red;"> All things were made by him: and without him was not anything made that was made. </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">4</span><span style="color: red;">. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.5 And the light shinneth in darkness;and the darkness comprehended it not.</span>God made everything that was made, everything, he is the light and life of us all, he is God and he is the Word. He came among us, yet we couldn't recognize or accept him. All those years spent outside of Christ was me being on the wrong side of history.<br />
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But.....<br />
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being this God and being this man .................... at once..........................was there really a conflict? Wasn't Jesus's always extremely focused on his mission? Did he at any moment have any wavering at what he was truly here to do?<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Luke 22:41</span><span style="color: red;">"And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down and prayed.</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> 42</span><span style="color: red;"> Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.</span><span style="color: #0b5394;">43</span><span style="color: red;"> And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.</span><span style="color: #0b5394;">44</span><span style="color: red;">. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground."</span><br />
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Yes.<br />
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.....being fully God and fully man made his 'yes' harder; much harder and that is truly what I can't wrap my head around. The fact that he was fully God. That part. Just that part. That's were the true obedience comes in. He made everything in the world and he subjected himself to being crucified by the very people that he made. The fact that there was so much power in him, the fact that he could have called 10,000 angels, the fact that he could have voiced the words 'no' is what is powerful about his yes. If he was fully man, I would have thought him strong, a martyr for his cause, a prophet, a John the Baptist - a man being obedient by a mere 'yes' he was not.<br />
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Luke 22:43, says an angel appeared and strengthened him, that struck me the level of conflict that was in him, how much agony he was in that prayer alone wasn't enough- he needed heavenly help. We, however, mere mortals, man only, try to solve our inner conflicts on our own.<br />
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God's obedience was by no means easy, being fully God and man. Our obedience, is no less hard. We are Ad'Am's' in our own right. We were made to have dominion on the earth. We were made a little lower than the angels, we are heirs, we have greater works to perform- God said it and he did some awesome things. Yet we are also humans walking and moving in a physical body trapped in a world with people handing us their brand of knowledge of good and evil. How easy it is to say yes, how easy it is to hand off our yes's to our help meets. How easy is it to just say the 'serpent beguiled me' and I did eat.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Luke 22: 40</span> .... ".<span style="color: red;">Pray that ye enter not into temptation</span>."<br />
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Being obedient doesn't always mean saying 'yes' as we have been taught, many times it includes saying no. Many will need to retrain their brains, including me. Say no to sin and shame, say no to our desires, say no our help meets, saying no to the world. Then in obedience, we say 'yes' to Christ. Just yes.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Luke 22: 31</span><span style="color: red;"> "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you like wheat:</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> 23</span><span style="color: red;"> But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethen."</span> Isn't this a comfort and a word for us all.<br />
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Related Readings : <span style="color: red;">Luke 22</span><br />
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<br />tanya williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134588100203622388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234844086310060545.post-4848683563141367602016-02-11T22:33:00.000-08:002016-02-11T22:37:04.428-08:00The empty nestDay 2<br />
The empty nest<br />
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An empty nest, can bring lots and lots of rest. I know, yesterday I slept from 8 in the A.M. to 4:47 in the P.M. I surprised myself! 8 hours and 47 minutes of uninterrupted sleep! I have not had that in a long time. There are two reasons for this - I have the coolest job, so I am on holidays because of Ash Wednesday and I have an empty nest for the weekend! The kids are having a grand time with grandma! My grand time - apparently revolves around sleep- 8 hours of sleep!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His eye is on the sparrow</td></tr>
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A few days ago, February 6th to be exact, I stumbled upon a nest (feel free to StumbleUpon my blog :) ). It was perched so low on a hanging branch that I was puzzled by it's mere existence. I thought birds built their nest up high, but, I was happy that I got myself a bird's eye view. I immediately grabbed my camera- you know- the one attached to my phone. I started snapping at the cutest little bird in the perfectly shaped low hanging nest. Just tiny little black eyes with a slender teeny tiny beak revealed their hiding place. Not a sound did they make.As I snapped, I looked around for their mommy- nowhere in sight was she. I felt scared for them. For I knew if any curious kids stumbled upon them, they would be goners. The nest though well camouflaged was much too low - for me.<br />
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I called my littlest daughter, I said, I have something to show you - she couldn't see, I had to lift her, she then smiled in awe. She called her sister and her friend who was playing in the yard; my littlest one, shook the branch! Not out of spite I am sure, but out of mere curiousity- she wanted to get close to the birds. I was none too happy, I told her so too and she confirmed my fear - the nest, though well camouflaged was much too low- for me.<br />
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Some time later, I went back to check on them, my oldest daughter had reliably informed me, that the mommy bird was out looking for the best worms she could find, and that is why she has been gone for so long. <a href="http://williamstand.blogspot.com/2015/10/that-moment-you-realise-he-holds-world.html" target="_blank">She is filled with little bits of knowledge gems. </a>The mommy had indeed returned, but I saw no worm,and I didn't get that photo op either..*wonk wonk*. The tiny mommy bird perched on a branch above her nest- looking up, I understood now why the nest and the baby birds were so small. I felt comforted that she was back..but still...The nest, though well camouflaged was much too low- for me. I worried about the three.<br />
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Today, I went to have a look see. The little birdies were still there, they had grown, some colour had come in on their feathers, and the nest seemed smaller somehow; maybe it seemed that way because they had grown. I snapped pictures, then I saw the mommy bird fly by; I took my queue. I was an unwanted intruder in her home. The nest though well camouflaged was much too low- for me...but...it was working quite well for the three.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Luke 12:7</span> <span style="color: red;">But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">24</span><span style="color: red;"> Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap: which neither have storehouses or barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls.</span><br />
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His eye is on the sparrow, so I know he watches me!<br />
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We are many times curious onlookers into other peoples lives, many times we see things that we think needs to be fixed. Often times we offer unsolicited advice, we often fail to realize that what works for us, doesn't necessarily work for others. We oftentimes can be meddlesome and not even know it - for even though a well built nest seems too low for us - it works well for who it serves.<br />
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The beauty about the God we serve is that he isn't using a cookie sheet, he doesn't have a one size fits all plan. He has tailored made plans for even the sparrows. If I were a bird, I'd probably build my nest way up high but sometimes 'up there' isn't the best place- it's easier for predators to see.<br />
A low place, that small well camouflaged place, that away from the crowd place, is sometimes the best place. There are times when God has to take us low to protect us, but, we don't see. We see only 'up there'.<br />
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And just imagine being up there, deciding in your mind to come down here. This low place. This crazy, carnal, sin-filled place, your very well camouflaged place. Coming here to this low place, was the only way that we could be in a protected space. Heaven...I thought for a moment was contemplating having it's own empty nest. The thought came to me and I dismissed it totally, for my mind knows that heaven wasn't really empty when Jesus was on earth. That whole omni-present bit. But I thought it, I thought it, I contemplated it. A parent on high, sending his child down low, knowing the outcome would be death. A parent that never hovered around the naysayers, the intruders, the know it alls; a parent that watched the agony, pain and suffering of their only child for me, for you, for us. I dismissed that thought, for heaven wasn't really empty.<br />
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I, a <a href="http://williamstand.blogspot.com/2015/08/the-bird-watching-sanctuary.html" target="_blank">curious bird watcher</a>, sat considerate of my little discovery, I but for a fleeting moment pondered about their safety. I spared a thought of what they would eat, of where their protector was; but as concerned as I was, it was for a mere moment. I went on with my life. I was also pretty psyched about catching a glimpse of them on camera - the wanna be photographer in me; but I went on with my life.<br />
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We are not but a mere thought to our Christ, "<span style="color: red;">Behold, I have engraven thee upon the palms of my hands, thy walls are continually before me."</span> <span style="color: #3d85c6;">(Isaiah 49:16)</span>. We are his pride and joy, just like the bird that fluttered by me when I intruded on her home and around her prized possession, so God will protect and avenge us, his prized possessions.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Romans 5: 19</span> <span style="color: red;">"For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous."</span><br />
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<br />tanya williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134588100203622388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234844086310060545.post-88617006227748475882016-02-10T20:25:00.000-08:002016-02-10T20:25:59.307-08:00When you look for the 'me' in 'us', you might not see Jes'us'<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Day</span> 1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Draw <b><i>me</i></b> close – closer than before- closer than <i><b>I</b></i>’ve
ever been<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In Jamaica, we double words for emphasis. When
someone has died and we find it hard to believe we ask, “Do you mean the
person is dead dead?” Is the cake good good or just good? “Good good
would mean it’s very good! <a href="https://williamstand.blogspot.com/2015/08/a-bridge-to-cross.html" target="_blank">I am Jamaican to the core.</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A couple years ago a friend asked <i><b>me</b></i> if I believed
Christ died on the cross for <i><b>me</b></i>. I said yes. Then I paused, I asked…Do you mean
<b><i>me me</i></b> or just people in general. She said, “you”. I paused again. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“No,
I said, I wasn’t even born when he died; it was like more than 2000 years ago.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“I suppose I believe he died for the people
who were living back then, and all their sins. I didn’t commit any sins when he
died.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> “I’m thinking the whole, he died to save us
bit was a spill over unto <i><b>me</b></i>.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was a Christian when I said that bit. And
thank God for how far I have come.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I
believed in theory that Christ died for<span style="background-color: white; color: #999999;"> ‘us’</span> on Calvary’s cross, but somehow,
at that moment, with that question, when
I tallied it up in my brain; it didn’t add up. The whole ‘<i><b>me</b></i>’ part. That
personal part. That Tanya part. <i><b>Me</b></i>. Just <b><i>me</i></b>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>How
could he? Why would he? Why did he? How does it transfer to all who are here
now? How does it cover all who aren’t here yet; all who are a mere thought in a
couple’s mind? How does it really and truly work like that?<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To answer that we
have to go back to the beginning, you know- the God created heaven bit, when he fashioned 'man' in his imagine and likeness. That Adam and Eve part. He didn't create them in isolation. In fact in creating them, he fashioned the way for us. All of us - including <i><b>me</b></i>. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I remember being admitted to the hospital once. I was sick sick. Mummy had to leave <i><b>me</b></i>, but she left <b><i>me</i></b> with this Psalm and these words. Psalm 23. Read it and remember what is says, she said, it's a personal Psalm. It's all about you. Don't worry, I'll be back in the morning. I read it, I trusted and she was indeed back in the morning. We all know it...it reads..</span></span><br />
<div class="chapter-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Ps-23-1" id="en-KJV-14237" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="chapternum" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; bottom: -0.1em; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; left: 0px; line-height: 0.8em; position: relative;"> </span></span><span class="text" style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 12pt;">The </span></span><span class="small-caps" style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 12pt; font-variant: small-caps;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Lord</span></span></span><span class="text" style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: red;"> is
</span><b><i>my</i></b><span style="color: red;">
shepherd; </span><b><i>I</i></b><span style="color: red;"> shall not want.</span></span></span></span><span id="en-KJV-14238" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="versenum"><b><span style="color: #558ed5; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">2</span></span></b></span><span class="versenum"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b></span></span><span class="text" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: red;">He
maketh </span><b><i>me</i></b><span style="color: red;"> to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth</span><b><i> me</i></b><span style="color: red;">
beside the still waters.</span></span></span><span id="en-KJV-14239" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="versenum"><b><span style="color: #558ed5; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">3</span></span></b></span><span class="versenum"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b></span></span><span class="text" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: red;">He
restoreth </span><b><i>my</i></b><span style="color: red;"> soul: he leadeth </span><b><i>me</i></b><span style="color: red;"> in the paths of righteousness for
his name's sake.</span></span></span><span id="en-KJV-14240" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="versenum"><b><span style="color: #558ed5; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">4</span></span></b></span><span class="versenum"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b></span></span><span class="text" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: red;">Yea,
though</span><b><i> I</i></b><span style="color: red;"> walk through the valley of the shadow of death,</span><b><i> I</i></b><span style="color: red;">
will fear no evil: for thou art with </span><b><i>me</i></b><span style="color: red;">; thy rod and thy staff they
comfort </span><b><i>me</i></b><span style="color: red;">.</span></span></span><span id="en-KJV-14241" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="versenum"><b><span style="color: #558ed5; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">5</span></span></b></span><span class="versenum"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b></span></span><span class="text" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: red;">Thou
preparest a table before </span><b><i>me</i></b><span style="color: red;"> in the presence of </span><b><i>mine</i></b><span style="color: red;">
enemies: thou anointest </span><b><i>my</i></b><span style="color: red;"> head with oil; </span><b><i>my</i></b><span style="color: red;">
cup runneth over.</span></span></span><span id="en-KJV-14242" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="versenum"><b><span style="color: #558ed5; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">6</span></span></b></span><span class="versenum"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b></span></span><span class="text" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: red;">Surely
goodness and mercy shall follow </span><b><i>me</i></b><span style="color: red;"> all the days of </span><b><i>my</i></b><span style="color: red;"> life: and</span> <b><i>I</i></b> <span style="color: red;">will dwell in the house
of the </span></span></span><span class="small-caps" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 12pt; font-variant: small-caps;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Lord</span></span></span><span class="text" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 12pt;"> for ever.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JIbyZGvyNaI/VrwMLbM2uvI/AAAAAAAABWU/FiBzcTC8mdw/s1600/Genesis%2B1-31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JIbyZGvyNaI/VrwMLbM2uvI/AAAAAAAABWU/FiBzcTC8mdw/s400/Genesis%2B1-31.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesus loves ME</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="text" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: red; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It was all about <i><b>me</b></i>. Just <i><b>me</b></i>. That <i><b>me</b></i> that Jesus thought about on Calvary's cross. That <b><i>me </i></b>that he fashioned in my mother's womb. That <b><i>me</i></b> that he knew before I was even conceived. That <b><i>me</i></b> that is fearfully and wonderfully made. That <i><b>me</b></i>, so important that he numbered all the hairs on my head. That <b>me</b> that was made a little lower than angels and crowned in glory and honour. Yes.That <b>me</b>. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In fact, that <i><b>me</b></i>, that<i> you</i>, can get lost in that <span style="color: #cccccc;">'us'</span>. That Christ died for <span style="color: #cccccc;">'us'</span> phrase. Sometimes we forget the <b>me</b> in <span style="color: #cccccc;">us</span>. Sometimes we can forget that Christ carried a cross, died in shame for a '<b><i>me</i></b>' that was there at the base of the cross, as well as a '<i><b>me</b></i>' that would stand infront of her own cross pondering if Christ died for a '<b><i>me</i></b>' or an <span style="color: #cccccc;">'us'</span>. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I was not there. I committed no sin. I didn't say 'crucify Him'; yet, he died then and there, on that cross of shame, for a future that I was to gain. I accept it. I live in it. I am growing in it. <b>Me</b></i>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Truth be told- my thoughts that Christ did not die for <i><b>me me</b></i>, is the thought of the many who reject him daily. It is the thought of the many who think they are too far gone, too wrapped up in sin, to accept that their sins have been forgiven and their souls redeemed more than 2000 years ago by a Christ that sees all things and knows all things. A God who in <i>Genesis told us that the seed of a woman would crush the serpent's head</i>. Yes, that God knew, from Genesis, the beginning, what would happen 2000 years after; and he told us too. We serve an all powerful God. A good that is concerned with the '<b><i>me</i></b>' as well as the <span style="color: #cccccc;">'us'</span>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So why did he do it? How does it transfer to<b><i> me</i></b>..just <i><b>me</b></i>? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Gen-1-26" id="en-KJV-26" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Genesis 1: 26</span> </span><span style="color: red;">And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.</span></span><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">27</span><span style="color: red;"> </span></span><span style="color: red;">So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Why did he want to save <i><b>me</b></i>? because he made <i><b>me</b></i> just like himself, I am just like God, I am his image, I am his likeness. I am holy, I am righteousness, I am beautiful, pure, blessed, wonderfully made. If God was Jamaican, he would say - <i>She mek good good</i>- translation - </span><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">31 </span></span><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That's why he died on that cross for <span style="color: #cccccc;"><b>us</b></span> - for <i><b>me</b></i>; because I was made not just good, but good good, and anything made very well is indeed worth saving. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Let us embrace Him in this the 40 days leading up to the cross with a hope to find <i><b>me</b></i> and<b><span style="color: #cccccc;"> us</span></b> in Jesus Christ our Saviour and soon coming King. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Related Readings : <span style="color: red;">Genesis 1-4</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">You may also like: Abridge to a cross</span></div>
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<img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BS8rIHEX80o/VdgAOrelOFI/AAAAAAAAAMc/MpVLpsqYhSY/s200/strongarrow.jpg" title="A bridge to a cross" width="200" /><a href="https://williamstand.blogspot.com/2015/08/a-bridge-to-cross.html" target="_blank">https://williamstand.blogspot.com/2015/08/a-bridge-to-cross.html</a></div>
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<br />tanya williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134588100203622388noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234844086310060545.post-72203756275087049292016-02-05T20:20:00.000-08:002016-02-05T20:20:46.430-08:00#40by40challenge <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VDhbdd6hC4I/VnizhoB2h0I/AAAAAAAABPo/NUVE-TwoBXc/s1600/40%2Bby%2B40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VDhbdd6hC4I/VnizhoB2h0I/AAAAAAAABPo/NUVE-TwoBXc/s400/40%2Bby%2B40.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#40by40challenge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>I haven't started</b><br />
<a href="https://williamstand.blogspot.com/p/40-by-40.html" target="_blank"><b>That 40 by 40..thing</b></a><br />
<br />
Are the promises made to self the easiest to break?<br />
<br />
I glanced over an interesting facebook re-post today about a young man who was on a spiritual journey and a physical battle; that battle of the bulge! He linked the two. He said the more spiritually sound he got, the easier it was for him to recognize that his craving for food was related to a fight from the enemy and one of those seven deadly sins - gluttony!<br />
<br />
I went to a Catholic primary school, they separated the Catholic and Episcopal children at lunchtime and for a few minutes, they taught us Catholic things! I was one of those children. We were mostly upset that we had to end our play time early to listen to things we had no interest in, but at the same time, the room was cool and we got to feel 'special' having been<a href="http://williamstand.blogspot.com/2016/02/holes-in-clothes-buyer-beware.html" target="_blank"> chosen </a> to..well..learn how to say the Rosary. I remember learning specifically about the Seven Deadly Sins....I suppose this is where I got the notion that sins had an hierarchy; for if these seven were singled out, they had to be worse than bad..right?<br />
<br />
Gluttony was one of them...in Jamaica,we just say....<i>craven</i>. <i>You eat too much...yuh too craven</i>. It is a sin too eat too much, to want too much, too crave too much- of anything! It's funny though because so many of life's most precious moments have food at the center of them; I can't think of one place that we go to that doesn't have food. It is hard to navigate around food. Alcoholics can avoid bars, and can empty their homes of liquor but you would be hard pressed to avoid food- unless you want to go in the other direction entirely-anorexia!<br />
<br />
<b>I haven't started that <a href="https://williamstand.blogspot.com/p/40-by-40.html" target="_blank">40 by 40 thing</a> yet.</b><br />
<b>The promises I make to myself are the easiest to break.</b><br />
<br />
I was sure I was ready, I put it out in cyberspace ready,but so was the enemy but <a href="http://williamstand.blogspot.com/2015/09/when-delay-feels-like-denial-and-you.html" target="_blank">delay masquerades as denial</a>- I know it all too well. I refuse to be tricked yet again. So it was interesting that I glanced at an article talking about how the enemy can use food against us, how he can use the pleasures of our taste buds, the very makeup of our senses to work against us and trap us in layers of obesity and that deadly sin....gluttony. Yes, it's not just that you lack self control and that will- it is that you are fighting a battle, a war, that seeks to shorten your very existence through lifestyle diseases.<br />
<br />
I watched in horror some time last year a program on TLC called 'My 600 lb life'. I watched with eyes and mouth wide open. I was in disbelief. The persons on the show were wading in a sea of defeat, as obesity had over taken their lives. Is it their fault? Do people put a gun to their head and make them eat unhealthily? The answers to those questions will be different depending on which side of the scale you weigh up on. I understood their defeat and their pain. I understood trying to come back from a place where you think you are so far gone that it makes no sense.<a href="http://williamstand.blogspot.com/2015/11/change-takes-time-change-happens-one.html" target="_blank"> I understood an enemy that says...change is not possible..for you. You. will. die.here.</a><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Ephesians 6:12</span> <span style="color: red;">For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.</span><br />
<br />
<b>I haven't started that <a href="https://williamstand.blogspot.com/p/40-by-40.html" target="_blank">40 by 40 thing</a> yet</b><br />
<b>The promises I make to myself are easiest to break..on my own</b><br />
<br />
On a Friday night, I'd much rather be unwinding from a hard week, and watching some TV, but I write, I made a promise to God. If it were just for me, well...yeah..I'd be watching TV. Promises to God are easier to keep. I feel like the stakes are higher. Last year, I also did something else...I went 21 days..without food. I only drank coconut water, water and apple juice. It wasn't a hunger strike. I fasted. I prayed. It wasn't about food but my attitude towards food changed. I realized that we give so much importance to food. It's as if we are addicted to food. A kind of a Lusting if you will. LUST - another of the seven deadly sins.<br />
<br />
On my fasting journey, it became all too clear that all things are indeed possible- through Christ who strengthens me. I realized that we do 'choose' what we put in our bodies, but I also came to know that anything that is a stronghold in our lives, anything that we struggle with in our lives <b><i>NEED</i></b> the power of Christ to be defeated. That includes food. It isn't just will power. It isn't just being <i>craven</i>. And this isn't a cop out!<br />
<br />
<b>I haven't started that<a href="https://williamstand.blogspot.com/p/40-by-40.html" target="_blank"> 40 by 40 thing</a>...but I am going to...</b><br />
<b>The promises I make to myself are easiest to break...because I don't see me like Jesus does.</b><br />
<br />
There are a few things not mentioned specifically in the Bible, food, is not one of them. It's mentioned, a lot. In fact, I started thinking about that very first 'fruit'. That forbidden fruit that we were not to eat lest we surely die, and while many say it was not a literal fruit, but a metaphor, either way..food was used and I think that is important somehow. God doesn't deal in coincidences, he's much too methodical for that. Satan, beguiles the woman to 'eat the fruit' and we have been suffering for it ever since. So he beguiles us to 'eat' as much and as often as we like, for we shall not surely die...at first. Eventually though, all that freedom starts to take a toll on our physical bodies and we just might 'die' literally because of it. I also don't think there would be so many chapters dedicated to the types of food that are good for us to eat, if the God that created us, who knows just how our systems work didn't deem it important. He knew what was good for us to eat. He knew. No, I am not an Adventist, and I am not plugging their message or practice of eating. I am just thinking there is merit in the pages of Leviticus. I am also aware of the debate that New Testament writings offer, I will not debate that, the truth is simple, <i>if we eat more from plants and less of what is made in plants, we will be healthier and come up hopefully a lot less on the scale.</i><br />
<br />
<b>I haven't started that <a href="https://williamstand.blogspot.com/p/40-by-40.html" target="_blank">40 by 40 thing</a>, but I will.</b><br />
<b>The promises I make to myself should be kept, because I am a temple. I house precious cargo.</b><br />
<br />
I'm glad Easter is early this year. I'm glad 40 days of Lent starts in February. I'm glad 40 by 40 was put out there and I'm even more excited that 40's are all in a row. I'm going to do a 40 day fast for Lent.<br />
<br />
I'm not making any promises...but I want to Chronicle my 40 days on my journey to 40. I invite you to join me. Journeys are always better with friends.<br />
<br />
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You might also like <a href="http://williamstand.blogspot.com/2016/01/stay-connected.html" target="_blank">Stay Connected</a><br />
<br />tanya williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134588100203622388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234844086310060545.post-44868933360482195232016-02-03T20:38:00.000-08:002016-02-03T20:38:38.706-08:00Holes in clothes- buyer bewareThere will be no pics in this post. My PC won't connect to my modem..again! I don't know what's the issue, so I'm using my phone....the phone connects! I can't even be bothered sometimes when life happens....but...it's a Wednesday... And Wednesdays... I write on my blog!<br />
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Chosen. A chosen generation. We are. All of us. Are. Chosen.<br />
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I've been telling my students that they are a chosen generation. I can do that in Jamaica.. For now...there is no separation of church and state. I've been saying to them, act like you are chosen. When you go to choose something.. Don't you choose the best? Do you buy clothes with holes? Or stale food? Or expired snacks? The answer is always a resounding.. NO!!<br />
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Then, I say...exactly! And that's exactly what God did, he chose you...the best, brightest children and you need to act the part. It sounded really great coming from my mouth, it sounded really, really good and I hoped it would soak in, I hoped it would change behaviour. I was wrong. I was wrong from the beginning.<br />
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Imagine if you see yourself as clothes with holes, as an expired snack or stale? Well, if you're a thinking child, you would think, God hasn't chosen you...he couldn't choose you, for you aren't worthy! You have too many holes.<br />
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We are a chosen generation.<br />
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I was wrong. My analogy was all wrong. God doesn't choose the best, he doesn't choose the ones without holes and as I was ready to smash my PC into the wall I realised, I realised the holes in my thinking didn't match the ones in his hands.<br />
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We are a chosen generation, inspite of our holes, inspite of our staleness or our expiry date. That's where grace and mercy comes in. We are a chosen generation, every last flawed one of us, because God knows that despite our holes, we are still worth more; despite our staleness, our freshness still carries a sweet savour and despite our expiry dates, we still are worthy of eternal life.<br />
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I do outlet shopping, like everyone else, I like to save a buck. One day I saw the nicest orange top, but on it I saw a tiny white sticker with a tiny red arrow on it, I had no idea what it meant. The blouse was cute, so I bagged it and left. When I got home and tried it on, I realised something. Tiny holes. The tiny white sticker with the tiny red arrow was pointing me to tiny holes in the blouse. Flaws. I didn't notice at first. Now when I shop at that store, I look out particularly for tiny white stickers with tiny red arrows. I don't choose those clothes.<br />
Humans choose around flaws. Humans choose perfection when buying. Humans, as we know from creation aren't really good at making the best choices.<br />
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God. God is not at all like us. He has that discerning eye. He knows every hair numbered on our heads. He sees those tiny white stickers with the tiny red arrows pointing to and out all our flaws...all of them. Yet. Yet, he says...You. Yes you. Come. I choose you!<br />
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How must I know right this wrong? This seed I have planted that says you are chosen because you are the best? How do I get someone who thinks they are the worst to still feel like they are chosen?<br />
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Is it as simple as saying God loves you? Could it be as simple as pointing to the most important holes ever driven through flesh?<br />
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Perhaps...perhaps... Perhaps<br />
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<br />tanya williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134588100203622388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234844086310060545.post-13919887886578893492016-01-29T23:16:00.000-08:002016-01-29T23:16:06.120-08:00ALL in- Half full or half empty, what do you see?<i>And when you're up you're up, </i><div>
<i>and when your down, you're down</i></div>
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<i>and when you're only half way up</i></div>
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<i>you're neither up nor down...</i></div>
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That half way place- that stuck in the middle place- that limbo place- that place where you are neither up nor down place.....that's a iffy place, because things can go either way...really fast.</div>
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lukewarm</div>
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not too hot</div>
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not too cold...</div>
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only half way there..</div>
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neither up nor down</div>
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I feel like I am right there. I feel like this blog is there. I feel like January is there. Churning out fresh content twice a week while having a full time all consuming job, being a full time single mom and trying to be a woman seeking out and walking in her purpose can get overwhelming. You can get to that place where you believe you are climbing the ladder and just get ... half way up.</div>
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What good is half way up anyways? It's just as good as half way down for me. You are not where you started, I get that, but at half way up, you can still see the ground, you can still see all the rubble, you are close enough that you can even still smell it. Half way up? Half way up is like getting stuck in a comfortable place, it's like you start thinking- I'm not where I started, so I'm much better off. I made changes, I made improvements. I lifted off the ground and that's great. I'm half way up!</div>
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Well you know what...for me...</div>
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<i>When you're up, you're up</i></div>
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<i>When you're down, you're down</i></div>
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<i>and when you're only half way up</i></div>
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<i>you're neither up nor down</i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make your drink count- drink living water</td></tr>
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I'm going with God on this one...lukewarn, well it's not making any sense....seriously.</div>
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If you're going to go for it-<a href="https://williamstand.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-moth-screaming-lady-and-light-lets.html" target="_blank"> GO ALL IN already!</a> Just climb all the way up and just go. Doesn't matter how you look on the glass...as half full or half empty......there is space to be filled up..go for overflow while you're at it.</div>
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Why just feel safe in a boat when you can walk on water?</div>
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why settle for being a great speaker when your words can raise the dead?</div>
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why write just a blog when it's in you to write a book?</div>
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why help one child when you can heal a nation?</div>
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why<a href="https://williamstand.blogspot.com/2016/01/all-time.html" target="_blank"> rejoice</a> when you are happy when you should be so filled with rejoicing it spills over into everyone you meet?</div>
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Speak Lord, your servant heareth. I'm speaking to myself..if this is for somebody- it's for me!</div>
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I could be wrong. I could be seeing it all wrong.</div>
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Or maybe I just now got it. I've always been called a pessimist, because I didn't see this glass as half full...but honestly, I like a full glass, a full plate and I have the hips to prove it....now if I, if we, could only apply it to every aspect of our lives...and go for broke...just get hot!<span style="color: red;"> red hot!</span> fired up! for Him!</div>
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If only....</div>
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but we sit in pews</div>
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with hands neatly clasped</div>
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for fear of eyebrows raised</div>
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for fear of whispers and stares</div>
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even for fear that if we shout </div>
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and rock our head all about</div>
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If we praise and shout Hallelujah</div>
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and the walls come tumbling down</div>
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that not only people will see us...</div>
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but.....</div>
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We Will See Ourselves</div>
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and worse still...</div>
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God Will See Us.....Yes...God</div>
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We run, we hide, only from him.</div>
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We go in great big circles, still</div>
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just to come back right where we started</div>
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back to the ground...</div>
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that was so near to that half- way thrill</div>
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teach me Lord to leave half way </div>
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let me go <b>ALL</b> the way </div>
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for you gave <b>ALL</b> your life to set me free</div>
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and half way there was never your plan for me.</div>
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Revelation is not a book of the Bible I like to read, truth is, I don't understand it much but this one thing, I did...for this one post.</div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Revelation 3:16</span> <span style="color: red;">"So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Verse 15</span> ...says...<span style="color: red;">"I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot."</span></div>
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<i>And when you're up , you're up</i></div>
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<i>and when you're down, you're down</i></div>
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<i>and when you're only half way up</i></div>
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<i>you're neither up nor down</i></div>
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Even nursery rhymes agree with Him.</div>
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<a href="https://williamstand.blogspot.com/2015/08/a-bridge-to-cross.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://williamstand.blogspot.com/2015/08/a-bridge-to-cross.html" target="_blank">You may also like: A bridge to a cross</a></div>
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Excerpts from the poem "The Noble Duke of York "adapted by Judy and David Gershan</div>
tanya williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134588100203622388noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234844086310060545.post-16277394082319112262016-01-27T19:49:00.002-08:002016-01-27T19:49:39.588-08:00ALL THE TIMETo say January has been lackluster would be an understatement! I'm not 'feeling' January this year, it doesn't have that crisp clean smell that new things have. It's almost like that first time you had to try beets or spinach or broccoli...its been 'meh'<br />
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Just 'meh'.<br />
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How many of us feel like that sometimes?<br />
Then because we are Christians we start feeling bad for feeling bad for we know that we should be feeling 'good'- <b><i>ALL THE TIME!</i></b><br />
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That attitude of gratitude mantra - that be grateful for life, freedom and God's provision and blessings mantra. That....yes that, just that should be enough to make you happy...<b><i>ALL THE TIME!</i></b><br />
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I watched the movie ( I'm using this term loosely now)<i> Inside Out</i> just recently, and my mind went entirely crazy with excitement at how incredibly well thought out and insightful this cartoon was. And like most 'over thinkers' I took it all in.<br />
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The message? No one can be all happy all the time, there is sadness, and anger, and pain that balances us all out to makes the human experience...well...human.<br />
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Is it possible or even healthy to be happy <i><b>ALL THE TIME?</b></i><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Philippians 4: 4 </span><span style="color: red;">Rejoice in the Lord <i><b>ALWAYS</b></i>: and again I say, <b><i>Rejoice</i></b>.</span><br />
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Apparently, the answer to my question is.............<i><b>ALWAYS</b></i>..a yes! If God said it- I believe it!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YOU can start over</td></tr>
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So how does one transfer that <i><b>ALWAYS</b></i> into every mundane day? ............ <i><b>Rejoice.</b></i><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Philippians 4:6</span> <span style="color: red;">Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication let your requests be made unto God</span>. <span style="color: #3d85c6;">7</span> <span style="color: red;">And the peace that passeth ALL understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">11 </span><span style="color: red;">Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">19</span> <span style="color: red;">But my God shall supply ALL my need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.</span><br />
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And so it is, those days, those weeks, that <a href="https://williamstand.blogspot.com/2016/01/stay-connected.html" target="_blank">January when you felt disconnected</a> and discontent, there is <b><i>ALWAYS</i></b> a reason to<i><b> Rejoice</b></i>, to be happy to be content. So tomorrow, when I go through my final January days, I will remember the word...<i><b>ALWAYS</b></i> and will <i><b>rejoice</b></i>.<br />
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I will tell you what happens, when I renew my mind into an attitude of<i style="font-weight: bold;"> rejoicing ALWAYS </i>in<i style="font-weight: bold;"> ALL ways.</i><br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">Related Reading: Philippians 4</i><br />
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<br />tanya williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134588100203622388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234844086310060545.post-53420369099493891392016-01-22T20:28:00.002-08:002016-01-22T20:28:39.937-08:00Butterfly kisses and sacrificeNo, I have not abandoned my blog! I had no internet connection at home for a few weeks ( insert jaw drop here...) and I lived to tell the story! I certainly missed not sharing and I did feel guilty, <a href="https://williamstand.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-best-laid-plans-of-mice-and-men.html" target="_blank">especially on my posting days - Wednesdays and Fridays,</a> but I do believe I am back in business.<div>
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Over my hiatus, I observed many things, I had many ideas for articles but in the hustle and bustle that is life, I managed to write down none and remember only a few. This one thing stuck.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All our caterpillar moments lead to wings</td></tr>
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When I was a little girl, I loved butterflies. I would come out into the garden with my little plaits, wait on them to perch ever so gracefully on a flower and put their wings together as they became lost in nectar heaven; then I would strike! That's when I would lift them up and put them in my jar and close the lid. I would rub my index finger in a circle on my thumb, feeling the fuzz that made the beautiful pattern that drew me in, then I sat. I watched. I watched the thing of beauty die. At my hands. </div>
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I remembered my mummy told me to pierce holes in the top of the lid, so the poor things could breathe, I thought, oh yes!...that's my flaw in design. I pierced holes. I caught butterflies ever so skillfully. Butterflies still died. I'm not sure if it was the trauma of all that butterfly death, but I soon lost interest in catching butterflies.</div>
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I had a conversation with a gentleman once about caterpillars and a book I've been trying to read for about 2 years now -<i> If Caterpillars can Fly So Can I by Alvin Day</i>. We didn't talk much about the book - he just said -<b><i> Caterpillars can't fly</i></b>! I disagreed. Caterpillars were born to fly, they were made to fly, operating on the single premise that, the caterpillar will eventually become a butterfly- who was born to fly...</div>
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<i>"It doesn't matter what you see now, can you see His glory?" ( I Know Who I am by Sinach) </i></div>
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The gentleman, well, he didn't get it, he was being literal, and caterpillars only crawl and eat leaves- and they, well, they have no <b>v<i>isibl</i></b>e wings.</div>
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Just last week, I went to pick my daughter up at school and she said all excitedly,</div>
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" Mummy! The caterpillars are back!" " So many of them, and the children are killing them and squashing them."</div>
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<i><b> Those caterpillars won't fly. It took me back to my butterfly catching days. They, because of me- wouldn't fly either.</b></i></div>
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Then she showed me, probably what were hundreds of caterpillars under a long stretch of wall at school. Caterpillars all huddled together, all in varying stages of metamorphosis. It gave me pause, I had never seen that before,<i> I was more impressed with butterfly wings.</i> Then I went to pick up my other daughter, and their seating area had all but been abandoned because the caterpillars had taken over their Lignum Vitae tree, Jamaica's National flower.</div>
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<i><b>It was time for pale yellow butterflies to spread their wings.</b></i></div>
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A few times a year in Jamaica, there are a few days filled with tiny pale yellow butterflies, (Krigonia lyside) happily flying around, and before you know it; they all but disappear. It happens, this year I saw, just because my eyes were open.</div>
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As I looked at the chrysalis at my daughter's school, I had a thought, these butterflies, these specific tiny ones go through four different stages, just to live for a few days, some, mere hours, others- minutes...it almost seems- counter-productive. But is it? </div>
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<b>Can caterpillars really fly? - <span style="color: #990000;">Technically</span>- No</b></div>
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<b>Do caterpillars have wings? -<span style="color: #990000;"> Scientifically</span>- No</b></div>
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But.....something happens inside that chrysalis, something happens when that caterpillar hangs upside down on it's head. <b><i>It makes wings.</i></b> Wings that were 'never' there before and as I watched a time elapse video of a caterpillar's metamorphosis, my daughter started watching too, she said..</div>
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"I don't see any changes though."</div>
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But I did, they were subtle, almost invisible. Towards the end,when the chrysalis changed shape and got fatter, she then said, </div>
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"Oh, I see the changes now."</div>
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<a href="https://williamstand.blogspot.com/2015/11/change-takes-time-change-happens-one.html" target="_blank">Changes start ever so small</a>, <i><b>sometimes even when it is in us, we tend to overlook or disregard them, looking instead, at the bigger, more visible flaws.</b></i></div>
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.....All I require for life, God has given me, and I know who I am ( I Know Who I am- Sinach)</div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">2 Peter 1:3</span> "<span style="color: red;">According as his divine power hath given us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue</span>." </div>
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ALL I require for life...............LIFE.............I have been given. It means that I can make this life make sense. It means I can make the mundane tasks, the fiery darts, the jars that prevent wings from spreading metamorphis into a beautiful work of art that only a master potter could envision. You see, the truth is, His creation, it speaks to us. The caterpillar hangs upside down to change into it's finest hour; but, when things are toppled upside down, we panic, we grow weary, we get frantic,we curse at the master potter. For we can not see. We can not see the beauty in the caterpillar moments. That ugly, creepy crawly, leaf eating, plant destroying, garden wrecking, school bench taking-over caterpillar, is the same one that births those beautiful butterflies that we chase after as little children, and put them in glass jars, just so we can have them, albeit selfishly for ourselves. They get all the glory, and if they came by my house when I was a child...unfortunately, they got some of the pain too. </div>
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I say this to say...<i><b>the process, is worth the journey. </b></i></div>
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Hang upside down and embrace the change, because your wings are in those upside down, topsy turvy days. Those days that you cry, those days that only you can see your change, just keep hanging upside down. God's got you covered, in this stage and the next. My daughter, she told me so too. She sprightly said'</div>
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" Mummy, you know when birds see those butterfly wings what they see?"</div>
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" Dinner perhaps?" I thought but never said;</div>
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Then she says, " They see something that tastes bad, the colours (yellow) on the butterflies tell birds that they taste bad, so they won't eat them, but it's not really true, they taste good."</div>
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"How do you know? Have you ever tasted butterfly wings?" - that, I said....</div>
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We both laughed...."Muuuuuummmyyyy....I could never taste that!"</div>
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<i><b>And do you see our Bible in action? ALL, I require for life, God has given, even the butterflies, so why not I? Why on earth do we doubt him?</b></i></div>
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And on that matter of a butterfly's lifespan? That question I asked myself, is it all worth it?</div>
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If you have ever seen these little pale yellow butterflies in motion, you would know that it most definitely is. They do not move with butterfly grace, they do not have all the patterns and sequence of the ones we normally admire, but they have all they require for their short lives.</div>
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They huddle together in caterpillar families, they go through changes together, and when their crowning moment finally comes, they fly together so rapidly and succinctly that it makes a yellow wave of joy fill your heart, at the wonderment that it must be to fly, to spread your wings, to live your purpose, to do what you were born to do..even if it is for just a moment in time. </div>
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Afterall, when we count up our years, isn't it all just a moment?</div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Psalm 90:4</span> <span style="color: red;">For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday, when it is past, and as a watch in the night. </span><span style="color: #073763;">12</span><span style="color: red;"> So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.</span></div>
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What changes are you going through this new year? Will you embrace the change and see it as a means to your end?</div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">Readings</span> : <span style="color: red;">1 Peter and 2 Peter</span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow;"> </span><b><span style="color: red;"> I know who I AM by Sinach</span></b></div>
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You may also like: <a href="https://williamstand.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-moth-screaming-lady-and-light-lets.html" target="_blank">The moth, the screaming lady and the light</a></div>
tanya williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134588100203622388noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234844086310060545.post-70242026859683267292016-01-06T18:46:00.000-08:002016-01-06T18:46:15.259-08:00Stay connected<br />
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I'm not feeling it yet. The newness of the new year. That umph you get at the beginning of the new year to be fearless and at least start that new thing, at least for that first two weeks! My mind isn't cooperating and neither is my Wifi connection - I had to be jumping through hoops just to get this post up.<br />
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That tired feeling, that lack of umph feeling, that frustrating feeling that takes you over when you have internet connectivity problems feeling- it's telling you something.<br />
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This new year, I signed up for a bible plan- again! Last year I signed up and I didn't finish - again. This time I came across a 90 day plan. Read the Bible in 90 days- Yes- 3 months! What made me think I could do that? I was to do in 90 days what I couldn't do in 365? 6 days in - and I'm 6 days behind! See what I mean about not feeling that new year umph?<br />
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As for my <a href="http://williamstand.blogspot.com/p/40-by-40.html" target="_blank">40 by 40 campaign</a>, well...I'm 6 days behind on that too.<br />
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Why?<br />
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I'm not sure I know entirely, but I'm sure it has something to do with that pesky Bible plan. I'm sure it has to do with a renewal of the mind and not a renewal of the year. I feel disconnected, even though I am trying to be totally connected.<br />
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Stay connected to the source................<br />
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The trick is not in renewing a bible plan, or your gym membership but renewing the mind for <span style="color: #0b5394;">Psalm 119:150</span> says "<span style="color: red;">Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path</span>."<br />
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So, I hope to have a better connection than my internet .............tanya williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134588100203622388noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234844086310060545.post-6360811972885553912016-01-01T21:34:00.000-08:002016-01-01T21:37:04.896-08:00Launch out into the deep<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">C</span>heers to the weekend! It's a Friday. The Friday that ended 365 days and got us started again at 1. Day 1. Blank leaf. Blank Page. Blank Book. Beginning. Enough with the new year's cliches right?<br />
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I have seen a push back this year on the 'resolutions'. People instead coining the newest 'catch words' ...solutions and revolutions. Whatever you want to call it, however you want to frame it - a new year brings hope, and possibilities for change, lasting change. <a href="https://williamstand.blogspot.com/search/label/Change" target="_blank">And change...change can be a very scary </a>thing.<br />
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Change cause you to do a few things...reflect, review, revisit, in short - look back. As we look back on the year past, just mere hours ago, it is tempting to revel in any successes we might have had or revert to old habits because of apparent failures; for we are but humans, and life events can cause us to praise or blame - self.<br />
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<b><i>One event happened that caused me to look back on a lifetime of scars and the enemy said 'stay there'</i></b><br />
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Change can cause you to have apprehension, fear, uncertainty, and in short cause you to become paralyzed. <i>'Stay there.'</i> For people who had a great 2015, a new year isn't so scary, because they welcome opportunities to have an even better year. For the rest of us whose year was characterized by disappointment, uncertainty, pain and even growth, we are - fearful. Questions flood in, fools rush in and we think of a new year with trepidation; one day at a time becomes 366 days that unravel like dried up roses from a bouquet. We try nothing, we do nothing, we dare not rock the boat, less it topples over. We <i>'stay there' </i> and finish out the year - hopefully.<br />
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Change can cause you to make a plan, resolutions, revolutions, solutions, in short change can cause - action. Last year, I had a plan, I got a board, I decorated it, I titled it my 'Vision Board', it was to have my visions clearly stated in print and pictures. I was to accomplish them all by the end of 2015. Thing is....it was my plan and as luck would have it - I never put a single 'vision' on it. I meant it to look absolutely perfect- so I was waiting to find the perfect pictures, and I wanted to cut out letters to make the words- I thought it would look artsy. Perfectionism and procrastination got the better of the 'Vision Board.' At year's end - I wasn't sorry. In January when I designed it in my mind, most of what took place in the year wasn't on it - including this blog. Man's best laid plans, often go awry- thank heavens for that!<br />
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Change can cause you to change. Do a total 360! It's a new year, change is good, so therefore I must change. Change my hair, change my style, change my outlook, change my mind about being kind.<br />
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Looking back isn't bad, getting stuck in your past is. I think it's healthy to look back, to see how far you have come. It can help us to see God's hand connecting the dots of our haphazardly ordered life. Looking back can make us grateful for God's grace and his mercy. Look back but for a moment.<br />
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Feel the fear, feel that heavy, sinking feeling in the pit of your chest. Breathe slowly. Repeat. Isn't it unfair that we can't see or predict even what's around the bend? It makes you feel so helpless, but yet in a way, it's the best thing that could ever happen to us! During all the Christmas messages, <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Isaiah 9:6-7</span> was on repeat .....<span style="color: red;">.and the government shall be upon his shoulders</span>.... spoke to me- and I thought - "well that's a heavy load; that is a burden I would not want to carry." In Jamaica, we sometimes describe a person who looks sad or distressed like this:-<b> '</b><i><b>dem a ack like the whirl deh pon dem shoulda' transalation - they are acting like the world is on their shoulder</b>.</i><br />
If I knew everything that would happen in my life, the good, the bad and the ugly, I know I'd be running around like a chicken without a head, trying to out a fire here, or to extend a happy moment or to prevent any sadness anywhere, that I would soon be so burdened and be fearful and paralyzed, having my world upon my shoulders. A scary thought! Feel the fear?....You don't have to!<br />
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<a href="https://williamstand.blogspot.com/search/label/Making%20plans." target="_blank">Plan! Nehemiah had a plan</a>. I. am. not the best planner. Last year I'm sure I said, I'm not a planner at all- but I'm getting there- slowly- but surely. It is always good to have a plan, God is a planner and if I am to be more like him, I also need to have a systematic way of achieving my goals but - my plans need to not just be systematic but in sync. In sync with God's purpose for my life. For I do not have time to be like mouse and men!<br />
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Change just to change? That reminds me of me, when I'm going out! I know I am not the only one to start off with an outfit, try on three others, only to return to the original outfit. Find your purpose - stick to it! Different outfits might change your mood but it certainly doesn't change the heart of you, the core of you- the purpose in you.<br />
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<b>Change should cause you to surrender. Fullstop</b>.<br />
Change. lasting change, that causes renewal, revitalization; that change that makes ALL things new. That change - it never, ever says "<i>stay there.</i>" Stay at a place that scarred you. Stay at a place that causes you pain. Stay at a place and be afraid. Stay at a place and never grow. Stay at place and keep changing things that don't matter. Stay here.<br />
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Instead - lasting change says - Go - <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Luke 5: 4</span>.. <span style="color: red;">Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. </span>Lasting change asks you to take a deep breath, feel the fear but TRUST God's plan, surrender and GO.<br />
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Our response is usually -<br />
"No"<br />
"I don't know how"<br />
"I'm afraid"<br />
"I prefer to stay here"<br />
"I'm not sure if it's you Lord"<br />
"This is not my plan"<br />
"I have been doing it this way though"<br />
"I can't"<br />
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And then 365 days go by and we look back and wonder where the year went. We look back, many of us pleased at the direction our year took- our goals were met, our lives unfolded just the way we planned. Others, will look back with disappointed eyes and be glad 365 + 1 are in the bag, so they get to start a fresh! Start a change.<br />
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5<span style="color: red;"> And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Master we have toiled all night and have taken nothing</b> -</span> <i>Lord, I have done it my way all this time, and really have gained nothing at all; everything that I have tried to the best of my own knowledge, skills and plans have amounted to nothing I can use to make a living from</i>.<span style="color: red;"> <b>Nevertheless</b> - </span><i>surrender!</i><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>at thy word</b>- </span><i>with your guidance, grace, mercy, PLAN,</i><b> </b><span style="color: red;"><b>I will let down my net</b><i>- </i></span><i>I will Go out and do what I have been doing, with the same tools I used before, but not with my own knowledge, skill, strength or PLAN but yours oh Lord and I will see what happens!</i><br />
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6 <span style="color: red;">And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes; and their net brake.</span><br />
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And that is how, I suspect, you drink from your saucer, for your cup has overflowed.<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Happy New Year - 2016</span></div>
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tanya williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134588100203622388noreply@blogger.com7