tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60597031456048038172024-02-18T18:39:02.839-08:00From Carol's QuillWords of Encouragement; Words of FaithUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger346125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6059703145604803817.post-79987531143479023002013-07-22T02:30:00.000-07:002013-07-22T02:30:01.342-07:00FOR WRITERS: LEAVING THE CACCOON<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We writers feel happiest sitting in a corner by ourselves, tapping at a keyboard. Preferably, the house is empty. At the very least, the door is closed. We only emerge from our cocoon for coffee and potty breaks, curling back in our chairs to tap the keyboard again in sublime solitude.</div>
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Writer’s conferences are a wonderful opportunity to connect with other people in the industry, learn about the craft of writing, and be inspired.</div>
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This weekend, our Northern California Christian writers organization, <a data-mce-href="http://inspirewriters.com/" href="http://inspirewriters.com/" style="color: #1b8be0; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.625; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Inspire Writers</a>, had a wonderful 2-day conference. I’ll soon be posting some insights and how they clicked with my own writing, but wanted today to simply urge writers to do whatever they can to connect with other writers.</div>
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To read this post, please <a href="http://carolpetersonauthor.com/2013/07/22/for-writers-le%E2%80%A6ng-the-caccoon/" target="_blank">click</a> here. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6059703145604803817.post-80259148137872664182013-07-19T02:30:00.000-07:002013-07-19T02:30:04.044-07:00FOR READERS: A CANDLE IN THE DARKNESS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As
a writer, I know I’ve only got a few short lines to capture an editor or an
agent’s attention. A book only has a few lines to capture a reader’s attention,
too. Entire writing workshops are devoted to first pages, first paragraphs and
even to first lines. And how to get them right.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So
when I read the first two lines of <i>Candle
in the Darkness</i>, I knew author, Lynn Austin had hooked me: </span><i style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">The
first scream jolted me awake. The second one chilled my soul.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">And
those first two lines did not disappoint.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">To read the full book review, click <a href="http://carolpetersonauthor.com/2013/07/15/for-readers-a-%E2%80%A6n-the-darkness/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6059703145604803817.post-73574155256553253932013-07-18T02:30:00.000-07:002013-07-18T02:30:00.897-07:00FOR FAITH: HOPEFULLY DEVOTED<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMv7bmko6_8h4HTj4P0oZTolS4dDtyOB2RO2ysveb2sALOejx-eZUQcla0By9yERZBtGfVJyE-Y3j3Cf6GBIhcrilI5qoRUjOl2AkIZm_d6mTYMqhr45i8HhxDevu6zhL9kjzQZwIxEk/s1600/Book+and+coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMv7bmko6_8h4HTj4P0oZTolS4dDtyOB2RO2ysveb2sALOejx-eZUQcla0By9yERZBtGfVJyE-Y3j3Cf6GBIhcrilI5qoRUjOl2AkIZm_d6mTYMqhr45i8HhxDevu6zhL9kjzQZwIxEk/s1600/Book+and+coffee.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I grew up in a
Christian home as a pastor's kid. One ever-present item found on our kitchen
table—along with the salt shaker (back when folks used salt), oleo (back when
cheaper was more important than healthy) and the daily devotional.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To read this post in full, click <a href="http://carolpetersonauthor.com/2013/07/18/for-faith-hopefully-devoted/" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6059703145604803817.post-2211727607072695332013-07-17T02:30:00.000-07:002013-07-17T02:30:02.783-07:00FOR KIDS: FLAG FANCY<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.625em;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaxY5cO2eU6AG85aDopNeQy6AQtNN-eJ35f3oMQbGtv4GxiYI-9vHk5hA7fr4QK2ZFFFolu-pncengEyHys8X0XQeG42t0BfeKCGYy2P8TsF_MTauD3rO1I6sz-aj2n8kfZXoRdIr1v8/s1600/Vexilology-300x198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaxY5cO2eU6AG85aDopNeQy6AQtNN-eJ35f3oMQbGtv4GxiYI-9vHk5hA7fr4QK2ZFFFolu-pncengEyHys8X0XQeG42t0BfeKCGYy2P8TsF_MTauD3rO1I6sz-aj2n8kfZXoRdIr1v8/s200/Vexilology-300x198.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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Vexillology (veks-ih-LOL-uh-gee) is the study of flags.<br />
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Here are some flag facts.</div>
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<strong style="color: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.625;">Flag Symbolism</strong></div>
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<strong style="color: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.625;"> </strong>Flag colors have special meaning. Red can symbolize blood shed in the fight for freedom. White often means peace. Orange represents courage and sacrifice. Black may represent determination, ethnic heritage, or defeating one’s enemies. Blue often represents freedom, justice, or prosperity. Green can symbolize the earth, agriculture, or the Islam religion. Yellow often represents the Sun, wealth, or justice. <img alt="" class="mceWPmore mceItemNoResize" data-mce-src="http://carolpetersonauthor.com/wp-includes/js/tinymce/plugins/wordpress/img/trans.gif" src="http://carolpetersonauthor.com/wp-includes/js/tinymce/plugins/wordpress/img/trans.gif" style="border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); color: inherit; cursor: default; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.625; margin-top: 0.4em; padding: 6px;" title="More..." /></div>
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To read the rest of this post, click <a href="http://carolpetersonauthor.com/2013/07/17/for-kids-flag-fancy/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6059703145604803817.post-81111150556555106942013-07-16T02:30:00.000-07:002013-07-16T02:30:03.492-07:00FOR FAITH: PRAYING NAMES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMIADb0on_CuIcBj4DSnD-5hh2uZG4Qu0q261J1HkfvUpgJgNmrU4saGRKXcDrQM4CXKnIkiJA2Ytjs9i1E1fAfDuDOn_Pr54mC0I8ZDLT3V9msxLvn_ggxVEFuwZO91GTljV9sFGhFU/s1600/Larkspur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMIADb0on_CuIcBj4DSnD-5hh2uZG4Qu0q261J1HkfvUpgJgNmrU4saGRKXcDrQM4CXKnIkiJA2Ytjs9i1E1fAfDuDOn_Pr54mC0I8ZDLT3V9msxLvn_ggxVEFuwZO91GTljV9sFGhFU/s200/Larkspur.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Each month I create prayers for people we love based on the
meaning of their names. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This month, as the friends of Lisa celebrate her life well lived
and pray for the dear family she left behind, I focus today’s post on praying that
her husband, Dan and their three children will live the meaning of their names.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To read this full post go <a href="http://carolpetersonauthor.com/2013/07/16/for-faith-praying-names/" target="_blank">here</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6059703145604803817.post-49775939192325343342013-07-15T02:30:00.000-07:002013-07-15T02:30:01.282-07:00FOR WRITERS: BEING YOUR OWN COPY EDITOR<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNeElp_YCOeFb_8w0d-WotB35Yj_xMoMTmDkzMVuFZMd4YQRuteazid0QGpODojU1Wa9bTTYuXL8x8xxPc7Y0nQWGMuIqYOSN4PB0naoD10ikiHlPCMdTv5D8dzMtlKlYzKmzNSo6On4/s1600/Guy+at+laptop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNeElp_YCOeFb_8w0d-WotB35Yj_xMoMTmDkzMVuFZMd4YQRuteazid0QGpODojU1Wa9bTTYuXL8x8xxPc7Y0nQWGMuIqYOSN4PB0naoD10ikiHlPCMdTv5D8dzMtlKlYzKmzNSo6On4/s320/Guy+at+laptop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">It’s time for a final copy
edit of your finished manuscript. Time to find those tiny typos and pesky
grammatical and punctuation errors. Time to format the text and the layout for
consistency. Time to check facts and make sure that when you send someone to
page 47 it’s actually where you want them to go.<br />
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The secret to successful copy editing is step-by-step focus. When you copy edit,
go through your manuscript looking only at one of the basic issues on each
pass. If you try to look at everything at once, you’re bound to miss something.
Think <i>focus </i>but with a <i>global view.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">To read the full post, go <a href="http://carolpetersonauthor.com/2013/07/15/being-your-own-copy-editor/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6059703145604803817.post-4703128562466903342013-07-12T02:15:00.000-07:002013-07-12T02:15:00.421-07:00FOR READERS: INTERVIEW WITH CHRIS VONADA<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">One of my intentions of having a unified website over at CarolPetersonAuthor.com is to encourage other writers and bring them together with readers who will love them.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIM6qCIdI1LrvbwYzaa_D85kdt9QrtCDqBjMiJbOHbLxt7iOHSC-FTjBexeHrWkB6H28tMvcwAC-hRuQK8TI0tiulCtrLD9GIPZwDMBAEt5yYfqx_0KkjW2kJNrsZNto6R23fUtpcpW4/s1600/All+Sorts+And+Conditions+Of+People.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIM6qCIdI1LrvbwYzaa_D85kdt9QrtCDqBjMiJbOHbLxt7iOHSC-FTjBexeHrWkB6H28tMvcwAC-hRuQK8TI0tiulCtrLD9GIPZwDMBAEt5yYfqx_0KkjW2kJNrsZNto6R23fUtpcpW4/s320/All+Sorts+And+Conditions+Of+People.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">Earlier this year, I interviewed my friend, Chris Vonada here</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">. You will recognize him as a monthly guest blogger, who shared the 10 + 1 Building Blocks of relationships. He currently has three books published with Amazon</span><i style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">, Common Ground…Geology Happens! Believe…And You Say?</i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;"> and </span><i style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">All Sorts and Conditions of People.</i><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">To read excerpts from my interview, please head over to <a href="http://carolpetersonauthor.com/">CarolPetersonAuthor.com</a>.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6059703145604803817.post-24361966285252225532013-07-11T02:15:00.000-07:002013-07-11T02:15:01.139-07:00FOR FAITH: CALL ME GUMBY<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">I'm posting today over at Jon Stolpe's </span><a data-mce-href="http://www.jonstolpe.com/" href="http://www.jonstolpe.com/" style="color: #1b8be0; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="site">site</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">. Join me there. Here's a teaser...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqxoycief772IQsY2gS5At7F0cI4cbtKNddJQNO6OR2-M-SjPHY_W2gJi7jbwh462JtFqoFOwqvSLRnOkC1YCAGO5p43ETnZjKSEfT8lec7_1Xj_XLtD4MblDNJxc-wuFvkUDrtRGp2M/s1600/Gumby+from+NJ+Croce+Co,+Inc..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqxoycief772IQsY2gS5At7F0cI4cbtKNddJQNO6OR2-M-SjPHY_W2gJi7jbwh462JtFqoFOwqvSLRnOkC1YCAGO5p43ETnZjKSEfT8lec7_1Xj_XLtD4MblDNJxc-wuFvkUDrtRGp2M/s1600/Gumby+from+NJ+Croce+Co,+Inc..jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">Toward the end of June I dropped Jon a line and told him I’d write something “stretchy” for this site. Instantly, a big green Gumby with my face on it appeared in my head. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">Gumby—that guy from the 60s made of green rubber. Pull his leg and it bounces back in place. He’s flexible. He stretches to the fullest and then springs into shape even if things get a little too stretchy. Because Gumby teaches us that we can stretch and even if life gets twisted, we’ll still be alright in the end.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">Head over to Jon's to read the rest <a href="http://www.jonstolpe.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6059703145604803817.post-69470991897870097602013-07-10T02:15:00.000-07:002013-07-10T02:15:00.868-07:00FOR KIDS: FINANCIAL SUPERHEROES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8u2YSYmvOyxXSPMIdzUNhHzMYEW7Tn8eQZLZ5OOtiXkQMkYBeWwcub72cGDbjJw1CGYNnmLx6mAV_eD6_xkyPbML7dhTkHw2mdh5B6e2E6yrKGhFGFi-FGe2w4d4Q-Cr0pS0OXNpvOc/s1600/Household+610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8u2YSYmvOyxXSPMIdzUNhHzMYEW7Tn8eQZLZ5OOtiXkQMkYBeWwcub72cGDbjJw1CGYNnmLx6mAV_eD6_xkyPbML7dhTkHw2mdh5B6e2E6yrKGhFGFi-FGe2w4d4Q-Cr0pS0OXNpvOc/s200/Household+610.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Many of us learned how to handle money by watching our parents. Then our kids learned from us. Unfortunately, that’s sometimes like making a copy of a copy. Each copy becomes more and more distorted.</div>
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What if we started over, learning <i>proper </i>money management and taught kids from where they are supposed to learn rather than from where we are now?</div>
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Read the full post <a href="http://carolpetersonauthor.com/2013/07/10/financial-superheroes" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6059703145604803817.post-41637577415508232372013-07-09T06:21:00.001-07:002013-07-09T06:21:09.947-07:00FOR FAITH: OZ AND I<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLf4xLpdJBwMRf05clhnmVAlaDF5VrGDgrAabyzxZSBCorm75aHBmgbU9vVxOz4rTPSS8V0cVwq9LYVrHatr3cXXw2vYscbJKHEqTnjQ8cjQchQ6qf6-z9kq5C1Q70rB5VctG1M4FQswc/s1600/OZ+AND+I+image+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLf4xLpdJBwMRf05clhnmVAlaDF5VrGDgrAabyzxZSBCorm75aHBmgbU9vVxOz4rTPSS8V0cVwq9LYVrHatr3cXXw2vYscbJKHEqTnjQ8cjQchQ6qf6-z9kq5C1Q70rB5VctG1M4FQswc/s1600/OZ+AND+I+image+copy.jpg" /></a></div>
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This morning Oswald Chambers said that once we understand God’s
vision—yet before it has truly become our vision too—Satan sometimes comes in
and stirs the pot, making us feel like there is no point in continuing.</div>
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Satan has been stirring my cyber pot.</div>
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Please head over to my website <a href="http://carolpetersonauthor.com/2013/07/09/oz-and-i-dizzy-lizzy/">here </a>to read this post in full. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6059703145604803817.post-78599420943646157112013-07-08T06:29:00.000-07:002013-07-08T06:29:15.720-07:00NEW: FOR WRITERS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUO5JvVfZJGN20RYmtQln134FpS-5PEaen4vgHMhi1FafXOAO4-eScGL6SvzY6lsFaxUXZqKT8C4txOpNOS8YiRn6PjglArGs2Qf40poKvryaQPAnr9HnMstEM2EthKbaNdjH7STkfI4/s1600/open+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUO5JvVfZJGN20RYmtQln134FpS-5PEaen4vgHMhi1FafXOAO4-eScGL6SvzY6lsFaxUXZqKT8C4txOpNOS8YiRn6PjglArGs2Qf40poKvryaQPAnr9HnMstEM2EthKbaNdjH7STkfI4/s320/open+book.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Over at <a href="http://www.carolpetersonauthor.com/">CarolPetersonAuthor</a> we start the week with something to entice writer-wannabees.<br />
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Ever think about taking your own writing seriously? Read <a href="http://carolpetersonauthor.com/2013/07/07/writing-the-dream/">Writing the Dream</a>.<br />
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Remember: From Carol's Quill is moving to CarolPetersonAuthor.com permanently...soon.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6059703145604803817.post-10805347759146244702013-07-05T02:15:00.000-07:002013-07-05T07:23:01.990-07:00NEW! FOR READERS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2eXPW1FVrwmCz82FQmLKqq8SzaNNk_FKYnftx9-JapdUilLUJByypmK38yYRZOYKZjeJs5WLwByQUMPtydQiIHDBjZ52ApqOeaeUqdMi9JDot0OCRkSAevnS0UzSUb0717oU_XEyjw2U/s446/books+falling+over.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2eXPW1FVrwmCz82FQmLKqq8SzaNNk_FKYnftx9-JapdUilLUJByypmK38yYRZOYKZjeJs5WLwByQUMPtydQiIHDBjZ52ApqOeaeUqdMi9JDot0OCRkSAevnS0UzSUb0717oU_XEyjw2U/s400/books+falling+over.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Technical difficulties are slowly being ironed out over at CarolPetersonAuthor.com.<br />
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That means From Carol's Quill will be eased out over the next month or so. The good news is that I'll have more good stuff for everyone. And it'll all be in one spot so I'll be easy to find. In case you were looking...<br />
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Over at CarolPetersonAuthor.com:<br />
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Monday will offer an article about writing.<br />
Tuesday and Thursday will still be about faith.<br />
Wednesday will have something for kids.<br />
Friday will be for readers.<br />
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My first FOR READERS post is up today<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span>a book review of a great (and free) Christian ebook. You can find the review <a href="http://carolpetersonauthor.com/2013/07/05/chop-chop-by-l-n-cronk/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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I'll still see you here Tuesdays and Thursdays for a while. But why not start making it a habit to head over to my website now?<br />
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See you <a href="http://www.carolpetersonauthor.com/" target="_blank">there</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6059703145604803817.post-91419197120975249432013-07-04T02:00:00.000-07:002013-07-04T08:18:10.546-07:00HAPPY 4TH OF JULY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmxhmX4oTy6v6Y6f-4o0lBrN96ByZC3Ht-uditv_0Bw8r6vhYKRB8UKq5lFvbikdH94BUOxp5uc8jb00QXfZ5Yju6nfulvsZ364my2yULW8cjNdV5k_krZ4ieYumYOpxHDN8uA4kKnbg/s185/Americana+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmxhmX4oTy6v6Y6f-4o0lBrN96ByZC3Ht-uditv_0Bw8r6vhYKRB8UKq5lFvbikdH94BUOxp5uc8jb00QXfZ5Yju6nfulvsZ364my2yULW8cjNdV5k_krZ4ieYumYOpxHDN8uA4kKnbg/s320/Americana+11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just a short post to wish everyone a Happy 4th of July.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">May God bless America!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6059703145604803817.post-65997706798733333462013-07-02T02:00:00.000-07:002013-07-02T02:00:05.221-07:00FOR LISA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHYnZ-F6ejUzXv2DIxtW2OMb2yQTyz7MpgueNe2viIXC2SbS5FGCFZNOiDrq-FACuI6xRqZa8gYLH4ufq9MH79itSNfw7ru8LAY7AYwaP7-AD8VuF8XIXt9CZUcY2D-K6tneX77HKeEk/s640/Flowers+172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHYnZ-F6ejUzXv2DIxtW2OMb2yQTyz7MpgueNe2viIXC2SbS5FGCFZNOiDrq-FACuI6xRqZa8gYLH4ufq9MH79itSNfw7ru8LAY7AYwaP7-AD8VuF8XIXt9CZUcY2D-K6tneX77HKeEk/s320/Flowers+172.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This week our world lost a bit of beauty and heaven became
even more glorious. My friend, Lisa died after too many years’ battle with
cancer. She leaves her legacy though through her husband and three school-age
children. She also leaves a legacy of steadfast faith in Jesus.</div>
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Several years ago, I began creating prayers for family and
friends. I prayed that they would live the meaning of their names. Here is the
prayer I created with my friend Lisa in mind. Over the years I have prayed this
for her many times. Anyone who knew Lisa, recognized that God answered that
prayer. Lisa truly lived the meaning of her name.</div>
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<b><span style="background: #EEF4FF; color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lisa: consecrated to God<br />
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<span style="background: #EEF4FF;">Lord, I pray that Lisa will live her name. I pray
that Lisa will be fully consecrated to you in everything she is and does. I
pray she will live her solemn dedication to you and that she will be a
lighthouse to others so that others, too, will be consecrated to you because of
her light. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Please visit the <a href="http://fromcarolsquill.blogspot.com/p/praying-names.html" target="_blank">PRAYING NAMES</a> page to find names of people you love. Then pray that they, too will live the
meaning of their names. If you don’t find the name you’re looking for, please
let me know and I will create a prayer especially for them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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This is a cross-post with my website: <a href="http://www.carolpetersonauthor.com/" target="_blank">carolpetersonauthor.com</a>. I am in the process of moving this blog over to that site so folks can conveniently find me in one spot. I'll be cross-posting here until everything is in place.</div>
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I appreciate your patience and grace during the move.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6059703145604803817.post-44968389705781956592013-06-27T02:00:00.000-07:002013-06-27T02:00:11.332-07:00MORE PRAYING NAMES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgRIsYvE8QdXFk9AG6XVm9G45OdqU9uz18lH5G5EXK2rWzKkz4OTzKCaWXGDsvD-8-JDf5n0AsVxSVIyzyXyGbGS_Pic2W1bLW7bIngpp_vpYA_v_dCevijMn7UVcCkathXJ6mX6hqy0/s1600/Friday+pix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgRIsYvE8QdXFk9AG6XVm9G45OdqU9uz18lH5G5EXK2rWzKkz4OTzKCaWXGDsvD-8-JDf5n0AsVxSVIyzyXyGbGS_Pic2W1bLW7bIngpp_vpYA_v_dCevijMn7UVcCkathXJ6mX6hqy0/s320/Friday+pix.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
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Each month I create prayers for people we love based on the
meaning of their names. </div>
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These additional names are then added to the ongoing
list at the tab to the right titled, “PRAYING NAMES.” </div>
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If you don’t find the name of your loved one listed, please
leave a comment below. I’ll research it and create a prayer for a future month.</div>
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<b>Bernard: bold as a
bear; brave; hardy<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Heavenly Father, I pray that Bernard will live the meaning
of his name. I pray that he will live a life full of courage and that he will
bravely speak of your love and salvation boldly. Amen.</div>
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<b>Clarice/Clara:
illustrious; clear, bright<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Heavenly Father, I pray that Clara will live the meaning of
her name. I pray that she will understand your Gospel clearly and that she will
live her life in such a way that she will be a bright light of your love in
this world. Amen.</div>
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<b>Ryan: descendant of
the king<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Heavenly Father, I pray that Ryan will live the meaning of
his name. I pray that he will understand the full impact of being a son of the
King of the universe and that he will live his life as an ambassador for you.
Amen.</div>
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<b>Stephanie: crown</b></div>
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Heavenly Father, I pray that Stephanie will live the meaning
of her name. I pray that she will wear your crown of glory throughout her life,
that her status as adopted daughter of the King will be apparent to all those
who meet her. I pray that she will understand the importance of being your
daughter and will wear her crown humbly. Amen.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6059703145604803817.post-56812898030121613622013-06-25T02:00:00.000-07:002013-06-25T02:00:00.169-07:00The God-Honoring Courage And Calling Of Nehemiah<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzgrj3ATgbZdKW1dF863i7Yp6nl_oPcw1DI7LzacOxK1sorXelHFzJxB-9x7ouBvE5Bosh-IU7zkWZrX1MzX4aTolb4NvpE_uOsP29C7mgoLiCrTXnYuNovEvIVpzmqTx50GIOpxiM3k/s1600/C+Vonada+photo+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzgrj3ATgbZdKW1dF863i7Yp6nl_oPcw1DI7LzacOxK1sorXelHFzJxB-9x7ouBvE5Bosh-IU7zkWZrX1MzX4aTolb4NvpE_uOsP29C7mgoLiCrTXnYuNovEvIVpzmqTx50GIOpxiM3k/s1600/C+Vonada+photo+-+Copy.jpg" /></a></div>
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This is a guest post from Chris Vonada. Chris is an author and geologist, and also enjoys reading, running, anything outdoors, travel, family, friends, music and life! He writes about his passions at I’m Just Thinkin’ (<a href="http://chrisvonada.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://chrisvonada.com</a>). You can also follow him on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisVonada" shape="rect" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/<wbr></wbr>ChrisVonada</a>)<br /><br /><br /></div>
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At church we've been talking about restoration and the power of unity. One of the books in the Bible that we discussed in our small group was Nehemiah. I wasn't all that familiar with this book and Nehemiah's story before this. It's one of extraordinary leadership and courage, accenting the elements of vision, unity, and commitment.<div>
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Nehemiah was a man of action. God wanted him to leave a prominent position in the Persian government to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem. Nehemiah followed many exiles who had returned to Jerusalem. This assignment was a big deal to God, and Nehemiah was chosen for his organizational skills and his ability to inspire others to action. When he came to town he inspected the walls and gates and lots of folks fell in line with his directive.</div>
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One of the key elements of Nehemiah's success was in prayer for doing God's work and for His purposes. This quest wasn't about Nehemiah. It was all about restoring God's place for the future coming of Jesus. Jerusalem's walls had been broken down and the gates had been burned. After hearing this distressing news, Nehemiah fasted and prayed for several days and received God's calling, favor and blessing to proceed with the task at hand.</div>
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This idea of "calling" is key in our society today and I believe is very important in how we will be remembered in the history of Christianity. The story is as relevant today as it was at the time it was written. Recent surveys suggest that we are in the midst of a leadership crisis. Joseph Cavanaugh, the author of <strong>"</strong>The Language Of Blessing," sums it up this way:</div>
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<em>"Western individualism is primarily focused on fulfilling wants and desires. Biblical individualism is about what we have been given for the benefit of others. It is about fulfilling our unique function, contribution and calling.</em></div>
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<em>King David beautifully articulates in many of his psalms how intimate God’s love is for each of us as individuals. Centuries later, in his letters to the Corinthians and to the Romans, Paul emphasizes the great diversity of gifts and functions that exist in the body of Christ. He also points out that each individual’s contribution is indispensable and vital for the benefit of the whole body. A final reality communicated in the parable of the talents and again in the book of Revelation is that each of us will stand before the Lord and give an account of what we did with what we were so generously given—an individual experience.</em><br />
<em><br /></em>
<em>Healthy self-esteem is simply proper care for ourselves—physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. A self-esteem that comes from knowing we are loved by God and created with purpose allows us to get on with loving and serving others."</em><br />
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Nehemiah served the King of Persia at the time of his calling. He was the cup-bearer, or the dude responsible for making sure that the wine and drink given to the King were safe to consume. How? Well, Nehemiah often tasted every provision before the King did. It was a very important and prestigious position, a great honor. However, it wasn't his calling and when God summoned Nehemiah to duty the faithful servant gracefully asked the King to be relieved of his role as the cup-bearer. It was as dramatic as the fisherman Peter dropping his net and stepping off the boat to follow Jesus.</div>
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How do we find our calling?<strong> Calling is found through a relationship with the Holy Spirit, and it begins with self-awareness</strong>(<a href="http://clicktotweet.com/GQk70" shape="rect" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Click To Tweet</a>). Don't spend so much time running away to realize what you could be running toward. Identify your gifts and talents, then pray to the Lord to show you the way in how to best apply them.</div>
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After inspecting the wall and gates, Nehemiah said to the people, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me.They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work. Nehemiah <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_326801519" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">2:17</span></span>-18<div>
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The task at hand may have seemed enormous, but with God's help and support the effort was united and accomplished. After Nehemiah identified his calling, he used his gifts and talents to organize and inspire others to help. If you read through the book of Nehemiah you will find the names of many who rallied in support of God's glorious purpose. Of course, there were pockets of dissension. There are today, and always will be. Not to worry though as we already know the end of the story...</div>
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"So the wall was completed on the 25th of Elul, in 52 days. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God." Nehemiah <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_326801520" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">6:15</span></span>-16</div>
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Don't want to be the leader? Lead, follow, or just step out of the way. Either way it's time to pony up and ride. It's all about courage, and identifying then following God's calling.</div>
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<strong>How do you think of calling? Have you ever felt that God was calling you to head off in a new direction?</strong></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6059703145604803817.post-73422806378899628152013-06-20T07:01:00.001-07:002013-06-20T07:01:52.265-07:00TODAY IS THE DAY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mlvasaYFPrehVFhSfVUS03SyAP9sRAoGQ8R7fv3l_rYixEK4PnNcvWYw-F8M2Qqk9kXtKezCmYR_T3lW_qBk30paRVDtaQ6C6FfIR8J9PNcvTC1xHGM43WTCyZnNK_xHlp1T2iO57_w/s1600/cross+in+sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mlvasaYFPrehVFhSfVUS03SyAP9sRAoGQ8R7fv3l_rYixEK4PnNcvWYw-F8M2Qqk9kXtKezCmYR_T3lW_qBk30paRVDtaQ6C6FfIR8J9PNcvTC1xHGM43WTCyZnNK_xHlp1T2iO57_w/s320/cross+in+sunset.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Today is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!</i> (Psalm 118:24)<br />
<br />
...that's all I have to say today on this subject.<br />
<br />
<b>PRAYER: </b>Heavenly Father, thank you for today that you have made--this day that has never been lived before. Thank you for whatever you have planned for it. Show us ways today to rejoice in all things and be glad. Amen.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6059703145604803817.post-25504195497436824822013-06-18T17:04:00.005-07:002013-06-18T17:04:55.269-07:00TIME FLIES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQHaGD-UaIYkXHGMOaB89jZ4a8a-9phRuW2sE-dgRehP36dwFekUoFoXXBLctCEJNnh-qUYll6UfkUy-kAu-CwVezbz6jegCWoAOT3PeXehS5A8NwTBrVj0LwtytCgRNI69R3MGIcXHc/s1600/Household+414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQHaGD-UaIYkXHGMOaB89jZ4a8a-9phRuW2sE-dgRehP36dwFekUoFoXXBLctCEJNnh-qUYll6UfkUy-kAu-CwVezbz6jegCWoAOT3PeXehS5A8NwTBrVj0LwtytCgRNI69R3MGIcXHc/s320/Household+414.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN"><i><span lang="EN">To God a thousand years is like a day. And a day is like a thousand years</span></i><span lang="EN"> (2 Peter 3:8; Psalm 90:4)</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Time flies when you’re having fun. </span>That saying makes me wonder: </div>
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<span lang="EN">Does that mean that when God’s will is
being done more often than not; when we’re drawing near to Him instead of
trying to do life on our own—that time is flying for God? At those times, to
God is a thousand years like a single day?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">What about those other times? Those times
when I forget to pray. Or when I decide to pray later. And don’t. Those times
when I see a need and look away, intending to extend the effort the next
time—when it’s more convenient.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">During those times, is God thinking that a
day feels like a thousand years?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Fortunately, God is also patient and “slow
to anger.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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If a day feels like a thousand years to
God because we’re slow in getting around to doing things His way, how much
better to turn it around so that God can think of us and smile, knowing that
time flies when He’s having fun. And how much more fun for God when we hear Him
calling for us to spend time with him; see His hand in our daily lives; listen
to His Word and make it part of our heart for Him.</div>
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<span lang="EN">And for us…spending time with God means
our time here on earth will fly until the day when we no longer care about the
concept of time at all. When we have eternity to spend in His presence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN">PRAYER:</span></b><span lang="EN"> Heavenly
Father, thank you for your patience. Ignite our hearts for you and your plan
today. Show us that spending time with you is good. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN">WHAT ABOUT YOU? </span></b><span lang="EN">What was the longest day in your life? Or the
shortest?</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6059703145604803817.post-75905447664513915562013-06-13T02:00:00.000-07:002013-06-13T02:00:02.944-07:00G.O.D. IN THREE PERSONS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvSE60J9WGYirj2WT-S1tNLKB0je3PLdPXv5SQnkOkMl-VJP_Zmar1ky_1BgWblHJqpzQZfPvKQ4LjX9aneE0hyphenhypheniPVXjZkKmW7hNFMWsMpTqlXdWgb9ac8S7wfSLouaIdvLtWSR4Q-WM/s1600/trinity-300x281.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvSE60J9WGYirj2WT-S1tNLKB0je3PLdPXv5SQnkOkMl-VJP_Zmar1ky_1BgWblHJqpzQZfPvKQ4LjX9aneE0hyphenhypheniPVXjZkKmW7hNFMWsMpTqlXdWgb9ac8S7wfSLouaIdvLtWSR4Q-WM/s1600/trinity-300x281.png" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN">Don’t you think it’s great how the word <i>God</i>
is made up of three letters? There’s one letter for each of the three persons
in the Trinity. Was it a coincidence? Or is the word <i>God</i> a divine
acronym?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>G</b> can refer to the GIVER OF SALVATION.
That’s Jesus. I can pray to Jesus in gratitude for his sacrifice of becoming
human for my sake; for living a life that is an example for me; for dying a
horrible death in order to save my soul. Thank you, Jesus.</div>
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<span lang="EN"><b>O </b>can refer to the OVERSEER OF ALL THINGS.
That’s the Father. He keeps the earth spinning. He keeps the stars from falling
out of the heavens. He makes sure the plants grow, the tides go in and out, the
rain falls. Thank you, Father.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><b>D</b> can refer to the DOER. That’s the Holy
Spirit. As a Christian, the Spirit lives in me. And one way God works is
through me. I am His hands and feet in this world as long as the Spirit guides
and directs me. And as long as I attune my thoughts and actions to His. Thank
you, Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">If I pray to God, I can remember to pray
to G.O.D. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN">PRAYER:</span></b><span lang="EN"> Thank you,
God for who you are and all you are doing in me and through me in this world.
Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN">WHAT ABOUT YOU?</span></b><span lang="EN"> Do
you pray more generally to one person of the Trinity? Why do you think
that is?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6059703145604803817.post-66916009332331839062013-06-11T02:00:00.000-07:002013-06-11T02:00:10.049-07:00PLANS WITHIN PLANS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIO7bPRH1UbXmL_H4x8pnnzBx8zdY7RBCKnvRvvuf-Y7giUF8M6x1vSWmXjt4d6MT5yU3oGgZt-VW5OPCT482qKGB01hnvoyAVK931KJ4oVG-7O-BXGmzIIKjsG1gsXk5aIYTSbiPNu4/s1600/OZ+AND+I+image+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIO7bPRH1UbXmL_H4x8pnnzBx8zdY7RBCKnvRvvuf-Y7giUF8M6x1vSWmXjt4d6MT5yU3oGgZt-VW5OPCT482qKGB01hnvoyAVK931KJ4oVG-7O-BXGmzIIKjsG1gsXk5aIYTSbiPNu4/s320/OZ+AND+I+image+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The movie, <i>The Passion of the Christ </i>brought home
Jesus’ physical suffering in a powerful, guttural way. Whereas we previously
might have thought, “what a horrible way to die,” watching that movie helped us
internalize the torture, the pain, the humiliation, the power of Jesus’ final
day in his human, physical state.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But for some of us,
the more significant sacrifice of Jesus was the one he made in heaven. He set
aside his divinity and became human for our sake. This sacrifice is harder for
us earthly folk to comprehend because we haven’t experienced heaven yet. We
“know” that heaven is glorious, that it is beautiful, that being in God’s
presence is exceptional in the extreme. But we don’t quite understand it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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That makes it hard
for us to comprehend the sacrifice Jesus made when he left heaven; left the
presence of being in the Trinity; left the place where he was God and was with
God. So because we cannot comprehend that part of his sacrifice, we focus on
the one we can understand: the physical torture, humiliation and death.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But when we focus on
only one of those sacrifices do we dilute its power. Jesus was not only the Son
of Man; he was also the Son of God. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Oswald Chamber’s
head-whacking devotional, <i>My Utmost for
His Highest</i>, pointed this out, reminding us that Satan was there at Jesus’
crucifixion, just as Satan was in the desert, tempting Jesus to use his power
to save himself. After the time in the desert, <o:p></o:p></div>
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“The Devil left to
return at a more opportune time.” (Luke 4:13) <o:p></o:p></div>
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How much more
opportune time is there than when Jesus faced torture, humiliation and death in
such a cruel way? And how much more opportune than the <i>last </i>opportunity to do so in Jesus’ earthly life?<o:p></o:p></div>
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But Jesus was also
the physical incarnation of God. He was the Son of Man—a flesh and blood human
who was not <i>only </i>God, but man as
well. Oswald reminds us: “The Cross of Christ was a triumph for the <i>Son of Man</i>.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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There was never a
question that God would triumph as Son of God. As Son of God, Satan could not
touch or tempt Jesus. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But as Son of Man,
Satan could attack Jesus on the basis of his humanity. And he did. But because
Jesus, as Son of Man, was tempted and came through for us despite his humanity,
we were saved. Despite Jesus’ humanity and because of it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This point
crystallized in my mind this morning. The sacrifices Jesus made as the Son of
God (setting aside his divinity temporarily) and as the Son of Man (overcoming
temptation and dying a human death) are both of equal greatness. Without the
sacrifice as the Son of God, Jesus would not have become human and would not
have been able to offer his human, physical life. Likewise, without the
sacrifice as Son of Man, Jesus would not have been tempted and have overcome
that temptation, to give his human, physical life for our sake.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Praise God for His
plan and for His plans within plans. <o:p></o:p></div>
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And thank you,
Oswald for another head-whacking devotional.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>WHAT ABOUT YOU?
</b>Share your thoughts about the two different forms of sacrifice that Jesus made
for our sake.<o:p></o:p></div>
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(For other readers
of Oswald Chambers, this post was based on the devotional for April 5. This is a repost from my guest appearance at Deborah K. Anderson's Faith, Fiction and the Unvarnished Truth.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6059703145604803817.post-90355635278508465492013-06-06T02:00:00.000-07:002013-06-06T02:00:07.943-07:00A PROCESS IN COURAGE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6iKAAa2Pa2O1BCCHEtA2M1GFwNceNaoFjcrPnNQVQ2BOMBLky-gCNu4dATdMgx9wo_vzZiXkBdqzdQDdiDQ4hlCCCxwXhdjA1wpWQ_YP4jNQwiWg8fkumuhbyQGRqtTKMIElMB0sv2w/s1600/Courage+whole++image+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6iKAAa2Pa2O1BCCHEtA2M1GFwNceNaoFjcrPnNQVQ2BOMBLky-gCNu4dATdMgx9wo_vzZiXkBdqzdQDdiDQ4hlCCCxwXhdjA1wpWQ_YP4jNQwiWg8fkumuhbyQGRqtTKMIElMB0sv2w/s320/Courage+whole++image+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As you know, my one word focus for 2013 is courage. I’ve
been thinking about it a lot. I’ve been reading about it in scripture. I’ve
been meditating on it. I’ve been listening to others. I’ve been writing about
it and I’ve asked my writing colleagues in The Network to write about it when
it’s their turn to post here at From Carol’s Quill. It’s in my heart and my
mind.</div>
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Recently, God has led me to see a process in courage and
beyond:</div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li>God places in our hearts a desire: to do, to experience, to
love</li>
<li>He helps us dream about giving life to that desire and often
gives us gifts or places people or circumstances in our path to accomplish
those dreams.</li>
<li>Insecurity steps in: I’m not enough, I can’t, I’m too little,
it’s too hard</li>
<li>That results in a sense of vulnerability: I may fail, be
rejected, ignored, hurt</li>
<li>This is the pivotal point in our journey. Sometimes we turn
away. Give up. Abandon our dream. Ignore God’s leading. Be disobedient.</li>
<li>And sometimes we decide to be obedient anyway. Even though
we are insecure. Even though we are vulnerable. Even though.</li>
<li>At that point God shows us that the attempt is worthy.
Regardless of the outcome, the itself path provides experience. The process
brings knowledge, wisdom, growth, empathy, strength. Courage.</li>
</ul>
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God created me to desire and dream. He gifted me with talent
or the ability to learn. When I proceed with courage in the process, I also leave the results
to Him. </div>
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Insecurity and vulnerability become nearly irrelevant. Despite
insecurity, I try and I do my best. I learn from my mistakes and get
better each time I try. If I fail, I learn why and try again.</div>
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I may feel vulnerable, but even if I am rejected by people
or ignored or hurt. I am never rejected by the God of the universe who stands
at my side, pushing me forward, lifting me up, cheering me on. </div>
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In the end as well as through the process,
God loves me. He is pleased at the trying. Results are important—even sometimes
to Him—but the process is what causes learning and growth and it is the process
that shines the light of obedience that makes God smile.</div>
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<b>PRAYER:</b> Heavenly
Father, thank you for giving us minds that dream big dreams. Please show us how
to make those dreams a reality. Show us how to be obedient to you in the
process. Amen.</div>
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<b>WHAT ABOUT YOU?</b> What desire has God placed on your heart that
you are just now beginning to dream about?</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6059703145604803817.post-56831132235476726722013-06-04T02:00:00.000-07:002013-06-04T02:00:02.184-07:00OZ AND I: BEING DISOBEDIENT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIO7bPRH1UbXmL_H4x8pnnzBx8zdY7RBCKnvRvvuf-Y7giUF8M6x1vSWmXjt4d6MT5yU3oGgZt-VW5OPCT482qKGB01hnvoyAVK931KJ4oVG-7O-BXGmzIIKjsG1gsXk5aIYTSbiPNu4/s1600/OZ+AND+I+image+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIO7bPRH1UbXmL_H4x8pnnzBx8zdY7RBCKnvRvvuf-Y7giUF8M6x1vSWmXjt4d6MT5yU3oGgZt-VW5OPCT482qKGB01hnvoyAVK931KJ4oVG-7O-BXGmzIIKjsG1gsXk5aIYTSbiPNu4/s320/OZ+AND+I+image+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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“We don’t consciously and deliberately disobey God.”</div>
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Let me check the cover of the devotional I’m reading. Yes,
it really <i>is</i> Oswald Chambers’ <i>My Utmost for His Highest</i>. </div>
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Is Oz cutting us some slack today? </div>
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I think. “I’m not disobeying God—on purpose.
I can’t help it. I’m weak. It’s not my fault.”</div>
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We may hear other people speak God’s truth and conclude that
they’re probably right, continues Oz, but it is easy to ignore people. So we do. </div>
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But by ignoring God’s truth spoken by others, we are
ignoring God himself. When we recognize how we have ignored God, “we will be
filled with shame and humiliation.”</div>
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Ouch. There’s the Oz we’ve come to expect.</div>
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How often have I ignored God by belittling His truth merely
because it was spoken by people? Are believers of this age any different from
the people 4,000 years ago who spoke God’s truth, inspired by Him and preserved
in scripture?</div>
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It’s time again to hang my head, admitting that I deserve
Oz’s head whacking, and asking God’s forgiveness when I’ve ignored His truth,
spoken loud and clear by people He has placed in my life.</div>
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<b>PRAYER: </b>Heavenly
Father, we do love you and we don’t want to ignore your truth. Please open our
ears and help us get out of your way when you use others to speak your truth to
us. Amen.</div>
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<b>WHAT ABOUT YOU? </b>Have
you experienced a time when you clearly knew that others were speaking God’s
truth to you?</div>
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NOTE: This post was based on the devotional dated February
12.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6059703145604803817.post-46152727838288994812013-05-30T02:00:00.000-07:002013-05-30T02:00:01.546-07:00MORE PRAYING NAMES<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBIkMAq2SPIsjRqwYmOZDrse3YFTiNnqY-6gHiJ5AL1GJBUWcyA2np0TUZnoRMTAE2JT6HtGSWPtBHJGXgZgRCTjOSDdjt6es1bkrVUeRYOE2aV3zgK66aphomrfjAf3k_H5RPn-OGE0/s1600/Friday+pix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBIkMAq2SPIsjRqwYmOZDrse3YFTiNnqY-6gHiJ5AL1GJBUWcyA2np0TUZnoRMTAE2JT6HtGSWPtBHJGXgZgRCTjOSDdjt6es1bkrVUeRYOE2aV3zgK66aphomrfjAf3k_H5RPn-OGE0/s320/Friday+pix.jpg" width="206" /></a>Each month I create prayers for people we love based on the
meaning of their names. These additional names are then added to the ongoing
list at the tab to the right titled, "PRAYING NAMES."<br />
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If you don’t find the name of your loved one listed, please leave a comment
below. I’ll research it and create a prayer for a future month.<br />
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<b>Adelle: noble, kind<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Heavenly Father, I pray that Adelle will live the meaning of
her name. I pray that in all things, her character will be both noble and kind
and that she will dwell upon only things that are praiseworthy. Amen.</div>
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<b>Clark: clerk<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Heavenly Father, I pray that Clark will live the meaning of
his name. I pray that in all areas of life, he will take on the mantle of good
stewardship over the things you have entrusted to his care. I pray also that he
will give ready and good assistance where you show him there is a need. Amen.</div>
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<b>Lester: from
Leicester, England<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Heavenly Father, I pray that Lester will live the meaning of
his name. I pray that he understands that—like each person on earth—regardless
of where he makes his earthly home, his true home is in heaven with you. I pray
that he will always keep an eye upon his eternal home and live his live with
that in mind. Amen.</div>
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<b>Rhonda: noisy<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Heavenly Father, I pray that Rhonda will live the meaning of
her name. I pray that all her life she will cry out to worship you in song so
that, like Psalm 98, she will make a joyful noise unto you, Lord.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6059703145604803817.post-73436992858714606192013-05-28T11:24:00.000-07:002013-05-28T11:24:01.471-07:00FINDING COURAGE IN TRYING TIMES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;">This is a guest post by <a href="http://www.jmlalonde.com/" target="_blank">Joseph Lalonde</a>. He is a youth leader at Oak Crest Church of God and leadership blogger at JMLalonde.com. Joseph shares leadership tools and encourages you to become a better leader. Connect with him on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/josephlalonde" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or at his <a href="http://www.jmlalonde.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Courage is an amazing tool. It allows us to move forward even when we're fearful of what's ahead. It allows us to overcome the obstacles that we set up for ourselves.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want you to think about the last time you had to use your courage. Can you think back to a time when you had to do this?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Put yourself into that position again and examine what you had to do to build up the courage to take the action and defeat the fear.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Relive the moment. Let the situation sink in. I bet you'll discover you had to find the courage deep within yourself. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Why Courage is Important</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Courage is important for many reasons. When we have courage you're able to face difficult situations. We're also able to move ahead when we are unsure of what is ahead.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Without courage we might never take the actions to move forward in life. We'd also never take the steps God wants us to take.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His ways are beyond our understanding. You'll find yourself wondering what you should be doing next.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But when we have courage, we can move forward with the confidence that we can overcome the dangers ahead.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Finding Courage</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not everyone has an easy time finding courage to move ahead in life. I'm one of those people at times.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I look at situations around me and feel like there's no hope. No chance of coming out on top.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The times are trying and I'm not sure what to do.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is what happens when I lack the courage and cannot find it. I'm brought down and become discouraged.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yet when I find courage my outlook changes. I feel confident. I feel energized. I see excitement and adventure ahead.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I believe there's a way to find courage when we need it in trying times. I know I have and know you can as well.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's two things that bring us courage:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Experience: </b>There's nothing like having experience in a situation. When you've experienced an issue before and overcome it, you can see that there is hope for the future.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The hope then brings courage to face trying times. You can recall the moments of success and use those as stepping stones to take the next steps you need to take.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>God: </b>The other thing that can bring courage is God. We know He's going to call us to do BIG things. He does that to people. Sometimes I think it's to test us. Other times it's to show the world that God uses the least of these and the unqualified.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How can this give us courage when I just said He calls the unqualified? It's easy when we begin to look through the Bible and see what God has done.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He's called men like Moses. What movies like the 10 Commandments and the cute Bible stories overlook is the fact that Moses was a stutterer and had to rely on Aaron to relay God's message to Pharaoh.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or take a look at Joseph. His brothers beat him up, threw him in a pit, had a woman accuse him of assault, and more. Joseph could easily have given up and lost courage. Instead he kept going because he knew God had a plan. He was able to stay courageous.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Focus on God's goodness and the fact that He wants you to be courageous.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Question: How have you been courageous in the past? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.</i></b></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6059703145604803817.post-32339955550226307032013-05-23T02:00:00.000-07:002013-05-23T02:00:10.486-07:00STREET SIGNS AND MANHOLE COVERS: THE LIVING WATER<br />
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We have heard the stories of how the early Christians were
persecuted. Many people met in secret, using hand drawn or carved signs as a
signal. A shepherd’s crook or a fish, often identified members of “the
Way”—groups of Christians who met in seclusion.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLT92Mpob3vPEm-TDLzmuBNtLYCoddux3abEJDlUBZcP2DMSJIEt29_ErJ8VkI-wXOeemr01ExHUktunZ7d3BiokwrfVgJeyk-CvFljAXn1gkdXeOyShXKpTibtV0WYDobxSY_BsMMNeM/s1600/NO+DUMPING+FISH.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLT92Mpob3vPEm-TDLzmuBNtLYCoddux3abEJDlUBZcP2DMSJIEt29_ErJ8VkI-wXOeemr01ExHUktunZ7d3BiokwrfVgJeyk-CvFljAXn1gkdXeOyShXKpTibtV0WYDobxSY_BsMMNeM/s320/NO+DUMPING+FISH.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This morning I discovered the sign of the fish, right there
on the curb above the underground runoff drain in front of our house. The note carved
into the concrete accompanying it says: Flows to river.</div>
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The sign is a warning not to throw pollutants into the
drain. It identifies the underground runoff drain that leads to a water source
filled with living critters. In other words, the sign of the fish points to
living water.</div>
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Jesus said: </div>
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<i>“Whoever believes in
me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” </i>(John
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After more than 2,000 years, the sign of the fish still
reminds us of Jesus—the source of spiritual living water. I’m happy to see our
local government using our tax dollars to remind us of that.</div>
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Thank you, Jesus.</div>
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<b>PRAYER: </b>Heavenly
Father, thank you for the reminders around us of your love and plan. Thank you
for giving us a thirst to know you more and for being the true living water
that will satisfy that thirst. Amen.</div>
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<b>WHAT ABOUT YOU?</b>
Do you have similar fish signs on the curbs in your town?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4