tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66912926870418813972024-03-05T02:25:38.060-05:00Power of PrayerYellow Rose Arborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17293145838400788866noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691292687041881397.post-11866050279427466242012-05-13T01:01:00.000-04:002012-05-13T01:04:44.430-04:00Mother's Day TributeI would like to share my Mother's Day Tribute with you. Click here to see it on my other blog:<br />
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<a href="http://thingsienjooy.blogspot.com/2012/05/mothers-day-tribute.html">http://thingsienjooy.blogspot.com/2012/05/mothers-day-tribute.html</a><br />
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I wasn't raised by devout church going parents, but they were good people. They owned a restaurant and were hard working people. They tried to take us to church a while when we were small, but we were only dropped off to Sunday school. We didn't pray together as a family, or before meals, etc. I did feel loved by my parents, grandparents and all the family, even though most of the families didn't attend church regularly, or at all.<br />
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The Lord had His hand on me from the beginning. I remember vividly as a child walking down the lane at my grandparents house and looking up to the sky to see a cloud in the shape of Jesus' face! During high school I always had the right kind of friends, who were good kids. Some of them went to church regularly and they invited me to go with them. Eventually I went each Sunday with my best girlfriend. I always seemed to make the right choices and decisions. I know the Lord blessed me with all this. I married in a church and always took my children to church regularly and would read them bible stories each night and say prayers with them. Today they are fine Christians, married to Christian men and have raised their children to be Christians, putting Jesus first. <br />
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I did get to see my parents become church going Christians in their latter years and I know they are in Heaven and I will see them again someday! Praise the Lord for eternal life!<br />
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Thank you for reading this, if you are still with me and want to see the Tribute I did for my mother, click here:<br />
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<a href="http://thingsienjooy.blogspot.com/2012/05/mothers-day-tribute.html">http://thingsienjooy.blogspot.com/2012/05/mothers-day-tribute.html</a><br />
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I'm linking to <a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/">Charlotte's Spiritual Sundays</a>, thanks to her for hosting! Click on her name for more inspiration. <br />
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Happy Mother's Day!<br />
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KatherineYellow Rose Arborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17293145838400788866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691292687041881397.post-15489236011282041942010-11-28T00:23:00.004-05:002010-11-28T00:33:47.411-05:00Mad at God?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vOs8qn2e5UzqkHfxOVJpalXApdL5KyLJA5r8ijy1UTJ9HPkjxpT-Yccy9FAJw4KO0B_fvXL2AfQmP7iucA7ZYjApK175iQJFvBgApUTHUjk-JbO7lXkvgsrfNgRRYKGaM67vaGGUkFw/s1600/spiritual+sunday2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 139px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vOs8qn2e5UzqkHfxOVJpalXApdL5KyLJA5r8ijy1UTJ9HPkjxpT-Yccy9FAJw4KO0B_fvXL2AfQmP7iucA7ZYjApK175iQJFvBgApUTHUjk-JbO7lXkvgsrfNgRRYKGaM67vaGGUkFw/s200/spiritual+sunday2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544468333133562386" border="0" /></a><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;">Today I'm joining <a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/">Charlotte and Ginger</a> on Spiritual Sundays. Thanks, ladies for hosting! Click on their names for more inspiration.<br /><br />I received this message last week in a newsletter I subscribe to and wanted to share it with you. I haven't posted in a long time, but kept feeling like I should post this one, perhaps there's someone out there who needs to read this.<br /></span><h1 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;">THIS THANKSGIVING</span></h1> <h1 style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:100%;" >This Thanksgiving holiday may be the only one some of us have left, or it may be the most important one some of us will ever have. Let’s make the most of it.<br /><br />From the beginning, this mostly secular holiday has had a somewhat “holyday” dimension to it. After all, the Pilgrims gave thanks to God, mostly for surviving, but surely for the food they had that helped them to survive and ultimately prosper.<br /><br />Taking things for granted is an occupational hazard of the human condition. It is easy to forget that all things come from God. Whatever we have is a gift from our Father, “Who art in Heaven,” and on earth, and in every heart and mind that permits him entrance.<br /><br />This Thanksgiving some of us are having our own personal struggles, and it is not as easy perhaps to be thankful. Millions of people are nowhere near as well off as they once were. The lines at the local food banks and shelters are longer than they have been in recent times many places. Those of us who are able must help those less fortunate when we can. I spent one Thanksgiving homeless, roaming the streets of Los Angeles when I was younger. I can tell you it is a cold and desolate feeling.<br /><br />Some of us are mad at God this Thanksgiving. I can understand that, although it doesn’t do any good to bang your head against the rock wall of Reality. Some of us don’t have what we had last year. I know dozens of people who have lost more than 40-50% of their wealth this past year. I lost my best friend this year. I know what it is to be mad at God too, although it isn’t the right thing to do, and it certainly doesn’t help. God gave us what we had to begin with.<br /><br />The Prophets got mad at God at times. They got over it, and so will we.<br /><br />Some people lost wives, husbands, and children this year. I can’t imagine the depths of their suffering, but I sympathize with it. I don’t have a wife or children in the normal sense. I acquired a dog ten years ago at a very dark and painful time in my life. He saved my life when he was a puppy by giving me a reason to live. Years later he saved my life from two intruders who broke into my home early one morning. He was my best friend for years. He died tragically from cancer a couple of weeks ago. He bled to death internally and died as I held him on the examination table of the veterinary clinic. He was scared and could hardly breathe as he looked into my eyes.<br /><br />I was mad at God for taking the only real friend I had for many years; the only one I lived with and could be close to through many dark and troubling years. He was always the same, day in and day out. He loved me unconditionally, and every morning he greeted me as though he hadn’t seen me for years, although he slept on the same bed that I did every night of the ten years he was with me.<br /><br />It’s hard to lose things, harder to lose what we love. Yet, it was God who gave us these things from the beginning. I remember that there were over 3,000 sunrises and sunsets that I spent with Sage. He loved to walk with me anyplace we went. He loved to swim more than anything else. He was a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and it was in his genes to be that way. He was loyal and he was loving, and he is gone, but I am thankful to God for the years He gave me to live with Sage. He always slept with one back leg over my ankle, as though he wanted to keep track of me through the night. He liked to watch football games on television, and sat next to me on the sofa with one paw draped over my leg.<br /><br />He would often steal my shoes or socks and race joyously through the house and prance and dance until I told him to hand them over, which he always did as though it was his highest and happiest mission in life.<br /><br />Loss is hard, but sometimes it is only in loss that we realize what we’ve had, the greatness of the gift and how much it has contributed to our life. It’s easy to give thanks when everything goes well. It’s easy to love when all is comfortable. It’s the highest and best thanks and love when we can do it from a place of loss. Be thankful for what you have, and for what you had, even if it was only for a little while, for as a wise man said, “Tis better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.”<br /><br />So, this Thanksgiving let’s be thankful indeed for all we have, and for all we’ve had. It is all evidence of the love and care of God our Father.<br /><br />Have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving,<br />Father John Corapi</span></h1>Posted by KatherineYellow Rose Arborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17293145838400788866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691292687041881397.post-71233769198424276642010-07-03T20:02:00.005-04:002010-07-03T20:07:44.964-04:00Independence Day Message<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkoAtkxbgipJAzNUbmYANaiOQ3juCVC2VhAjxj1WLFmUqcaMh3Ke0Y_UVHtrq_qEFxe4vgLDYfr-PRfxyeyNMyVnk8ztPnbL2K-r5KnzLF0bu-jZhIl4P5MGt_Il_TXtw0aPJi1Bezjo/s1600/flag+roses.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkoAtkxbgipJAzNUbmYANaiOQ3juCVC2VhAjxj1WLFmUqcaMh3Ke0Y_UVHtrq_qEFxe4vgLDYfr-PRfxyeyNMyVnk8ztPnbL2K-r5KnzLF0bu-jZhIl4P5MGt_Il_TXtw0aPJi1Bezjo/s400/flag+roses.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489835846472838210" border="0" /></a>
<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CJoseph%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} h2 {mso-margin-top-alt:auto; margin-right:0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; mso-outline-level:2; font-size:18.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; font-weight:bold;} p {mso-margin-top-alt:auto; margin-right:0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><a name="1298de3ca618c125_independence">I haven't</a> participated in Spiritual Sundays in a while, but would like to share this Independence Day message today. I hope you like it.
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<br />Thanks to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting. Go <a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/">here</a> for lots more inspiration.
<br /><a name="1298de3ca618c125_independence"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></a></div><a name="1298de3ca618c125_independence"><span style="font-weight: bold;">
<br />Independence Day Message</span><o:p></o:p></a></div> <p><span style="">I have fond memories of the 4th of July going back to when I was probably only four or five years old. We remember the parades, the picnics or barbecues, and the happy gathering of families. During the American Revolution, the legal separation of the American colonies from <st1:country-region st="on">Great Britain</st1:country-region> actually took place on July 2, 1776, when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve the resolution of independence previously put forth by Richard Henry Lee of <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Virginia</st1:place></st1:state>. After debate and revision Congress approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4th. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="">Of note is the letter John Adams, one of only two Founding Fathers who went on to become president, wrote to his wife Abigail: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="">…This day ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward forever more. (<st1:place st="on">Adams</st1:place> Family Papers: An Electronic Archive. <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Massachusetts</st1:state></st1:place> Historical Society)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="">Like so many of the Founding Fathers, <st1:place st="on">Adams</st1:place> recognized that the day of deliverance came from the providential hand of almighty God. I am not sure about large numbers of duplicitous politicians and other so-called public servants today, whether elected or appointed. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="">Freedom is a great thing, and we do well to celebrate it on the 4th of July. That being said, it’s something rooted in truth, and apart from the truth there can be no authentic freedom. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">If you continue in my word [truth] you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. (John 8:31-32)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="">An individual, a country, or a world that does not remain rooted in objective truth cannot ultimately live in freedom. If you are serious about your faith, my dear friends, I strongly recommend that you read #1730-1748 as we approach the wonderful celebration of Independence Day, or the 4th of July. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="">Some highlights of this reality: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">1731: Freedom is the power, rooted in reason and will, to act or not to act, to do this or that, and so to perform deliberate actions on one’s own responsibility. By free will one shapes one’s own life. Human freedom is a force for growth and maturity in truth and goodness; it attains its perfection when directed toward God, our beatitude [true happiness]. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="">1733: The more one does what is good, the freer one becomes… <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="">One of the most common errors of all time is to confuse freedom and license. Today, frequently under the specious pretext freedom, mankind acts in a manner that is really license. We are not morally free to do whatever we choose to do. Only when rooted in truth and acting in objective truth can we hope to be free. No one has the moral right to do evil. No one has the moral right to choose to take an innocent life or to engage in actions that are out of accord with right reason or any objective standards of morality we have ever known. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="">The inevitable consequence of abusing freedom is losing freedom. Soon, if we do not alter our present course, the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region> will no longer be the home of the brave and the land of the free. Loss of personal freedoms, one at a time, is already well underway. One day we shall awake from our moral slumber and find that we have become slaves. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="">We must live in truth and act in truth if we are to remain free. Abuse it and I assure you we shall lose it! Wake up <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region>! God is not a disinterested spectator. Let’s thank God for our freedom, but let’s not sit by idly while the forces of darkness divorce freedom from truth. For, as Jesus says, “The man who sins is the slave of sin.” (John 8:34) <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="">I’ll leave you with the motto of the United States Army Special Forces on this 4th of July:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><b>De oppresso liber! </b>(To free the oppressed)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="">Indeed, Jesus came to set the captives free. Let’s do our part for our country and our world that we might all remain free in the glorious freedom of the children of God. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style=""><b>God bless you,
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<br />Fr. John Corapi </b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <span style=""></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> Yellow Rose Arborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17293145838400788866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691292687041881397.post-3403139042549995912010-04-03T23:01:00.016-04:002010-04-04T00:08:43.540-04:00Happy Easter!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihefPkaLYPBB5GCnEhJMaBBVb8fpr3YpNSjntrP5JCS4AzNR3AZoDao2bw_9cXuQ_sALlXL6Y19ussgEZLRJ2XUNvohjJagJy7vy9LASQs7B9NDF5nIG5P7w-RC4vCzPwukdJu_too4mQ/s1600/spiritual+sunday2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 139px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihefPkaLYPBB5GCnEhJMaBBVb8fpr3YpNSjntrP5JCS4AzNR3AZoDao2bw_9cXuQ_sALlXL6Y19ussgEZLRJ2XUNvohjJagJy7vy9LASQs7B9NDF5nIG5P7w-RC4vCzPwukdJu_too4mQ/s200/spiritual+sunday2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456112666929761586" border="0" /></a>Thanks to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays weekly. Go <a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/">here</a> for lots more inspiration.<br /><br />I would like to extend to you best wishes for a very Happy Easter.<br /><br />I give thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ for drying on the cross for us so we may have eternal life with Him forever and forever!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I'm sharing a few of my Easter decorations in our home this year.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjzuZY8rmO_DIMb6BEpeIZE2q0DJ2u2eC_CkGJ6G6wWFBqDMcbxbugEcwYPpP7f7W_0c7wLSkYZcBOk5mUCn893fR7sg95FobfTjjpbsBnz1V1CobISjkDoWS4t1D7oz1AaqV-lLctUE/s1600/bible3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjzuZY8rmO_DIMb6BEpeIZE2q0DJ2u2eC_CkGJ6G6wWFBqDMcbxbugEcwYPpP7f7W_0c7wLSkYZcBOk5mUCn893fR7sg95FobfTjjpbsBnz1V1CobISjkDoWS4t1D7oz1AaqV-lLctUE/s400/bible3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456115889840816434" border="0" /></a>My childhood bible with a twig cross on top. A friend made the twig cross for me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJly85zPfluV0ka8kPymMMA7Yxaj8i7eNPzoaYMkj3eIhTvCu0oSwtNMNOn0JSWOAnu_dBk1hXWxIO4nWiCWM6w9uJS2PJhjpDZMQM5OMWI06-5JZi6lDJEooB4pivX-SvDaG4gfNMkMI/s1600/crown+of+thorns2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 358px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJly85zPfluV0ka8kPymMMA7Yxaj8i7eNPzoaYMkj3eIhTvCu0oSwtNMNOn0JSWOAnu_dBk1hXWxIO4nWiCWM6w9uJS2PJhjpDZMQM5OMWI06-5JZi6lDJEooB4pivX-SvDaG4gfNMkMI/s400/crown+of+thorns2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456113692528856226" border="0" /></a>My husband made the crown of thorns from the vine off our bouganvillia bush.<br />The nail was given to us at church a few years ago.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWx2dQK0Ubp1DIGR6X6wWAZVC52MSCmIMfaHxtDI4PhUhLR_Iv63s_tHprKjpMhJnUOyWEXZg6WL9rzfvs7IbviqbKPqc8FqINlA_M-ep6Tlj7E_cbeV048gBR70eC0sjAFpEg9283YP8/s1600/crown+of+thorns3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 313px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWx2dQK0Ubp1DIGR6X6wWAZVC52MSCmIMfaHxtDI4PhUhLR_Iv63s_tHprKjpMhJnUOyWEXZg6WL9rzfvs7IbviqbKPqc8FqINlA_M-ep6Tlj7E_cbeV048gBR70eC0sjAFpEg9283YP8/s400/crown+of+thorns3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456113777677711586" border="0" /></a>I like the shadows on this and the next few pictures<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDZk6uERcxiD4Cl-HBlr7kOCiZJIkgeKl1eovELASLc1HVoEZW4irdHa7VKnIydyolG50yt09-CmmX-RyffTD6QHJLXNWYW6b_riGhY4HyUFBX29BcrQ9n9uazmkNvry9rjsCYC2Pm5g/s1600/crown+of+thorns.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 359px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDZk6uERcxiD4Cl-HBlr7kOCiZJIkgeKl1eovELASLc1HVoEZW4irdHa7VKnIydyolG50yt09-CmmX-RyffTD6QHJLXNWYW6b_riGhY4HyUFBX29BcrQ9n9uazmkNvry9rjsCYC2Pm5g/s400/crown+of+thorns.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456113610617305106" border="0" /></a>Especially the shadow from the candle below:<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4kt02nyO2C0ux0WDZjni1vCwCa1pIKNM6qpD1JFg-oLuq0cAToUxHR48uXD5V67_16xdU9To4rK51xBez8gGaNQ-RVxdkysKjjJc9mr1p6gfiNrB_S48DTMdKGfcyWfqOOdNji84AGc/s1600/crown+of+thorns4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 341px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4kt02nyO2C0ux0WDZjni1vCwCa1pIKNM6qpD1JFg-oLuq0cAToUxHR48uXD5V67_16xdU9To4rK51xBez8gGaNQ-RVxdkysKjjJc9mr1p6gfiNrB_S48DTMdKGfcyWfqOOdNji84AGc/s400/crown+of+thorns4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456113855018269554" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The picture below has the true colors<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazgrVoUXl8YTraujty1vmkrrFlPl4LBbYIJiKIieuwubRZUXkWmuAyiluoseGwD-SbCtxVpdZ4fOsMtl0hL6-qJ9tmxG5ITvRHTuZqWSFce8MLPwMyBqz451ZM-iFcgZxIrY0UD98NPY/s1600/crown+of+thorns5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 349px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazgrVoUXl8YTraujty1vmkrrFlPl4LBbYIJiKIieuwubRZUXkWmuAyiluoseGwD-SbCtxVpdZ4fOsMtl0hL6-qJ9tmxG5ITvRHTuZqWSFce8MLPwMyBqz451ZM-iFcgZxIrY0UD98NPY/s400/crown+of+thorns5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456113930734426450" border="0" /></a>The old bible above, has been in our family almost a hundred years!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">My childhood bible below:<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nA17umQ3RszN_SghOB-vhC0aF5OMuaUV0DFtOAjiBNKPb2qXExRQGAvq2xFlL0177Nob_oaJKRMEmFuII_3k6Q-AcZldOgiCrqWBEcAhPnstAOI9FVt7aD6_5GJ3KpI2aNjV_z509QM/s1600/bible+bird.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 383px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nA17umQ3RszN_SghOB-vhC0aF5OMuaUV0DFtOAjiBNKPb2qXExRQGAvq2xFlL0177Nob_oaJKRMEmFuII_3k6Q-AcZldOgiCrqWBEcAhPnstAOI9FVt7aD6_5GJ3KpI2aNjV_z509QM/s400/bible+bird.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456127156028866130" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrTwSoJxw_jclL3tLySBpscgvHgsP-B0qI75afYVd9WSDGTvXr6kVGjz_RL07FjXyc33RQQ5lZZj6Pw7RpIG8fb1IhsYm1xSBYUAZkMipRJRxacEqsGtNOgN57kFBxWt-1NbqIuUWzFI/s1600/cross1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrTwSoJxw_jclL3tLySBpscgvHgsP-B0qI75afYVd9WSDGTvXr6kVGjz_RL07FjXyc33RQQ5lZZj6Pw7RpIG8fb1IhsYm1xSBYUAZkMipRJRxacEqsGtNOgN57kFBxWt-1NbqIuUWzFI/s400/cross1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456115988280224786" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The twig cross displayed in a cloche with thorny roses, pearls and a baby's pink bible:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgou9xWCMpnH2VwWchSUPRnyS7ka2S-jvy1IjI4MoYpidjqP6nwQhDoRlK7Cu78aVX-eRhf6_PSiC-H0Mz1ZfqvVzERpkoWO5T7wjXg-t871zam7Lw1m5JD2yad_AxGkJZR7ZvNh-xvVrY/s1600/cross11.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgou9xWCMpnH2VwWchSUPRnyS7ka2S-jvy1IjI4MoYpidjqP6nwQhDoRlK7Cu78aVX-eRhf6_PSiC-H0Mz1ZfqvVzERpkoWO5T7wjXg-t871zam7Lw1m5JD2yad_AxGkJZR7ZvNh-xvVrY/s400/cross11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456116406392582658" border="0" /></a>This represents Jesus dying on the cross for us after leaving His words for us to live by. A bittersweet representation.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2P5rcaMzMleF82UO_0Vo8TXxnW3sf7lHPAKxn_ie3OBl98YogKmT8tYKb9WJUXoX5_RjSGOq53ujuseWqTcIof6XMba-TfVjpIwjqbjE1If4WuGfw6XqPAO22XhW63um23qDPuh945XI/s1600/cross15.jpg"><br /></a>If you would like to see more of my Easter decor, go to my other blog <a href="http://thingsienjooy.blogspot.com/">The Yellow Rose Arbor, here.</a><br /><br />Have a very blessed Easter.<br /><br />He is Risen!!! He's Alive!!! Thank you Lord!<br /><br />KatherineYellow Rose Arborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17293145838400788866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691292687041881397.post-48998057013942770902010-02-06T22:28:00.005-05:002010-02-06T22:44:46.099-05:00The Holy Alphabet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zgo-TAD5DHYouTflhMsAOuBhcfjSptjWJ8D0R5Or2aZG76lIUYevtjO5BhQJa8zM-kIuHoIIlNRFvSnK12Ff9oBbytY0sgODqYHF-KbJpzs1K-liicYmmwqIF8_x0-8mRlOX1r3WWUQ/s1600-h/spiritual+sundays.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 111px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zgo-TAD5DHYouTflhMsAOuBhcfjSptjWJ8D0R5Or2aZG76lIUYevtjO5BhQJa8zM-kIuHoIIlNRFvSnK12Ff9oBbytY0sgODqYHF-KbJpzs1K-liicYmmwqIF8_x0-8mRlOX1r3WWUQ/s400/spiritual+sundays.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435340608701072066" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I received this alphabet by email today and wanted to share it with you. Thanks to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays weekly. Go <a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/">here</a> for lots more inspiration.<br /><u><br /><br /></u></div> <div><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Holy Alphabet</span><br /><br /></div> <div>A lthough things are not perfect<br />B ecause of trial or pain<br />C ontinue in thanksgiving<br />D o not begin to blame<br />E ven when the times are hard<br />F ierce winds are bound to blow<br />G od is forever able<br />H old on to what you know<br />I magine life without His love<br />J oy would cease to be<br />K eep thanking Him for all the things<br />L ove imparts to thee<br />M ove out of "Camp Complaining"<br />N o weapon that is known<br />O n earth can yield the power<br />P raise can do alone<br />Q uit looking at the future<br />R edeem the time at hand<br />S tart every day with worship<br />T o "thank" is a command<br />U ntil we see Him coming<br />V ictorious in the sky<br />W e'll run the race with gratitude<br />X alting God most high<br />Y es, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...<br />Z ion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!<br /><br />"I AM Too blessed to be stressed!" The shortest distance between a<br />problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the<br />floor.<br /><br />The one who <span style="font-style: italic;">kneels</span> to the Lord can <span style="font-style: italic;">stand</span> up to anything. Love<br />and peace be with you forever, Amen.<br />----------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />We are especially thankful today for answered prayer about the heart catheterization my husband had yesterday at Mayo Clinic (Jacksonville, FL) He didn't need to have any stints and the doctors said his problem could be "fixed" with medication. He is home now! We've been praying and our pastor anointed him with oil a few weeks ago.<br /><br />Praise the Lord!! Thank you Lord for answered prayer!! Thank you for being there with us!<br /><br />Katherine<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Yellow Rose Arborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17293145838400788866noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691292687041881397.post-26182346851671732562010-01-09T22:28:00.001-05:002010-01-09T22:35:53.004-05:00Devine Intervention<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38iwjys-sG_UjpnVqMSwMk_lbUoaaj384gm6s312e8RC0qlnTl-PckthqNGvc9_IHaYzq6lPVo202wht62XZde3HAH3QwLVvC76UyPJf2439s-QJXqDmVyG6HLQ2cYeArV1GkYWWzxXc/s1600-h/spiritual+sundays.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 111px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38iwjys-sG_UjpnVqMSwMk_lbUoaaj384gm6s312e8RC0qlnTl-PckthqNGvc9_IHaYzq6lPVo202wht62XZde3HAH3QwLVvC76UyPJf2439s-QJXqDmVyG6HLQ2cYeArV1GkYWWzxXc/s200/spiritual+sundays.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424948987912756482" border="0" /></a>
<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CJoseph%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><span style="font-family:georgia;">When I came to my Power of Prayer blog with an idea of what to share I noticed the last time I posted on <a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/">Spiritual Sundays</a> the title was Detours. </span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal">My husband and I had one of those detours just recently.<span style=""> </span>In December he was planning his annual skiing trip to <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Breckenridge</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">CO</st1:state></st1:place>. For the past five years I haven’t gone with him because the last time I went I spent the week in bed with altitude sickness.<span style=""> </span>He asked me to go again this time and I reluctantly agreed to go hoping I wouldn’t experience the altitude sickness again!</p> <p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">A friend offered to loan us his timeshare condo the first week in January. My husband contacted the company several times and had difficulty getting the confirmation papers we needed.<span style=""> </span>Our friend kept telling us to ask for “Mike” he had the confirmation number, etc.<span style=""> </span>Finally my husband said he wondered if all the difficulty was a sign that we shouldn’t go.<span style=""> </span>In desperation, he cancelled all the plans, he was very disappointed. </p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">Our reservations were to be Jan 3 through Jan 10 -- this week. Several things happened this week. My husband’s sister died this past Wednesday (from ovarian cancer)<span style=""> </span>He also received word from his doctor that the stress test he had last week revealed he should have a heart catheterization. <span style=""> </span>Something else that occurred was the new airport security that would have been a big hassle! Don’t forget all the bad weather all over the country, <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Colorado</st1:place></st1:state> had bad snow storms! </p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">We are praising God for His Divine Intervention!<span style=""> </span>He goes before us to prepare the way! I’m so thankful He blocked our plans. If we had continued on with our plans, my husband could have endangered his life skiing, we would have had a lot of problems at the airports, traveling in bad weather, plus we would have had to cut the trip short and return home when his sister died. We will miss his sister, Angela, but we will see her again – in Heaven! Praise the Lord for eternal life!</p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">My husband goes to the doctor Wednesday to discuss the stress test what steps he is to take next. <span style=""> </span>Your prayers are appreciated! <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Charlotte</st1:place></st1:city>, I hope we receive good news the way you did! PTL!</p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">Thanks to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays. Go <a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/">here</a> for more inspiration.
<br /></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Katherine</span>
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> Yellow Rose Arborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17293145838400788866noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691292687041881397.post-34215989776489402172009-12-19T21:14:00.002-05:002009-12-19T21:22:39.455-05:00Detours<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqJpQQUaz1-0DFGF8m0teLveAKgQQR7pHiICTpxtYFNoxt2q-BKsMYNBLdBJ_oJlrrj5DxDLyVRmBXk9FerTepc5MaC6xAVuqoWlHG8msQmdmRwKeg2SpbCVqU1853K7CWFtLaLy3Ru4/s1600-h/spiritual+sundays.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 111px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqJpQQUaz1-0DFGF8m0teLveAKgQQR7pHiICTpxtYFNoxt2q-BKsMYNBLdBJ_oJlrrj5DxDLyVRmBXk9FerTepc5MaC6xAVuqoWlHG8msQmdmRwKeg2SpbCVqU1853K7CWFtLaLy3Ru4/s400/spiritual+sundays.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417137673027325458" border="0" /></a>Thanks to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays each week. Go <a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/">here</a> for more inspiration.
<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CJoseph%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="Edit-Time-Data" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CJoseph%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_editdata.mso"><!--[if !mso]> <style> v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} </style> <![endif]--><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} p {mso-margin-top-alt:auto; margin-right:0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;color:black;" ><span style="font-size:85%;">Merry Christmas!
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<br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;color:black;" ><span style="font-size:85%;">My daughter sent me this today and I’d like to share it with you. It’s from Desiring God blog: <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" ><a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/">http://www.desiringgod.org</a> <span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>or:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" ><a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/2138_joseph_unplanned_detours/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+DGBlog+%28DG+Blog%29&utm_content=Google+Reader" target="_blank">http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/2138_joseph_unplanned_detours/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DGBlog+%28DG+Blog%29&utm_content=Google+Reader</a><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">
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<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">JOSEPH (Un)Planned Detours</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">| By: <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/Author/6_jon_bloom/">Jon Bloom</a> | December 14, 2009 <o:p></o:p></p> <p>“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps” (<a href="http://bible.logos.com/passage/esv/Proverbs%2016.9" target="_blank">Proverbs 16:9</a>). <o:p></o:p></p> <p>As Jesus’ earthly father, Joseph, discovered in <cite><span style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://bible.logos.com/passage/esv/Matthew%201" target="_blank">Matthew 1</a></span></cite>-2, that’s just another way of saying that when your plans are detoured and redirected, you find out who’s really charting the course. <o:p></o:p></p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">* * * <o:p></o:p></p> <p><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Nazareth</st1:place></st1:city>. It felt good to Joseph to be back home. The same old market and the same old merchants. The same old neighbors with the same old complaints. The same old synagogue and the same old rabbi. <o:p></o:p></p> <p>Oddly, though, the normalcy felt a bit strange after the unexpected adventures of the past couple of years. What an odyssey this simple Galilean carpenter had been on. <o:p></o:p></p> <p>It had all started with Mary’s world-shaking pregnancy announcement that took an angel to help him believe. He had hardly stopped reeling from that news when he was hit with the census decree from <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city>. <o:p></o:p></p> <p>Joseph recalled the anger he had felt. Some vain emperor a world away was ordering people to go to their ancestral cities to register. As a descendent of King David, this meant for Joseph a royal 100-mile walk to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Bethlehem</st1:place></st1:city>. It seemed outrageously unjust. Not only would this disrupt his business and incur travel expenses they could not afford, but Mary would be in advanced pregnancy! <o:p></o:p></p> <p>He remembered venting his exasperation to a friend who had replied, “Surely the Messiah will come soon and deliver us from these tyrants!” And then to cheer Joseph had added, “Hey, maybe you’ll see the Messiah there! You know what the prophet said, <o:p></o:p></p> <p>But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.” (<a href="http://bible.logos.com/passage/esv/Micah%205.2" target="_blank">Micah 5:2</a>) <o:p></o:p></p> <p>His friend might as well have hit Joseph on the head with a plank. All at once he saw it! Augustus in all his imperial pomp was merely a tool in the hand of God to fulfill Scripture. His anger melted into awe-filled joy. Yes, Joseph most certainly would see the Messiah in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Bethlehem</st1:place></st1:city>. <o:p></o:p></p> <p>In fact, after Jesus’ incredible birth, Joseph had fully expected to make <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Bethlehem</st1:place></st1:city> their new permanent home. Surely that’s what Micah meant. And he had just started to get his business going when the angel of his dreams came again, shortly after the Persian magi visited. “Flee to <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region> and remain there until I tell you.” Herod wanted to murder their baby! <o:p></o:p></p> <p>Joseph had felt anger rise against Herod. And he felt a stab of fear. The Egyptian border was another 100-mile foot journey for his wife and child, mostly through desert. <o:p></o:p></p> <p>But he quickly remembered. If Augustus was God’s tool, what was Herod? God had his reasons to send his Son to <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region>. So Joseph snuck his family out of town in the cover of night. <o:p></o:p></p> <p><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region>. That was one place Joseph had never expected to see, much less live in. He hadn’t had any idea how he would feed and house his family there. But he need not have worried. God provided wonderfully for them like he had all along. <o:p></o:p></p> <p>And then after a few months another dream and another commission: Herod had died and he was to take the child back to <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Joseph assumed this meant returning to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Bethlehem</st1:place></st1:city>. <o:p></o:p></p> <p>But he soon learned that Herod’s son, Archelaus, was ruling over <st1:place st="on">Judea</st1:place>. Archelaus was a sharp chip off the cruel block. If he got wind of a Messiah in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Bethlehem</st1:place></st1:city>, no doubt another assassination would be attempted. One more angelic dream visit and it was back to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Nazareth</st1:place></st1:city>. <o:p></o:p></p> <p>And who knew how long that would last… <o:p></o:p></p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">* * * <o:p></o:p></p> <p>The Holy Family’s first few years were not tranquil. They were filled with grueling travel during the hardest part of pregnancy, a birth in worse than a barn, no steady income, an assassination attempt, two desert crossings on foot with an infant, living in a foreign country, waiting on God for guidance and provisions just in the nick of time. It was difficult, expensive, time-consuming, career-delaying and full of uncertainty. <o:p></o:p></p> <p>And it was God’s will. <o:p></o:p></p> <p>The unplanned, inefficient detours of our lives are planned by God. They are common for disciples, and they commonly don’t make sense in the moment. But God’s ways are not our ways because our lives are about him, not about us. He is orchestrating far more than we know in every unexpected event and delay. <o:p></o:p></p> <p>So when you find yourself suddenly moving in a direction you had not planned, take heart, hold tight, and trust God’s navigation.
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<br /></p><p>May you have a very Merry Christmas!</p><p>Katherine
<br /><script src="http://bible.logos.com/jsapi/referencetagging.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><script type="text/javascript"> Logos.ReferenceTagging.lbsBibleVersion = "ESV"; Logos.ReferenceTagging.lbsLinksOpenNewWindow = true; Logos.ReferenceTagging.lbsLibronixLinkIcon = "dark"; Logos.ReferenceTagging.lbsNoSearchTagNames = [ "h1", "h2", "h3" ]; Logos.ReferenceTagging.lbsCssOverride = true; Logos.ReferenceTagging.tag(); </script></p> Yellow Rose Arborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17293145838400788866noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691292687041881397.post-71388839347120595852009-11-07T20:19:00.011-05:002009-11-07T20:49:58.836-05:00Spiritual Sundays - Veteran's Day Message<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zBwS-3rBsE5l6w1_QK_tLuLdfpIzLeiXhzrkL3QXURiLSo8bf9bnqlOTGd9XLTF4izC5tMbk_EhyLMaCv4TwESjtBSdmM5HHcyhwwg-0EtFdjzmbHY66Kp09K2PX5aZhPFQZhFqz0yo/s1600-h/flag+soldier.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zBwS-3rBsE5l6w1_QK_tLuLdfpIzLeiXhzrkL3QXURiLSo8bf9bnqlOTGd9XLTF4izC5tMbk_EhyLMaCv4TwESjtBSdmM5HHcyhwwg-0EtFdjzmbHY66Kp09K2PX5aZhPFQZhFqz0yo/s400/flag+soldier.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401543078161687106" border="0" /></a><br /><h1 style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:85%;" >Since some of you enjoyed the</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:85%;" >message by Fr. Corapi last Sunday I thought I would share the one he posted this week since it's about Veteran's Day. Fr. Corapi was a soldier in the Army, now he is a soldier for the Lord. He is also a former boxer, former millionaire, former drug addict, former alcoholic, formerly homeless, etc., the list goes on. He is a miracle, he was saved from all of the evil, and became a man of God. You can see/hear him weekly on Eternal Word Television Network. We saw him in person a few years ago when he came</span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:85%;" > </span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:85%;" >to our town.</span><br /></h1><h1 style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a name="124c5c1e71d4c75b_letter">Veterans' Day Message from Fr. Corapi</a></span></h1> <p> Every year in the United States of America we celebrate “Veterans’ Day” on November 11th, which historically marked the armistice (originally Armistice Day) ending World War I. If you are interested in the history of this American holiday, you can easily find it using Google, or any web search engine.</p> <p> We should all be very thankful for the service of our veterans. Our country and the freedoms we sometimes take for granted were won by, and constantly protected by, the veterans of our Armed Forces. My grandfather served in the US Army during World War I; my father in the Navy Seabees in the South Pacific, some of my uncles served in the Marines, the Navy, and the Air Force during the Korean War. I enlisted in the Army in the late 1960s myself. </p> <p>“Those who are sworn to serve their country in the armed forces are servants of the security and freedom of nations. If they carry out their duty honorably, they truly contribute to the common good of the nation and the maintenance of peace.” </p> <p> It is the obligation of all of us, individuals and governments alike, to work assiduously for peace. As my Grandmother often said to me, “war is hell.” She knew as she had a husband and son that fought in both world wars, had nephews and a grandson go off to faraway places. She prayed, worried, and suffered because of war. Nonetheless, she knew, like so many of us do, that without the sacrifices of themselves and their loved ones, there would be no enduring freedom. </p> <p>There is always something to be learned from the natural order that can be applied to the spiritual and moral life. One of the most common underlying misconceptions and fallacious presuppositions is that there is no evil in the world, that no one will hurt you if you just don’t hurt them. Wrong! There is evil in the world, there has been since darkness entered into Eden, and there will be until Jesus comes again in glory. </p> <p>There is good and there is evil; there is truth and there are lies; there is life and there is death. Being neutral is a myth. Sitting on a fence is an accident waiting to happen. In the end you will be “for me or against me,” as Jesus says. </p> <p> We are at war and “our battle is not against flesh and blood,” as St. Paul asserts in his letter to the Ephesians. A good soldier is ready to shed his blood, sweat, and tears for the cause of freedom. Jesus tells us, “I’ve come to set the captives free.” The servant is no better, no different, than his Master. The bottom line of war is victory, and this war is for an eternal prize. </p> <p> We honor our veterans this week, and rightly so. Let their sacrifices for our country inspire you to even higher things. You and I are called to fight the good fight and run the race to the finish line. Performing our mission as good Catholics and Christians affects countless other souls, some we know, some we don’t. So, as St. Paul cautions us, “Don’t shadow box. Fight so as to win.” Don’t imagine there is not a moral and spiritual war either. This fight results in victory or defeat, Heaven or hell, forever. </p> <b>God bless you,<br /><br />Fr. John Corapi<br /><br /><br /><br /></b><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNmFdvE-9ivKyMobfRhl_f-Gvfd2OBMIAQDS3m7sRUyl6WkW9lvizf1vGE-l-HUBFNWA-IVm6Z_6NaI9zBOVpXib8UiwZKbcpVhXI5096Jvy9hNmFQ6oB7yPvA5sPSHEEstQuwa0yy0k/s1600-h/spiritual+sundays.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 111px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNmFdvE-9ivKyMobfRhl_f-Gvfd2OBMIAQDS3m7sRUyl6WkW9lvizf1vGE-l-HUBFNWA-IVm6Z_6NaI9zBOVpXib8UiwZKbcpVhXI5096Jvy9hNmFQ6oB7yPvA5sPSHEEstQuwa0yy0k/s400/spiritual+sundays.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401542120993184498" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Thank you, Ginger and Charlotte for hosting Spiritual Sundays weekly. Go <a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/">here</a> for more inspiration.</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:100%;" > </span><br /><br />May God Bless You,<br /><br />KatherineYellow Rose Arborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17293145838400788866noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691292687041881397.post-2060044807710874622009-10-31T21:51:00.005-04:002009-11-01T00:00:20.621-04:00Spiritual Sunday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhya74toI1IExY8tdOLXUACDFPm7ajQ5Ni_5krtOoBy5OPRsCXyVnGqF4sQu5v1x0n7aw3Zxc-tkC8sajEDmR_cNTGpwdw9ZzQ6GjKlwGJs7ZdaeI-3nvJeLDd0oHbO1ZeOUaXBhJJ2PEs/s1600-h/spiritual+sunday2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 139px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhya74toI1IExY8tdOLXUACDFPm7ajQ5Ni_5krtOoBy5OPRsCXyVnGqF4sQu5v1x0n7aw3Zxc-tkC8sajEDmR_cNTGpwdw9ZzQ6GjKlwGJs7ZdaeI-3nvJeLDd0oHbO1ZeOUaXBhJJ2PEs/s400/spiritual+sunday2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398949112946808498" border="0" /></a><br />Thanks to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays, go <a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/">here</a> for more inspiration.<br /><h1><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:100%;" >I'm posting this on Saturday night</span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:100%;" >, Halloween. I hope you don't mind that I'm posting something heavy for Spiritual Sunday. Well, to think of it all things of the Lord are "heavy" - with importance! This one is something some people don't like to think about or talk about. </span><br /></h1>We enjoy watching Fr. John Corapi on EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network) on Saturday and Sunday nights, and Mondays at 1 p.m. We have also seen him in person a few years ago when he spoke at a church here where we live. He is truly a Man of God. We receive weekly email from his website and this was part of last week's. Katherine<br /><br /><h1><span style="font-size:100%;"><a name="124983f06102d568_letter">The Battle Between Good and Evil<br /></a></span></h1> <p>As Halloween approaches, we are surrounded by themes of the occult, ghosts, demons, curses, and hauntings. Demonic and occult themes permeate the media at this time of year. Most of this material is pure fiction, yet the part that is not fiction is an acknowledgment that angels and demons exist. </p> <p>One cannot understand reality if one brackets out a large portion of reality - the preternatural order (angels and demons). If you try to arrive at valid conclusions concerning reality, but have left out a good part of that reality you are engaged in an exercise in futility. So many things today can only be understood in the light of this spiritual reality. Have you ever wondered why so many apparently educated and intelligent people just don't get it, especially with respect to such life and death matters as abortion?</p> <p>There is a battle that goes on in the spiritual order between the forces of God and the forces of Satan, "the adversary." This battle between cosmic good and evil, between angels and demons, has man caught in the crosshairs. Man is an active player in his own salvation. We need the help of our allies the angels. To fail to enlist their help is reckless. To fail to realize the reality of the enemy forces, the demonic legions, can be ultimately and eternally fatal.</p> <p>We are at war and our battle is not against flesh and blood, as St. Paul warns us in Ephesians 6. The battle between good and evil, truth and lies, life and death involves these angelic legions - good and evil. We are soldiers in God's army, like it or not, believe it or not. We must be aware of these fundamental teachings, learn them, and live in accordance with them.</p> <b>God bless you,<br /><br />Fr. John <span class="il">Corapi</span></b>Yellow Rose Arborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17293145838400788866noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691292687041881397.post-19997578615825570032009-10-24T23:52:00.003-04:002009-10-24T23:59:34.297-04:00Spiritual Sunday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRBY9GEcOMApQKoaQA2SWTnI_OzSWrbHYo-n-7muzwXC2x93fNEDVJ22h5ASCFeKxc7rHJCXkAUgI75108ASuWzZhYOpi9kRr2SnZVsc0RSkT3Eb5e9irBd2RIVkFVF_7kUu53nIUBTY/s1600-h/spiritual+sunday2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 139px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRBY9GEcOMApQKoaQA2SWTnI_OzSWrbHYo-n-7muzwXC2x93fNEDVJ22h5ASCFeKxc7rHJCXkAUgI75108ASuWzZhYOpi9kRr2SnZVsc0RSkT3Eb5e9irBd2RIVkFVF_7kUu53nIUBTY/s400/spiritual+sunday2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396382258815513026" border="0" /></a><br /><h1 style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 75, 118); margin-top: 0pt;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:30px;"><span style="font-size:100%;">For today's Spiritual </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Sunday I'm sharing one of Joel Osteen's devotional from this past week. Thank you, Ginger and Charlotte for hosting SS weekly! Go <a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/">here</a> for more inspiration from many lovely Christian people!</span></h1><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;">Katherine</span><br /><br /><h1 style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 75, 118); margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:30px;"><span style="font-size:130%;">In Due Season</span></h1> <p><img src="http://www.joelosteen.com/SiteCollectionImages/Email/2009/Todaysword/double-divider-02.gif" alt="" border="0" width="324" height="10" /></p> <h2 style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(137, 159, 165);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:18px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>TODAY'S SCRIPTURE</strong></span></h2> <p style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; color: rgb(63, 79, 85); margin-bottom: 15px;"><em>"I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase and the trees of the field yield their fruit"</em><br /> <strong>(Leviticus 26:4, AMP)</strong></p> <p><img src="http://www.joelosteen.com/SiteCollectionImages/Email/2009/Todaysword/divider-02.gif" alt="" border="0" width="324" height="1" /></p> <h2 style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; color: rgb(137, 159, 165);"><strong>TODAY'S WORD</strong> from Joel and Victoria</h2> <p style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; color: rgb(63, 79, 85); margin-bottom: 15px;">God has set up seasons in our lives. It's easy to get frustrated when our dreams aren't coming to pass on our timetable, but every season is not harvest season. There are plowing seasons. There are planting seasons. There are watering seasons. Sure, we would love for every season to be a time of increase left and right, good breaks here and there. But without the other seasons, we wouldn't be prepared. For example, it's during the plowing seasons that God brings issues to light that we need to deal with. He's getting us prepared for promotion.</p> <p style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; color: rgb(63, 79, 85); margin-bottom: 15px;">If you're not making as much progress as you would like, the key is to not lose any ground. Don't go backwards. Hold your position. Keep a good attitude and do the right thing even when it's hard. When you do that, you are passing the test, and God promises that your due season of harvest is coming. Be encouraged because your appointed time of increase, favor, and promotion is on its way, and He will fulfill every dream and desire He's placed within your heart!</p> <p><img src="http://www.joelosteen.com/SiteCollectionImages/Email/2009/Todaysword/divider-02.gif" alt="" border="0" width="324" height="1" /></p> <h2 style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; color: rgb(137, 159, 165);"><strong>A PRAYER FOR TODAY</strong></h2> <p style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; color: rgb(63, 79, 85);">"Father God, I bless You today. I thank You for preparing me for the blessing and promotion You have in my future. I surrender my heart, mind, will and emotions to You so that I can live as a testimony of Your work in my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen."</p>Yellow Rose Arborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17293145838400788866noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691292687041881397.post-41617861890729330142009-10-17T21:53:00.003-04:002009-10-17T23:03:20.837-04:00Pumpkins<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1wyPxjnVNc6KBkpHgkcFME_zqxHrUkHAYZuqXZb7Hxs43cLJ7bMo0nu_EHwkqmtaRoXXVGP9WfcgzmDYFQ5-SQJHarJL6rl9PoW_HcQWeKY7to2K_99ANojiV-GGwRMFASgZIFPkezI/s1600-h/Halloween+rag+doll.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1wyPxjnVNc6KBkpHgkcFME_zqxHrUkHAYZuqXZb7Hxs43cLJ7bMo0nu_EHwkqmtaRoXXVGP9WfcgzmDYFQ5-SQJHarJL6rl9PoW_HcQWeKY7to2K_99ANojiV-GGwRMFASgZIFPkezI/s400/Halloween+rag+doll.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393753510913203906" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:black;" >Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin.</span><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:black;" > God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:black;" >He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff-- including the <span class="ecxecxecxecxyshortcuts">seeds of doubt</span>, hate, greed, etc.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:black;" > Then He carves you a new <span class="ecxecxecxecxyshortcuts">smiling face </span>and puts His light inside you to shine for all the world to see.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:black;" > I liked this enough to share with all the pumpkins in my patch.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:black;" > </span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:black;" >Happy Fall, Ya’ll!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:black;" >I haven't been able to participate in Spiritual Sundays in a while. Last week I posted this on my other blog and decided to share it with all of you that didn't see it. I hope it hasn't been posted before!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:black;" >Thanks to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays. Go <a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/">here</a> for more inspiration.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:black;" >God Bless,</span></p><p style="text-align: left;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:black;" >Katherine<br /></span></p>Yellow Rose Arborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17293145838400788866noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691292687041881397.post-91150886360247009962009-08-15T23:14:00.006-04:002009-08-15T23:49:26.909-04:00IGBOK<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJOjZTxMU04t1tWf-wRvqQFn_5RJDnVFFt61-Y3rz9LdsIhcaE9nFc9FYgMFAQoEk_8gedrMjVlT1pfHfWojcAciN1zpfatD_1EHVZDwGcNv810-sFEzA8J22zgtvvEcgFEEOgzAPe14/s1600-h/igbok-poster.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJOjZTxMU04t1tWf-wRvqQFn_5RJDnVFFt61-Y3rz9LdsIhcaE9nFc9FYgMFAQoEk_8gedrMjVlT1pfHfWojcAciN1zpfatD_1EHVZDwGcNv810-sFEzA8J22zgtvvEcgFEEOgzAPe14/s400/igbok-poster.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370396827754649362" border="0" /></a>
<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CJoseph%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} p {mso-margin-top-alt:auto; margin-right:0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} p.igbok, li.igbok, div.igbok {mso-style-name:igbok; mso-margin-top-alt:auto; margin-right:0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} p.igbok-title, li.igbok-title, div.igbok-title {mso-style-name:igbok-title; mso-margin-top-alt:auto; margin-right:0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]-->I haven't participated is Spiritual Sundays in a while, but have something to share that I haven't heard about before, maybe you have. David Arms - a friend shared this artist and his website with me a few weeks ago. I had never seen his paintings, or heard of him. I want to share his thoughts that I took from his website, I hope he doesn't mind. I really like the acronym IGBOK, it is easy to remember when things aren't going well.
<br /><p>The acronym is for "It's going to be okay."
<br /></p> <p>(From http://davidarms.com/ ) It's gonna be o.k. The universal language of hope. When a child skins a knee or gets their feelings hurt; when the medical tests aren’t good; when our hearts are crushed and disappointment overwhelms; when the money is short and the job is gone; when fear rolls in like a storm and anxiety hovers like fog; when dreams die and hope seems to evaporate; when life is not going the way we thought it would – these are the words we long to hear ... and believe.
<br /></p><p class="igbok">"igbok" is a fresh, provocative look at my life message - hope. Real, authentic, trustworthy and life giving hope. </p> <p class="igbok"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="igbok">Over the years I have been drawn toward a message of faith and hope, trying to convey them using everyday ordinary things in my paintings. If hope is anything, it's accessible - just like the ordinary things of life. </p> <p class="igbok">Similarly, it seems most of my work flows out of ordinary conversations. Lloyd Shadrach and I have been discussing the nature of faith and hope since our friendship began in 2004, and this past summer one of those conversations birthed the idea of "igbok." </p> <p class="igbok">We both began to connect this phrase to the promises of God and have come to believe that God's promise to fragile, fearful people when life overwhelms is quite simply..."it's gonna be o.k." </p> <p class="igbok">When the rain was over and God wanted Noah to understand that He would never forsake us, He made an unbreakable promise, a covenant. And guess how He signed His name? A rainbow. </p> <p class="igbok">I think in those six colors arced across the heavens God is saying - "it's gonna be o.k." </p> <p class="igbok">As you contemplate these "igbok" paintings, look for God's signature. In a few it shouts, but in most it's simply a whisper, a subtle but sure reminder that whatever is troubling you... God is with you and makes a promise only He can keep... </p> <p class="igbok-title">igbok </p> <p class="igbok">The only way to know that "it's gonna be o.k." is to know and believe God's promise. He made an unbreakable covenant to us that He will make all things right one day. In this life, His promises come amid the darkness where we reach out in faith. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>"Ultiimately "o.k." is not about circumstances in this life which is temporal. It's really about God's promise to make everything o.k. in the life to come which is forever." — David Arms</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">One of his paintings has a floating lid with "the invisible hand of God" Go here to see them: <a href="http://davidarms.com/">http://davidarms.com/</a></p> <p>"For me, I have to know that hand is there for me. It is that invisible hand that keeps, holds and fills me." — David Arms</p> <p>A floating lid represents the hand of God - you cannot see the hand, but you can see what the hand does. He fills us with fruit not to stay contained, but to overflow all around us.</p> <p><o:p> </o:p>If our heads stay down, it can feel so hopeless and too much to bear. It is when we lift our eyes that we see hope." — David Arms</p> <p>Fear has a way of keeping our eyes on the horizon where dark clouds gather into darkness. Hope, on the other hand, pulls our eyes upward off the horizon to see that the clouds are breaking and light pours through.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://davidarms.com/">http://davidarms.com/</a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="igbok-title">igbok </p> <p class="igbok">"it's gonna be o.k." </p> <p class="igbok">I love this familiar phrase because I believe it is the universal language of hope. </p> <p class="igbok">Think about it... </p> <p class="igbok">When a child skins a knee or gets their feelings hurt; when the medical tests aren't good; when our hearts are crushed and disappointment overwhelms; when the money is short and the job is gone; when fear rolls in like a storm and anxiety hovers like a fog; when dreams die and hope seems to evaporate; when life is not going the way we thought it would... </p> <p class="igbok">Aren't these the words we long to hear...and believe? (From <a href="http://davidarms.com/">http://davidarms.com</a>/ )</p><p class="igbok">Thanks to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays, go <a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/">here</a> for more inspiration.
<br /></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KaY-2zDI9h7r4KtS1c4RcmQdznFjEb3rRQ8GTuWOdktePcGubnCmYWrsC79Do8Ydv6Vi-80vCJR5sGPD3Kje3EVhvdHYvFVekoDH7PdecJwJSbEbUsy144crp0wZy3sDin2CQQsxkNg/s1600-h/spiritual+sundays.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 111px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KaY-2zDI9h7r4KtS1c4RcmQdznFjEb3rRQ8GTuWOdktePcGubnCmYWrsC79Do8Ydv6Vi-80vCJR5sGPD3Kje3EVhvdHYvFVekoDH7PdecJwJSbEbUsy144crp0wZy3sDin2CQQsxkNg/s400/spiritual+sundays.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370400622116328642" border="0" /></a>
<br />It's going to be o.k!
<br />
<br />Katherine
<br /><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> Yellow Rose Arborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17293145838400788866noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691292687041881397.post-39737558881301319332009-07-12T13:41:00.005-04:002009-07-12T14:09:10.736-04:00Spiritual Sundays<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnTDp3mdjHTLH1YFCwjWHez-GhFParWJrW3CFXiy6S7r6a2eseaTtP4cT7MMDyNtp_t4P-EeWd9wNto4tZ0K6zHnmtjhpiODruFIZMiJrpymXvAmG-Y6x3nqRXqoPuTyGwIAsHr1XKYI/s1600-h/spiritual+sundays.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 111px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnTDp3mdjHTLH1YFCwjWHez-GhFParWJrW3CFXiy6S7r6a2eseaTtP4cT7MMDyNtp_t4P-EeWd9wNto4tZ0K6zHnmtjhpiODruFIZMiJrpymXvAmG-Y6x3nqRXqoPuTyGwIAsHr1XKYI/s400/spiritual+sundays.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357630809745861810" border="0" /></a>
<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CJoseph%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceType"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceName"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">I haven't joined in on Spiritual Sundays in a while. Thanks to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting the SSs each week. Go <a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/">here</a> for more inspiration.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">I hope this story hasn’t been used on SS before.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Today I would like to share a portion my former pastor’s book. The book is Bless and Be Blessed, How your words can make a difference, by Peter Lord. I was in Peter Lord’s Baptist church for over 20 years. Below is a story he used in one of his sermons back in the 80s, it was one of my favorites and has stuck with me through the years. I am so glad he added it to one of his books that was published a few years ago.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">
<br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">The Johnny Lingo Story<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Johnny Lingo Story has been made into a short move, and it has been told and retold in many publications, but it is worth telling again.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Johnny was a great trader and the richest man in all the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Caribbean</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Islands</st1:placetype></st1:place>. Besides this, he was good looking and a very eligible bachelor. All the girls wanted to marry him. In fact he could have had anyone he wanted. No one could understand why he chose Lucita.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">A person with the gift of mercy would describe Lucita as plain. That would, in fact, be a very generous description. For years<span style=""> </span>her father had verbally abused her. The marks of a bad self-image and low self-esteem were written all over her.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">It was customary on Lucita’s island for a man to give a dowry for a wife. The dowry was always in cows. An average bride would bring three cows. Very attractive women were worth four to six cows. Lucita’s father knew he would be lucky to get two cows for Lucita, especially because he was up against the smartest trader on the island. So he decided he would ask for two cows and settle for one.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">The day of the engagement was a very important day on the island. When Johnny came to ask for Lucita;s hand in marriage, the whole community gathered at the home of the bride-to-be. After the necessary introductory formalities, Lucita’s father asked Johnny what he was offering for his daughter. Without hesitation Johnny offered eight cows. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">The crowd was stunned. Lucita’s father could not believe his ears. Had Johnny gone crazy or blind? Why did the smartest trader in all the islands offer eight cows for someone who could have been<span style=""> </span>had for one? Lucita’s father quickly accepted Johnny’s offer.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Johnny Lingo and Lucita were married, and in a short period of time, Lucita developed into t he most beautiful woman in the islands. The townspeople were amazed at the transformation. So was Lucita’s father, who accused Johnny of cheating him. “You should have paid me ten cows,” he claimed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">What was Johnny Lingo’s secret? What did he know that could transform a person so radically? He had learned that if you treat another person as though she were what she could become, that is what she will become. Johnny wanted an eight-cow wife, so he treated Lucita like one from the beginning.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Isn’t this the way God has treated us? Despite our ugliness, our sin, he traded very highly for us? He gave his only Son for us. And now he treats us as his children. This is very hard for us to grasp and accept because of the negative world in which we live, but it illustrates the power of eulogy no matter how it is given.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">At the end of each chapter is a Blessing Exercise, this is at the end of this chapter: Can you recall a time when someone spoke a good word to you that strongly impacted your life? Can you remember doing that for someone else?</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Katherine
<br />
<br /><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> Yellow Rose Arborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17293145838400788866noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691292687041881397.post-52357830945811570102009-05-30T23:07:00.004-04:002009-05-30T23:15:42.287-04:00Rain<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26QaG8UH0pbKE8IRC8PiLuJqAqLiYcf32VlKBFVPOyzZNVMabHdwb6hfm9pTJPDnWBsLXaLS4hyphenhyphent5oFnCMJ5n3JVX_5YGhEFvUnYXtYHNV6v98zSOOFXzTzjKlmUAUg-aDyEc8J0jcVw/s1600-h/Spiritual+Sundays+bloggerspiritsidebar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 139px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26QaG8UH0pbKE8IRC8PiLuJqAqLiYcf32VlKBFVPOyzZNVMabHdwb6hfm9pTJPDnWBsLXaLS4hyphenhyphent5oFnCMJ5n3JVX_5YGhEFvUnYXtYHNV6v98zSOOFXzTzjKlmUAUg-aDyEc8J0jcVw/s400/Spiritual+Sundays+bloggerspiritsidebar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341821241408647474" border="0" /></a>Since we've had so much rain here in Florida in the past weeks I think these two messages, both by Joel Osteen, are very appropriate and food for thought.<br /><p class="EC_MsoNormal">Go <a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/">here</a> for lots more inspiration. Thanks, Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays! I've missed a few Spiritual Sundays due to vacation and we will be gone again soon. <b style=""><br /></b></p> <p class="EC_MsoNormal"><b style="">Living in the Rain</b><br /></p><p class="EC_MsoNormal">Today's Scripture</p> <p class="EC_MsoNormal">"Just as the rain and snow descend from the skies and don't go back until they've watered the earth, making things grow and blossom…so will the words that come out My mouth not come back empty-handed. They'll do the work I sent them to do" (Isaiah 55:10-11, Message).</p> <p class="EC_MsoNormal"> Today's Word from Joel and Victoria</p> <p class="EC_MsoNormal">Rain is symbolic of God's blessing, favor, and refreshing. His Word is like rain that causes us to flourish and blossom in every area of life. The scripture says we should live like a well-watered garden, vibrant and growing. We should live under God's cloud of blessing. How do we do that? In the natural, a cloud is formed when moisture vapors rise up from the earth into the atmosphere. Eventually, the moisture is so abundant that the rain begins to fall. In the same way, your praise is like the invisible vapors that rise up to heaven and form a cloud. Eventually, your praise will activate an outpouring of God's blessing, favor, and provision in your life.</p> <p class="EC_MsoNormal">Do you feel like you are in a dry season? Begin to praise and thank God that He is bringing you through to a place of refreshing. Magnify and bless Him for His goodness in your life. As you turn up your praise, God will turn up the rain and you will experience His abundant outpouring. You'll experience His blessing and provision and live as an overcomer in every area of your life.</p> <p class="EC_MsoNormal">A Prayer for Today</p> <p class="EC_MsoNormal">Heavenly Father, today I choose to bless and honor You. Thank You for this day. Thank You for giving me life. Thank you for making me new. Thank you for saving me and filling me with Your peace and joy. Rain on me today. In Jesus' name, Amen.</p> <p class="EC_MsoNormal">----------------------------------------------------------------------</p> <p class="EC_MsoNormal"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Living In The Rain of God's Favor </span><br /></p> <p class="EC_MsoNormal">God longs for us to be like a well watered garden, flourishing, full of joy, always in blossom. Yet many times, due to situations that are happening in our lives, we don’t necessarily feel like we are in full blossom, rather we feel like we’re in a dry spell. </p> <p class="EC_MsoNormal">When this happens, instead of giving up and accepting your present circumstance as your lot in life, decide to praise God more than you ever have. In the Bible, the psalmist said, “I will keep on hoping for You to help me. I will praise You more and more.” When we decide to give God praise, something powerful and supernatural happens. Peace, joy and divine favor begin to rain down over our lives. </p> <p class="EC_MsoNormal"> By praising God at all times, what happens in the natural with rain, will be the same spiritually over your lives; a cloud can only hold so much condensation, so many vapors, before it releases. In the same way, when you keep sending up praise, you keep singing, “God is good all the time,” that cloud can only hold so much before the blessings come bursting back down. When you stay full of praise, God’s blessing will begin raining down, making sure that you are always in blossom; causing you to bloom where you’re currently planted, even if you’re in a dry spell!</p><p class="EC_MsoNormal">Thank you, Lord, for rain!<br /></p>Yellow Rose Arborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17293145838400788866noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691292687041881397.post-78911314728680800362009-05-09T21:21:00.009-04:002009-05-09T21:36:10.470-04:00Happy Mother's Day!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMYa1XsHjnD5ziFfN-yCSy617A6jsUm8tRT5tSNGhM87XCX9n7tOfvEP36WMMLI6X4c92VtF7p2CIg0hugLf54xoVLpSNgSdombFKOY70qmWxAogeF3aUSn9yHV-TOddiNG4H80P1T1c/s1600-h/IMG_1051.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMYa1XsHjnD5ziFfN-yCSy617A6jsUm8tRT5tSNGhM87XCX9n7tOfvEP36WMMLI6X4c92VtF7p2CIg0hugLf54xoVLpSNgSdombFKOY70qmWxAogeF3aUSn9yHV-TOddiNG4H80P1T1c/s400/IMG_1051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333997392329928722" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span style=";font-family:'Comic Sans MS';font-size:14;" >Your mother is always with you.<br />She's the whisper of leaves as you walk down the street,<br />She's the smell of certain foods you remember.<br />Flowers you pick, and perfume she wore.<br />She's the cool hand on your brow when you're not feeling well.<br />She's your breath in the air on a cold winter's day.<br />She is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep, the colors of a Rainbow, She is Christmas morning.<br />Your mother lives inside your laughter.<br />She is crystallized in every teardrop.<br />A mother shows every emotion...happiness, sadness, fear, jealousy, love, hate, anger, helplessness, excitement, joy, sorrow,...and all the while, hoping and praying that you will only know the good feelings in life.<br />She's the place you came from, your first home and she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love, your first friend, even your first enemy, but nothing on earth can separate you…not time, not space....not even death.<br /></span></div> <p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" class="EC_ecmsonormal"><span style=";font-family:'Comic Sans MS';font-size:14;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Someone sent this to me and I want to share it with you. There was no author listed.</span> </span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" class="EC_ecmsonormal"><span style=";font-family:'Comic Sans MS';font-size:14;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">In memory of my mother who passed away January, 1991.</span></span></span></p><p class="EC_ecmsonormal"><br /></p><p class="EC_ecmsonormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzcl1Hc6BUTIu8NlYDFXB3ZamxjPuA0NgjEGQZ1BmuZl7tLiw4sZU4K7d5RnP-VBCOcn7H24QFYNXqu5CU-ZiHXOifYCht-XD-ZaM4gUQI6wHLtFxeeXHZF2HiGhRK69yWLxtR0o9RHk/s1600-h/Spiritual+Sundays+bloggerspiritsidebar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 139px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzcl1Hc6BUTIu8NlYDFXB3ZamxjPuA0NgjEGQZ1BmuZl7tLiw4sZU4K7d5RnP-VBCOcn7H24QFYNXqu5CU-ZiHXOifYCht-XD-ZaM4gUQI6wHLtFxeeXHZF2HiGhRK69yWLxtR0o9RHk/s400/Spiritual+Sundays+bloggerspiritsidebar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334000125494133026" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=";font-family:'Comic Sans MS';font-size:14;color:black;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p class="EC_ecmsonormal">I hope you enjoyed my Spiritual Sunday contribution today. Go <a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/">here</a><a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/"> </a>for lots more inspiration.</p><p class="EC_ecmsonormal">Thanks, Charlotte and Ginger for hosting the Spiritual Sundays!<br /><span style=";font-family:'Comic Sans MS';font-size:14;color:black;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p class="EC_ecmsonormal"><span style=";font-family:'Comic Sans MS';font-size:14;color:black;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></p> <p class="EC_ecmsonormal"><span style=";font-family:'Comic Sans MS';font-size:14;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="EC_MsoNormal"> Have a Happy Mother's Day!<br /></p>God Bless.<br /><br />Katherine<br /><br />P.S. - We are on vacation this week (Marco Island, FL) so I may not be online very much.Yellow Rose Arborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17293145838400788866noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691292687041881397.post-6574167607324806622009-05-02T22:45:00.003-04:002009-05-02T22:55:22.687-04:00Cell phone vs. Bible<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDB-bd24IEf4XHGWNLg_iJglqO7AQanq6fJHP8PQmTHwGMVW7Dt-xZLq6YHG28pVgnhpTFWa1VhebA3c0CIP4GfDYZOnE4Lr1JedFpHfbnqylkGDt91dBFsKl8h9em3OtPD2c6Q6_j7ns/s1600-h/spiritual+sunday2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 139px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDB-bd24IEf4XHGWNLg_iJglqO7AQanq6fJHP8PQmTHwGMVW7Dt-xZLq6YHG28pVgnhpTFWa1VhebA3c0CIP4GfDYZOnE4Lr1JedFpHfbnqylkGDt91dBFsKl8h9em3OtPD2c6Q6_j7ns/s400/spiritual+sunday2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331423907802219586" border="0" /></a><br /><div><b style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style=";font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:18;" >Have you ever read this before?<br /><br /></span></span></b><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style=";font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:18;" >Cell phone vs. Bible</span></span></b><br /></div><b style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style=";font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:18;" ><br /></span></span></b> <div><b style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:13;" > <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?</span></span></span></b><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);" ><br /></span><b style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;font-size:13;" ><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?</span></span></span></b><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);" ><br /></span><b style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;font-size:13;" ><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">What if we flipped through it several time a day?</span></span></span></b><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);" ><br /></span><b style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;font-size:13;" ><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?</span></span></span></b><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);" ><br /></span><b style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;font-size:13;" ><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">What if we used it to receive messages from the text?</span></span></span></b><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);" ><br /></span><b style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;font-size:13;" ><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?</span></span></span></b><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);" ><br /></span><b style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;font-size:13;" ><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">What if we gave it to kids as gifts?</span></span></span></b><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);" ><br /></span><b style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;font-size:13;" ><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">What if we used it when we traveled?</span></span></span></b><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);" ><br /></span><b style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;font-size:13;" ><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">What if we used it in case of emergency?</span></span></span></b><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);" ><br /></span><b style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;font-size:13;" ><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible?</span></span></span></b><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);" ><br /></span><b style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;font-size:13;" ><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.</span></span></span></b><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);" ><br /></span><b style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;font-size:13;" ><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">Makes you stop and think 'where are my priorities? And no dropped calls!</span></span></span></b><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);" ><br /><br /></span><b style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;font-size:13;" >'Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.'<br /></span></span></b><br /><b style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:10;" ><br /></span></span></b><b style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-family:Arial;font-size:13;" >Trust in the Lord and *ASAP (Always Say A Prayer)</span></span></b><b style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;font-size:13;" ><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">Have a blessed and wonderful day!</span></span></span></b><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);" ><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">Katherine</span><br /><br /></span><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;font-size:13;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">Go </span><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);" href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/">here</a><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"> for more Spiritual Sunday inspiration.</span><br /></span></span></b><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:Arial;font-size:10;color:black;" > </span></span></b></div></div>Yellow Rose Arborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17293145838400788866noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691292687041881397.post-31597901781633704032009-04-18T23:45:00.003-04:002009-04-18T23:51:35.335-04:00A Prayer, and something to think about<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIq0UZMWyHyJjt2lmNG_gM00InjtlqIBFBkc09PKMxxmMMG8jJ0fbDUil9Evz1wX7V14nj29jF4xFT-gRgW79rNSlCSsMqoacjDVFTHIjlgomvQ4-5ps4WigmvLQ5nY4pSc455hKw3RcM/s1600-h/spiritual+sunday2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 139px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIq0UZMWyHyJjt2lmNG_gM00InjtlqIBFBkc09PKMxxmMMG8jJ0fbDUil9Evz1wX7V14nj29jF4xFT-gRgW79rNSlCSsMqoacjDVFTHIjlgomvQ4-5ps4WigmvLQ5nY4pSc455hKw3RcM/s400/spiritual+sunday2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326244926854792562" border="0" /></a><br />I haven't been able to join in Spiritual Sunday in a while. Today I'm sharing two things that were in our church bulletin.<br /><br />The first is a prayer to pray before going on the internet.<br /><br />Almighty and eternal God, who created us in Your image and taught us to seek after all that is good, true and beautiful, especially in the divine person of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, grant, we ask You, that during our journeys through the internet, we will direct our hands and eyes only to that which is pleasing to You and treat with charity and patience all those souls whom we encounter. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Reflection Questions for Family Discussion</span></span><br />1. Share a time in your life when your heart seemed like a mixture of belief and lack of faith at the same time.<br /><br />2. Relate an experience that brought peace to your life in the middle of difficulties.<br /><br />3. Who do you know who lives and acts as if Christ is truly alive? How does this person affect you?<br /><br /><br /><br />Go <a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/">here </a>for more inspiration.Yellow Rose Arborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17293145838400788866noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691292687041881397.post-45324941578940216032009-04-10T00:40:00.008-04:002009-04-10T00:49:51.070-04:00Good Friday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilV9M__92wp5w7OMAHdBI_6qRv6GB_Z3K5-ziKp5NQXXX2mEgJstfKLAmZ0LQtTPPxmQu81pkTLAVuaswYiFKDafMpwgIZpVJSTkSs5WI6I6GSqCrGUe7Il_5yMhYEZfvUVMQcT1W14WQ/s1600-h/crown+of+thornes2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 342px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilV9M__92wp5w7OMAHdBI_6qRv6GB_Z3K5-ziKp5NQXXX2mEgJstfKLAmZ0LQtTPPxmQu81pkTLAVuaswYiFKDafMpwgIZpVJSTkSs5WI6I6GSqCrGUe7Il_5yMhYEZfvUVMQcT1W14WQ/s400/crown+of+thornes2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322918394621062050" border="0" /></a>This is my favorite Easter decoration. My husband made the crown of thorns from a vine on our bouganvillia bush. The old family bible is about a hundred years old.
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9jEjZuwvkCdZY_aUfl1HoDC_fR-q8O9PApvzij0yLWjZUsMuep0wfxOchWZ3ZY2GOwToXYSMgLXUQUIIoMppte-dweZT7zIaCoMdUMGdU9h7MbNRH-jJSKO45r47NXt_UiBi-zSLYFc/s1600-h/crucifix.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 283px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9jEjZuwvkCdZY_aUfl1HoDC_fR-q8O9PApvzij0yLWjZUsMuep0wfxOchWZ3ZY2GOwToXYSMgLXUQUIIoMppte-dweZT7zIaCoMdUMGdU9h7MbNRH-jJSKO45r47NXt_UiBi-zSLYFc/s400/crucifix.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322918171366299698" border="0" /></a>This vignette is in a niche between our dining room and living room.
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPmux3U2KuGW0Op1Nc4Q6THn2pzxuYB4GcYTpIRr_CXyIxNqHA9KZ3JiJ7NAsszU0adbch-nJ-iE7pnb2XTaxGOBS3LI8ySehZdsQ8k1ZBrGt6wXa0EBtlrBb2q0wXhx9y2Zk-i7D9nXQ/s1600-h/crown+of+thornes4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPmux3U2KuGW0Op1Nc4Q6THn2pzxuYB4GcYTpIRr_CXyIxNqHA9KZ3JiJ7NAsszU0adbch-nJ-iE7pnb2XTaxGOBS3LI8ySehZdsQ8k1ZBrGt6wXa0EBtlrBb2q0wXhx9y2Zk-i7D9nXQ/s400/crown+of+thornes4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322918511152494834" border="0" /></a>I received this nail on Easter Sunday at our church several years ago.
<br />A message is in the nail.
<br />This nail haunts me as I study it and visualize how the nails, which were much bigger, were hammered into Jesus' wrists and feet.
<br />His love for us is symbolized in those nails.
<br />He died for me, and for you.
<br />
<br />Please click here:
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<br />Yellow Rose Arborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17293145838400788866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691292687041881397.post-64368544932934576892009-03-29T00:27:00.002-04:002009-03-29T00:29:37.085-04:00Send your tea bags!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuNrh8S7qOvrEZ4HIk2FEBp5dueREICmqRyCctTfoNibLZNut3LGNlVrQ8Q4KTPkz8HstGzjuoEMRmUEko46zXo9rdVpkDUVcavD1cw88SqIgl8WLirCQkTM0Hb1krkAH0CERfnm1p3QU/s1600-h/tea+bag.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuNrh8S7qOvrEZ4HIk2FEBp5dueREICmqRyCctTfoNibLZNut3LGNlVrQ8Q4KTPkz8HstGzjuoEMRmUEko46zXo9rdVpkDUVcavD1cw88SqIgl8WLirCQkTM0Hb1krkAH0CERfnm1p3QU/s400/tea+bag.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318462096774196962" border="0" /></a><br />I've been hearing a lot about this and want to participate. I've heard that you can just send the tag from the tea bag, or cut the bag and take out the tea leaves and send the empty bag so it can't be mistaken for anything else.<br /><br />You can read more about it here on <a href="http://www.snopes.com/politics/taxes/teaparty.asp">Snopes</a><a href="http://www.snopes.com/politics/taxes/teaparty.asp">, </a><br />http://www.snopes.com/politics/taxes/teaparty.asp<br />Snopes also gives P.O. info on sizes of envelopes etc.<br /><br />Here's the original message:<br />There's a storm abrewin'. What happens when good, responsible people keep quiet? Washington has forgotten they work for us. We don't work for them. Throwing good money after bad is NOT the answer. I am sick of the midnight, closed door sessions to come up with a plan. I am sick of Congress raking CEO's over the coals while they, themselves, have defaulted on their taxes. I am sick of the bailed out companies having lavish vacations and retreats on my dollar. I am sick of being told it is MY responsibility to rescue people that, knowingly, bought more house than they could afford. I am sick of being made to feel it is my patriotic duty to pay MORE taxes. I, like all of you, am a responsible citizen. I pay my taxes. I live on a budget and I don't ask someone else to carry the burden for poor decisions I may make. I have emailed my congressmen and senators asking them to NOT vote for the stimulus package as it was written without reading it first. No one listened. They voted for it, pork and all.<br /><br />O.K. folks, here it is. You may think you are just one voice and what you think won't make a difference. Well, yes it will and YES, WE CAN!! If you are disgusted and angry with the way Washington is handling our taxes. If you are fearful of the fallout from the wreckless spending of BILLIONS to bailout and "stimulate" without accountability and responsibility then we need to become ONE, LOUD VOICE THAT CAN BE HEARD FROM EVERY CITY, TOWN, SUBURB AND HOME IN AMERICA. There is a growing protest to demand that Congress, the President and his cabinet LISTEN to us, the American Citizens. What is being done in Washington is NOT the way to handle the economic free fall.<br /><br />So, here's the plan. On April 1, 2009, all Americans are asked to send a TEABAG to Washinton , D.C. You do not have to enclose a note or any other information unless you so desire. Just a TEABAG. Many cities are organizing protests. If you simply search, "New American Tea Party", several sites will come up. If you aren't the 'protester' type, simply make your one voice heard with a TEABAG. Your one voice will become a roar when joined with millions of others that feel the same way. Yes, something needs to be done but the lack of confidence as shown by the steady decline in the stock market speaks volumes.<br /><br />This was not my idea. I visited the sites of the 'New American Tea Party' and an online survey showed over 90% of thousands said they would send the teabag on April 1. Why, April 1?? We want them to reach Washington by April 15. Will you do it? I will.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Send it to:</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"> President Obama</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">1600 Pennsylvania Ave.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Washington , D.C. 20500</span> </div><br />Forward this to everyone in your address book. Visit the website below for more information about the 'New American Tea Party'. I would encourage everyone to go ahead and get the envelope ready to mail, then just drop it in the mail April 1. Can't guarantee what the postage will be by then, it is going up as we speak, but have your envelope ready. What will this cost you? A little time and a 40 something cent stamp.<br /><br />What could you receive in benefits? Maybe, just maybe, our elected officials will start to listen to the people. Take out the Pork. Tell us how the money is being spent. We want TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY. Remember, the money will be spent over the next 4-5 years. It is not too late.Yellow Rose Arborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17293145838400788866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691292687041881397.post-41269498456247424442009-02-28T21:27:00.008-05:002009-02-28T22:12:01.677-05:00Difficulties<div><br />First I want to thank you for your prayers for me last week for my eye surgery! Everything went well, I can see a little better with this eye. I'm so thankful for modern technology and what they can do for our eyes these days! PTL! I'll have the second eye done in three weeks. I'm looking forward to having better vision in both eyes soon!<br /><div> </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKV5IIAbK3uZDCjGjk_FfmTuvkxdR0DeUNSyAVjaUUEtfVTLjYAOVAAMUN0mWZ4REVBbDpV_T2W4ZXOOo5vTsdyu0Y0WV0ApLPNkrIc4WpoTO7QJl4MeKD_pemD-GvMkvmkFx6sqTQJ7o/s1600-h/spiritual+sundays.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308041600165440946" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 150px; height: 111px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKV5IIAbK3uZDCjGjk_FfmTuvkxdR0DeUNSyAVjaUUEtfVTLjYAOVAAMUN0mWZ4REVBbDpV_T2W4ZXOOo5vTsdyu0Y0WV0ApLPNkrIc4WpoTO7QJl4MeKD_pemD-GvMkvmkFx6sqTQJ7o/s400/spiritual+sundays.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Today I'm sharing another Joel Osteen devotional. I hope it encourages you. Go <a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com">here </a>for more inspiration on <a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/">Spiritual Sundays.</a><br /><br /><div></div><strong>He Will Harden You to Difficulty </strong><br /><br /><div>Today's Scripture<br />"Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice" (Isaiah 41:10, AMP). </div><br /><br /><div><strong>Today's Word from Joel and Victoria<br /></strong>It's easy to look around at what's happening in the earth today and be tempted to feel afraid or dismayed. Circumstances may seem overwhelming. Maybe your business is struggling, maybe you lost your job, maybe you're struggling in a relationship or concerned about the economy. During times like these, it's important to remember that God has promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us. In fact, not only is He with us, He has promised to strengthen us and harden us to difficulties. That means, when tough times come, they just bounce right off of you. You don't allow your circumstances to steal your peace and joy. You have the attitude that says, "This may be a big problem, but my God is bigger!"<br /><br />Keep in mind that the enemy isn't after your checkbook; he's ultimately after your peace and joy. He knows that if he can get your joy then he can get your strength. But when you stay connected to the Father through prayer and studying the Word and declare His promises over your life, you'll be hardened to difficulties and stay safe in the palm of God's hand!<br /><br /><strong>A Prayer for Today<br /></strong>Father in heaven, thank You for Your precious promises. I renounce fear today and choose to trust that You have a plan of victory in store for me. Thank You for filling me with Your peace and joy and staying close to me all the days of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen </div></div>Yellow Rose Arborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17293145838400788866noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691292687041881397.post-56020878899521269082009-02-21T22:10:00.003-05:002009-02-21T22:24:17.325-05:00Prayer and Prayer Request<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-fGpDD-Ax3nHxAnWzUXq-FfyuWZJFIw0B8By15bRLXQmXPJlCEVBmWuYtDGU7_wCR8WueCcBD9F_dwOIWpvyR94IxAGSMZrQ6YTWBPr7z7vX-W7L-gMwhOFgcn1ICmu3EsxFhIU6Qn0/s1600-h/spiritual+sundays.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305456208907236754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 111px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-fGpDD-Ax3nHxAnWzUXq-FfyuWZJFIw0B8By15bRLXQmXPJlCEVBmWuYtDGU7_wCR8WueCcBD9F_dwOIWpvyR94IxAGSMZrQ6YTWBPr7z7vX-W7L-gMwhOFgcn1ICmu3EsxFhIU6Qn0/s400/spiritual+sundays.jpg" border="0" /></a>I need prayer. Today I'm feeling a little depressed. I've had problems with depression many years ago, and ocassionally it rears it ugly head again. I'm physically down, nothing serious, just a headache from eyedrops. I'm having my first cataract surgery Monday and I have to do two kinds of eyedrops three times a day for three days before surgery. My eyes do not like anything in them, the second a drop goes in I immediately get a headache, my whole head - eyes, teeth, nose, etc! My prayer request is for safety and protection of my eyes, and for skill for the doctor! Everyone I've talked to who has had this surgery says it is a snap! I hope I can say this! I know, I'm a big whimp!! LOL! (In three weeks I get to do all this all over again, when I have my right eye done!)<br /><div></div><br /><div>I received this prayer this week by email, and in lieu of my whining above I'm posting it as a reminder to all of us, especially me!!</div><br /><div></div><div>Katherine</div><br /><div></div><div>Lord,<br />WE THANK YOU FOR THE BLESSINGS IN OUR LIVES.<br />From the fullness of His grace we have all received one<br />blessing after another. John 1:16<br />WE HUMBLY GIVE THIS DAY TO YOU.<br />This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be<br />glad in it. Psalm 118:24<br />WE COMMIT OUR FAMILY TO YOUR KINGDOM.<br />As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.<br />Joshua 24:15<br />SURROUND OUR HOME AND EACH OF US WITH<br />YOUR PROTECTION.<br />God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in<br />trouble. Psalm 46:1<br />GIVE US PEACE EVEN WHEN WE HAVE MUCH TO DO<br />AND MANY PLACES TO GO.<br />Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. John 14:27<br />FILL OUR HEARTS WITH LOVE FOR YOU, EACH<br />OTHER, AND THOSE AROUND US.<br />Love one another, for love comes from God. 1 John 4:7<br />HELP US TO FULFILL YOUR PLANS AND MAKE A<br />DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD.<br />“For I know the plans I have for you…plans to give you<br />hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11<br />OUR FAMILY IS YOURS, TODAY AND ALWAYS.<br />AMEN.<br />-by Holley Gerth<br />From DaySpring </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Go to Charlotte's <a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/">Spiritual Sundays </a>for inspiration and to post your Spiritual Sunday.</div>Yellow Rose Arborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17293145838400788866noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691292687041881397.post-10354689161482719882009-02-14T22:38:00.004-05:002009-02-14T23:37:18.837-05:00Love Quotes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlC9VsMgUeAd9-xwQ8Q-XDCpyer4q9iBIEkqMx4ss94q6EAJwTgVUP1e7TrNFJBKmtOH7ADeSZCDQ_TXdj7eMr5ZEs1-gG7-0zc-4fRpX59sVoN7xiMzznswMfbMgAJWVdObU8V9CUPA/s1600-h/spiritual+sundays.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302864213318783010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 111px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlC9VsMgUeAd9-xwQ8Q-XDCpyer4q9iBIEkqMx4ss94q6EAJwTgVUP1e7TrNFJBKmtOH7ADeSZCDQ_TXdj7eMr5ZEs1-gG7-0zc-4fRpX59sVoN7xiMzznswMfbMgAJWVdObU8V9CUPA/s400/spiritual+sundays.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Love quotes from Mother Teresa of Calcutta</span></strong></div><br /><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">Do not think that love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">Good works are links that form a chain of love.</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">I am not sure exactly what heaven will be like, but I don't know that when we die and it comes time for God to judge us, he will NOT ask "How many good things have you done in your life?" Rather he will ask: "How much LOVE did you put into what you did?" </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">I try to give to the poor people for love what the rich could get for money. No, I wouldn't touch a leper for a thousand pounds; yet I willingly cure him for the love of God. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">If we want a love message to be heard, it has got to be sent out. To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it. </span><br /></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">Intense love does not measure, it just gives. </span></div><div><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Love begins by taking care of the closest ones - the ones at home. </span></div><div><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier. The success of love is in the loving - it is not in the result of loving. Of course it is natural in love to want the best for the other person, but whether it turns out that way or not does not determine the value of what we have done.</span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">Go <a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/">here</a> for lots more inspiration!</span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">I hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day filled with the love of God!</span></div><div> </div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">Katherine</span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></div>Yellow Rose Arborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17293145838400788866noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691292687041881397.post-72042840749414972942009-01-25T22:09:00.032-05:002009-01-25T23:13:04.090-05:00Be Not Afraid<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_7UR72UgZajgTsHvTzpCoQmNjjMH2C0_TJVJfUoDESAS-_nd-PfrpoNE9vmUQDnqbyUqVZGnURjzXWdw69KvMLOpSQszuvoqsod9-K8m9s_OAqJbZWEUXIZzUYCcq9N8-xJImkyQVPs/s1600-h/song1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295450218980082450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 245px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_7UR72UgZajgTsHvTzpCoQmNjjMH2C0_TJVJfUoDESAS-_nd-PfrpoNE9vmUQDnqbyUqVZGnURjzXWdw69KvMLOpSQszuvoqsod9-K8m9s_OAqJbZWEUXIZzUYCcq9N8-xJImkyQVPs/s400/song1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoShvVS2knK8Aydo4JWt0Jos0dTl9orzlFEY78hoIebFiPxdVE4Kmbi8aB126FwN29fCmtTTIj8UWb97X1ZY4Y6zQ01biwO3RmJyuokVxAFMYT574-KTNyyQmIaEisHWCFlQqjr_W2b4/s1600-h/song2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295450120762107762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 265px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoShvVS2knK8Aydo4JWt0Jos0dTl9orzlFEY78hoIebFiPxdVE4Kmbi8aB126FwN29fCmtTTIj8UWb97X1ZY4Y6zQ01biwO3RmJyuokVxAFMYT574-KTNyyQmIaEisHWCFlQqjr_W2b4/s400/song2.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlKCduQP8X4dM-dDv8kNV5qvsvaz8w1wUEIEq1OwdUVdlbJy9n4tA6wRXREu2-DRFzPDhLkvGSquTQu5ArOmgiK-seaqP8Yp4ReKmR5oXNK7GJ8p6Pqpb0NNP9TgkyJE40ghU4zT7UnM/s1600-h/Spiritual+Sundays+bloggerspiritsidebar.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295447875684130402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 191px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 139px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlKCduQP8X4dM-dDv8kNV5qvsvaz8w1wUEIEq1OwdUVdlbJy9n4tA6wRXREu2-DRFzPDhLkvGSquTQu5ArOmgiK-seaqP8Yp4ReKmR5oXNK7GJ8p6Pqpb0NNP9TgkyJE40ghU4zT7UnM/s320/Spiritual+Sundays+bloggerspiritsidebar.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>For Spiritual Sunday I'm sharing a song that was sung at our church tonight. It is one of my favorite songs and I have felt God speaking to me many times when this song has been sung.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Here are the words:</span><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Be Not Afraid</span><br /><br />You shall cross the barren desert<br />But you shall not die of thirst.<br />You shall wander far in safety<br />Thought you do not know the way.<br />You shall speak your words in foreign lands<br />And all will understand.<br />You shall see the face of God and live.<br /><br /><strong>Be not afraid.</strong></div><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">I go before you always.</span><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Come, follow me,</span><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">And I will give you rest.</span><br /><div><div><div><div><br /><div>If you pass through raging waters in the sea,<br /><div>You shall not drown.<br />If you walk amid the burning flames,<br />You shall not be harmed.<br />If you stand before the power of hell<br />And death is at your side,<br />Know that I am with you through it all.<br /></div><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Be not afraid.</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><br />I go before you always.</span><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Come, follow me,</span><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">And I will give you rest.</span><br /><br />Blessed are your poor,<br />For the kingdom shall be theirs.<br />Blest are you that weep and mourn,<br /><div>For one day you shall laugh.<br />And if wicked tongues insult and hate you<br />All because of me,<br />Blessed, blessed are you!<br /><br /><strong>Be not afraid.</strong></div><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">I go before you always.</span><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Come, follow me,</span><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">And I will give you rest.</span><br /><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Written by Robert Dufford</span></em><br /><br /><div>Go <a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/">here </a>to Spiritual Sundays for much more inspiration.<br /><br />Katherine </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Yellow Rose Arborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17293145838400788866noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691292687041881397.post-85056780979189700222008-12-28T20:02:00.006-05:002008-12-28T22:45:01.204-05:00A New Year's Project<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fSFHXmMPbJuOfpn-43g_62vTlc0rjKCn2PNtB7uPxXscQWs9qldKnqBxXxiIkReNIYO9l1l7kurFLhUU6E9Oh74NsE7kEhB_9S86rYeKLb602YZ8zu4WF5FF89W_rbBR9u6XNHzSSL4/s1600-h/spiritual+sundays.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285051693826220530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 111px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fSFHXmMPbJuOfpn-43g_62vTlc0rjKCn2PNtB7uPxXscQWs9qldKnqBxXxiIkReNIYO9l1l7kurFLhUU6E9Oh74NsE7kEhB_9S86rYeKLb602YZ8zu4WF5FF89W_rbBR9u6XNHzSSL4/s400/spiritual+sundays.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The following was in our church bulletin a few weeks ago. First of all, I like what she says about death, for me this is a new way of looking at death. </div><br /><div>One of my New Year's Resolutions is to do this project to leave for my family. I plan to write it in a pretty book that has blank pages for writing life story, etc. I'll leave blank pages inbetween each subject for adding to as I think of new things to write. I'm sharing this suggestion of writing Your Testament with all of you, perhaps you may want to do one for your family.</div><br /><div>-----------------------------------------</div><div>From our church bulletin:</div><br /><div>During the last weeks of the year think about the end of time. The phrase “the end of time” may strike a chord of fear in us. A picture of a fearsome, prophetic looking man with a sign around his neck that says “the end is near!” You better pray harder!” is part of our popular culture.</div><br /><div>For us, death is a friend, a gateway to hope.</div><br /><div>St. Margaret of Colonna said on her deathbed, “I thank Thee, dear Lord, for having permitted my body to become weak and infirm, so that I could the more freely return my soul to Thee.” Death is our return to God, our birth into the fullness of life promised by Jesus Christ.<br />To help us enter into the mystery of the end of time, I would like to share with you a reflection exercise by the Jesuit writer Anthony de Mello, a priest who conducted workshops throughout the world on the subject of prayer and reflective living. This reflection tool helps us to write down the story of our life. Writing down our personal story is the best gift we can give to our families. (Fr. Al Esposito)</div><br /><div align="left"><strong>A Testament</strong><br />I imagine that today I am to die.</div><br /><div align="left">I ask for time to be alone and write down for my friends a testament for which the points that follow could serve as chapter titles. </div><br /><div align="left">“To reveal myself openly and honestly takes the rawest kind of courage – (John Powell, SJ)</div><br /><div align="left">1. These things I have loved in life (things I tasted, looked at, smelled, heard, touched)</div><br /><div align="left">2. These experiences I have cherished:</div><br /><div align="left">3. These ideas have brought me liberation:</div><br /><div align="left">4. These beliefs I have outgrown: </div><br /><div align="left">5. These convictions I have lived by: </div><br /><div align="left">6. These are the things I have lived for: </div><br /><div align="left">7. These insights I have gained in the school of life;<br />( insights into God, the world, human nature, Jesus Christ, love, religion, prayer)</div><br /><div align="left">8. These risks I took, these dangers I courted:</div><br /><div align="left">9. These sufferings have seasoned me:</div><br /><div align="left">10. These lessons life has taught me:</div><br /><div align="left">11. These influences have shaped my life (persons, occupations, books, events):</div><br /><div align="left">12. These things I regret about my life:</div><br /><div align="left">13. These scripture texts have lit my path:</div><br /><div align="left">14. These are my life’s achievements:</div><br /><div align="left">15. These persons are enshrined within my heart:</div><br /><div align="left">16. These are my unfulfilled desires:</div><br /><div align="left">Choose an ending for your testament. A poem (my own or someone else’s), a prayer, a sketch or picture (from a magazine, etc.) a scripture text, or anything that would be an apt conclusion to my testament.</div><div align="left">-----------------------------------------</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Go to <a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/">Charlotte's site </a>for more Spiritual Sunday inspiration.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Katherine</div><div align="left"> </div>Yellow Rose Arborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17293145838400788866noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691292687041881397.post-32493461028828756542008-12-21T00:41:00.004-05:002008-12-21T00:52:03.194-05:00Christmas: God's Grace at Work<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKU-pPJYyy4ANsFjpGzqimxBKAZpga14z25Op3LACDMTYqLcW-3cfJoVS8egE9iUl8P8U_34PwVx9rBdEW3fqCtvSZj9hGL5cSrxJZCU5rZn7UxxkcibYm7xmrVdURjauGV2ApX4ePm6s/s1600-h/spiritual+sundays.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282114882675724370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 111px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKU-pPJYyy4ANsFjpGzqimxBKAZpga14z25Op3LACDMTYqLcW-3cfJoVS8egE9iUl8P8U_34PwVx9rBdEW3fqCtvSZj9hGL5cSrxJZCU5rZn7UxxkcibYm7xmrVdURjauGV2ApX4ePm6s/s400/spiritual+sundays.jpg" border="0" /></a>Time for Charlotte's Spiritual Sundays, go <a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/">here</a> for lots more inspiration.<br /><br /><br />Again today I'm sharing another one of Rick Warren's devotionals.<br /><br /><div></div><div>Christmas: God’s Grace at Work</div><div>by Rick Warren</div><br /><div>God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT)<br />*** *** *** ***<br />God says, “I will give you my grace.” What is grace? That’s when God gives you what you need, not what you deserve. Grace is when God says, “I’m going to take your problem and make it my problem.” Grace is God’s Riches given to you At Christ’s Expense. </div><br /><div>The Bible says: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV). In other words, you can’t earn your way to heaven. You can’t work your way in. It’s just a gift.<br />Did you know that’s why we give gifts at Christmas? Because that’s when God gave the gift of his Son to you – by grace. We give gifts because God gave us the greatest gift at Christmas.</div><br /><div>I know I don’t look like it today, but for three years I was a lifeguard. And every lifeguard knows you can’t save someone as long as they are trying to save themselves. If somebody is drowning and flailing around in panic, a lifeguard knows to just stay back for a few seconds and wait until they give up. Because if you try to save them while they’re trying to save themselves, they will pull you under too. </div><br /><div>When they finally give up, they relax, you put your arm around them and just swim back to shore. It’s really quite easy. </div><br /><div>God wants to save you. Jesus Christ wants to save you from your hurts, your habits, and your hang-ups. He wants to save you for his purpose and by his grace. But you’ve got to quit trying to do it yourself. You’ve got to relax. You need to let go and let God be God. </div>Yellow Rose Arborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17293145838400788866noreply@blogger.com7