tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70259328333389704032024-03-14T01:34:32.333-04:00 Our Faith AdventuresHappily Married for 26 years. Daughter of the King. Momma of two. Owned by a Golden Retriever. Seasoned Homeschool Advocate, Liberty University Mom, DoTERRA Essential Oil Representative, Logistical Organizer, Long Distance Move Expert and People Feeder. Debbie W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16954714548899067373noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025932833338970403.post-81902897380606761622019-03-14T15:34:00.001-04:002019-03-14T15:34:19.760-04:00Lent - What's It All About?Debbie W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16954714548899067373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025932833338970403.post-90733493621528020582019-03-14T12:23:00.000-04:002019-03-14T15:33:04.398-04:00What's the Point of Fasting at Lent?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For most of my adult life I have wondered what to "give up" for Lent. I usually choose something I really enjoy to eliminate for the 40 days of Lent. Honestly, many of the years I was just going through the motions and not really thinking too much about what I was doing. After all, all good Christians automatically give something up for Lent, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Today we know Lent as a season of conversion: We acknowledge the ways we have turned away from God in our lives and we focus on turning our hearts and minds back toward God. Giving up something for Lent is ultimately a form of fasting. We can deprive ourselves of some small pleasure or indulgence and offer that sacrifice up to God. Or we might give up a bad habit as a way of positively turning our life back toward what God wants for us.</span><br />
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<br />Debbie W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16954714548899067373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025932833338970403.post-86800263831072282332018-06-12T10:57:00.001-04:002018-06-12T10:57:53.652-04:00A New Exciting SeasonWell, my blogging was on hold until I could catch up with life. Reaching a state of normalcy was out of the question these last several months! It is ok because I had no expectations of attaining any normalcy in the midst of our homeschooled daughter's senior year of high school.<br />
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Today I can officially say we survived this final season of our youngest child being homeschooled during her high school years! What a blur it was but I would change absolutely nothing about the experience.<br />
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Did we do things by the textbook standard? no<br />
Did we cover the most important parts of education? yes<br />
Did she turn out to be wiser for being homeschooled? YES<br />
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Graduation is over, the parties are over, thank you notes are all sent and here we are preparing for our youngest to go away to college. It will be fun to watch this sweet graduate flourish and bloom in her college years. The Lord has something very special planned for her life. We are praying she continues to pursue the Lord and follow His calling upon her life.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); color: #001320; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Ecclesiasties 3:11</i></span></span></div>
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Debbie W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16954714548899067373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025932833338970403.post-23767236780918909422017-11-06T17:26:00.001-05:002017-11-06T17:26:35.750-05:00Thanksgiving 30 Day Writing Plan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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November already! Wake up!! Where does the time go?</div>
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Life is way too busy. Its easy to fall into the trap of being busy and forget sentimental traditions and feelings that go along with the season. I have a lot work to do in this area and decided that I need to be intentional about me being truly thankful this holiday season. Don't get me wrong; I am generally appreciative of everyone and everything in my life. As the years go by it seems to me like another turkey dinner is way too easy to plan and cross off the list. I've been convicted that this is not the attitude that the Lord wants for anyone to have this season and honestly, in all of life.</div>
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Recently a friend and I were discussing the mundaneness of life and how holidays feel way too routine. The cooking, the baking and decorating the shopping. What if we took the time daily to reach into the only instruction manual given to us in life (the Bible) for truth and encouragement? What if we made THIS the priority in our days? Would it spill into life? Would it affect how we interact with others and especially loved ones?</div>
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Join me as I journal and take time daily to reflect on whole heartedly being thankful.</div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Open our eyes Lord that we may see wonderful things in your law. Psalm 119:18</span></i></div>
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<br />Debbie W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16954714548899067373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025932833338970403.post-22829546845285212092017-04-17T14:20:00.001-04:002017-04-17T19:47:43.545-04:00The Attitude of Gratitude<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Q1sZuqVgZI/WPUDiXZD3WI/AAAAAAAAFxI/ev-SvAYptBQVN5ta-_2n-pH5U4TNBld1ACLcB/s1600/2006-08-01%2B08.52.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Q1sZuqVgZI/WPUDiXZD3WI/AAAAAAAAFxI/ev-SvAYptBQVN5ta-_2n-pH5U4TNBld1ACLcB/s320/2006-08-01%2B08.52.24.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sweet Emily just a few years ago.</td></tr>
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This time of year we moms get into survival mode. Springtime brings a flurry of activities and schedule jams. There are days when making a priority list goes out the window because of all of the unknowns that fall into our busy days! Weeks blur together, sleep goes by way to fast and we do things to just get by. I've talked to so many moms just this week who are wondering how they are going to make it until school is out!<br />
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I recently came across this short list of ways for moms to look at life when it becomes unmanageable.<br />
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This really puts my life in perspective. I get so bogged down with details that I turn tired and negative very quickly. May we all choose to look at our busy schedules as blessings rather than dreaded exhaustion! Chin up mom...you can do it!!<br />
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<br />Debbie W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16954714548899067373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025932833338970403.post-76214627328427011542016-06-16T11:51:00.000-04:002016-06-16T11:51:26.846-04:00A Family Summer PerspectiveIt's that time of year again. School has wrapped up and we are yearning for a break from busy school schedules. Summer presents a new type of busy, and one we really enjoy at first but then grow weary of towards the end. It's always fun to see how much each child grows and matures over the summer. Our son grew two inches one summer and ate us out of house and home!<br />
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This year makes my 20th summer being a mom! It hardly seems possible as time has truly flown by. We've had slow summers, summer's full of moving to a different state, summers full of traveling to visit family across the country, summer weddings to attend and summers full of camps for the kids.<br />
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Looking back, I can pinpoint which summers were the best...and it had nothing to do with the activities we took part in. The BEST summers were when my husband and I took time to sit back and truly reflect on our family. Not just the basic daily life, but how we were functioning as a family.<br />
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We asked deep questions like:<br />
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How is our routine?<br />
How are our attitudes toward each other?<br />
Do any of us have any bad habits that need tweaking?<br />
Is there some activity we need to be doing more of as a family?<br />
Are there any activities that need to stop all together?<br />
How are we managing our time?<br />
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Normally, we can pinpoint areas that need improvement and the solutions are relatively easy. But our reflections of our family do not stop there. A wise seasoned mom one gave me some priceless advise that we added to our summer discussion:<br />
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What do we want our family to look like and how do we get there?<br />
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This seems complex ~ but really, is your family turning out the way you'd always<span style="background-color: yellow;"> <i>hoped</i></span> that it would be? This might seem unattainable, but is it?<br />
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<i>Really...? </i><br />
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Thankfully for us, we had some great families from our church modeling some excellent routines and habits within their family. It isn't hard to look around and see who is managing well and who isn't. I'm not suggesting comparison at all. We are all unique and comparing is a filthy trap that no one should ever partake in. We were able to pick and choose which habits and traits we wanted for our family. Over time we were able to work all together to bring these important changes to fruition.<br />
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Today I encourage you to take the time this summer to sit back, be quiet and take a good look at your family. Pray about it. Ponder it in your heart. Pray some more. Ask the Lord to show you what His best is for your family.<br />
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Guarantee: This will be the best thing you can possibly do this summer!!<br />
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<i>Isaiah 43:19</i></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">This is what </span><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-caps: small-caps;">God</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> says, the God who builds a road right through the ocean, who carves a path through pounding waves, The God who summons horses and chariots and armies— they lie down and then can’t get up; they’re snuffed out like so many candles: “Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands. Wild animals will say ‘Thank you!’ —the coyotes and the buzzards— Because I provided water in the desert, rivers through the sun-baked earth, Drinking water for the people I chose, the people I made especially for myself, a people custom-made to praise me.</span></i></div>
Debbie W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16954714548899067373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025932833338970403.post-12602523964807368562016-04-13T12:57:00.001-04:002016-04-13T12:57:53.978-04:00I AM<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I AM</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I was regretting the past </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">And fearing the future. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Suddenly my Lord was speaking:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“My name is I Am.” He paused. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I waited. He continued,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">When you live in the past </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">With its mistakes and regrets, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">It is hard. I am not there, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">My name is not I WAS”.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">When you live in the future </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">With its problems and fears, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">It is hard. I am not there. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">My name is not I WILL BE.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">When you live in this moment, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">It is not hard. I am here. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">My name is I AM. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">~Helen Mallicoat</span></div>
Debbie W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16954714548899067373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025932833338970403.post-32047562325281530892015-10-13T10:25:00.000-04:002015-10-14T10:39:30.001-04:00Bloom Where You Are Planted<i>One Year.</i><br />
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One year since I've had the <i>presence of mind</i> to write a blog post.<br />
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I shutter to think of all that we were forced to endure over this past year, but can honestly say we are better off now regardless of all of the turmoil.<br />
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What started as a corporate transfer turned into a dreadful disaster. All because of one hot headed board chairman. One <u>selfish greedy</u> person impacted our family in ways HE could care less about.<br />
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Little did we know that in Rhode Island, your employer can get rid of you for any reason and not have to give an explanation. It is called an "At Will" employment law in the state and they can employ you or change their mind about your employment without giving any reasons as to why you are hired or fired. Unsettling to say the least. The Rhode Island lawyers and judges take great pride in their "At Will" status and won't even hear a case that tests it's legalities. Not only that, but the average family in New England can't afford to take something like an "At Will" employment case to court.<br />
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This news of my husband's eliminated position with the Rhode Island company was delivered to us ON our moving day.<br />
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It took a long time for us to wrap our heads around such an abrupt change in our lives.<br />
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Thankfully, our family 500 miles away took us in temporarily until we could make a new plan.<br />
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Our faith in God, and the many prayers and help from our families and friends helped us through a very rough time.<br />
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We are not certain of many things in this life, but we ARE certain that God has a great plan in each of our lives. Our faith has been tested many times ~ but a peace that surpasses ALL understanding has encompassed our hearts and minds in a way like never before.<br />
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<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>What we have learned:</i></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Everyone has a choice to be bitter or to get better.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Lean on your spouse for support and make decisions together. Your wedding vows "for better or for worse" are biblical and are to be taken very seriously.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Consider other people's feelings before reacting to your own feelings.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The good guy doesn't always win.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>There is always one bad egg in the batch.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Trust your gut feelings. Pray for the Lord's clarification. He works in mysterious ways.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Having faith in God and deeply rooted integrity trumps ALL. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Make the best of every situation and bloom where you are planted. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Be willing to learn something new everyday. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The eyes of our children are watching us closely. Think and pray before you react.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Laughter <u>IS</u> the best medicine. </i></span></div>
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Our family has recently settled in beautiful rural Georgia. Our story is still being written and our faith in God's great plan to unfold is bigger than ever. My plan is to get back into writing and maybe share some of the hair raising stories that have occurred over this past year. Some have suggested I write a book about it all. I'd rather not dwell on any of it. Blogging about a few key events is all the time I wish to give any of it. Blooming and spreading my roots in the right here and right now is a huge blessing to me. Lord willing.... I fully intend to bloom well.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="color: #001320; text-align: justify;">For I am</i><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; text-align: justify;"> confident of this very thing, </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; text-align: justify;">that He who began a good work</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; text-align: justify;"> in you </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; text-align: justify;">~</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; text-align: justify;"><i>Philippians 1:6</i></span></span></div>
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<br />Debbie W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16954714548899067373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025932833338970403.post-45458399023801618722014-10-08T21:08:00.000-04:002014-10-08T21:13:48.953-04:00Speak Without Accusing<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Everyone has a subject that they are passionate about.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Dig down deep...do you know what that one thing is in your life that you just so happen know a lot about? </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It's been my observation in life that the older a person is, the more subject matters they have an opinion about. If you think about it, a person that is older than you has had more experiences in life. Fortunately or unfortunately, as people get older they seem to be more and more willing to share their opinions with others, whether they are asked for or not. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">What would happen if you met someone who knew more than you about a subject you were interested in. What if you met an expert? What if YOU were the expert?</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My suggestion to look at ourselves is by no accident. How we respond to others is <b><u>so</u></b> important. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When teaching our children to ride their bikes without training wheels, I remember being very frustrated. I can ride a bike very well, but this was a skill our kids had not grasped yet. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Instead of yelling at them for not trying hard enough and belittling them, my husband and I chose to encourage them, run beside them, and hold onto them until they were comfortable to take off and ride on their own. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Our words are so important. They can either breathe life into someone or scorn them in defeat. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">I love the messages in the book of James. While praying about this subject, I enjoyed reading James 1:19 in different translations of the bible. This is the translation I enjoyed the most from </span></span><u style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><i>The Message:</i></u><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Lead with your ears, </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">and let anger straggle along in the rear. James 1:19 </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Do you think it is an accident that James found it necessary to tell his friends to "Post this message at all the intersections"? He wanted the word to get out. James wanted the principal he was conveying to reach all people, in every corner of the land. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Today I challenge you to consider how you interact with others. Do you listen to people and let them talk before you offer a response? When is the last time you really <i>heard</i> someone talk about a subject they were passionate about? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Personally, I've been on the accused side of the conversation way too often. It's not pleasant. At. All. Some people choose to live in </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">suspicion of everyone around them, afraid that someone will be superior to them. Some people feel so threatened by others knowing more or doing more than they do. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My prayer is for clarity. May the Lord show each of us how He can best use us for His glory. May our hearts and minds be OPEN to think about the ways we interact with other people. Is there anything we've said to anyone that maybe we should be asking for forgiveness?</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you Lord for teaching us how to love and be a light that shines brightly for you. May our words be seasoned with life giving nourishment to all those we come in contact with. </span></span></div>
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Debbie W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16954714548899067373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025932833338970403.post-80633309510138014692014-10-06T21:04:00.000-04:002014-10-06T21:04:02.885-04:00Listen Without InterruptingHow many times in life do we jump to conclusions before hearing the complete details?<br />
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I am guilty of doing this so many times. One of the biggest peeves my husband has with me is that I don't give him room to fully explain his thoughts before I jump in and interrupt him with my response. Most of the time my response is not appreciated and cut off with a "let me finish!"<br />
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While I pray for patience and strength to change this pattern, I've been contemplating returning to my blog and writing about life lessons I am learning.<br />
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My one desire in life is to love well. What does that mean?<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In the presence of our God and Father, </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">we never forget that your faith is active, </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">your love is working hard, </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">and your confidence in our Lord Jesus Christ is enduring.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">- 1 Thessalonians 1:3</span></i></span></div>
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Well, the Lord has asked each of us (whom He has called) to love without ceasing. Not just in word and deed alone, but from the heart in a genuine way. This is not easy. Especially days when I wake up on the wrong side of the bed, or am offended by a flippant comment made by someone I barely know.<br />
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One of the ways to show love is to listen to others without interrupting. I know many people who live lives full of quick quips and fast comebacks to family members and strangers alike. Some people think they know it all and feel they don't need a person to finish a thought before they interject an opinion or statement. Being cut off in a conversation is almost never pleasant, especially if you are the one being cut off.<br />
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How do you feel when you are cut off or interrupted? Are you guilty of cutting people off mid sentence?<br />
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As a mom, I'd like to think that because I have already lived out my youthful years, that I can wisely interpret my children's situations and advise them on the many issues that arise in their lives.<br />
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WRONG.<br />
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Letting a child express themselves <i><u>-uninterrupted-</u> </i>is the best way to help them get in touch with the real issue at hand, and by <u><i>listening</i></u>, show them how much you <b>love</b> them and want to help them. My experience is that I always hear the real heart of the matter when I just listen.<br />
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The book of Proverbs in the bible is full of wisdom. In chapter 18 it says:<br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Answering before listening </i></span></span><i style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-18-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; position: relative;">is both stupid and rude. (v13)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Proverbs 18 also says that our response after listening is equally important:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span class="text Prov-18-21" id="en-MSG-7150" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative; text-align: start;">Words kill, words give life;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-18-21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. (v21)</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;">Learning to listen well to everyone you come in contact with is a great personal habit for each and everyone one of us to improve upon. Not only will you show Christ's love, but you will show people that you really care about them.</span></div>
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Debbie W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16954714548899067373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025932833338970403.post-85924880510764344962014-06-29T22:03:00.000-04:002014-06-30T15:15:25.079-04:00Our First Homeschool Graduate<div>
Our oldest child has officially graduated from high school after being home schooled, Praise the Lord! It seems like yesterday that we were teaching him how to read, write, ride a bike and swim! Now, because of God's amazing grace, he has successfully prepared for the next chapter of his life.</div>
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If there is anything my husband and I have learned from parenting, it is that once you think you have figured out your children, they go ahead and change! We have learned that parenting is a delicate balance of loving and adjusting to the needs and changes of each child that the Lord has designed to happen naturally over time. I wish someone had told me that when we were eagerly awaiting the birth of our first child, because we honestly didn't figure out this "change" concept until we had two children.<br />
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People often ask me why we decided to home school our children. My answer to them is rather shocking and not at all what they expected to hear. We didn't choose to home school our children; God chose <u><i>us</i></u> to home school. We are so very thankful that He chose us!!</div>
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Our children actually attended christian schools for many years. When we moved to New England we discovered that christian education looked much different in the northeast than where we had lived previously. We firmly believe that the christian school should be an extension of our home. This means they will teach, care for and nurture their spiritual and physical growth just as it is being done at home. While many institutions say their mission statement concurs with this belief, it is difficult for them to put it into action daily. </div>
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After many unfathomable incidences in the christian school that we chose, and after many sleepless nights in tears and in prayer, it was clear that the Lord was directing our steps to remove our children from the school and teach them at home. He chose us to be the sole educators of our children, and in obedience to the One who designed and created them, we brought them home. </div>
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What a blessing it has been to have our children at home! I had no idea where to start with curriculum, but dove in head first to the wonderful world of homeschooling. If you are considering homeschooling, the options are endless and fantastic! It is truly a joy to be able to choose a curriculum that suits each individual child's learning style and spend time teaching and modeling good study habits with each of them. For years we were chasing a school schedule, when we brought the kids home we were in control of our time and our priorities. Don't get me wrong - there have been times of struggle and frustration in our home. What we have learned is that the Lord can use times of difficulty to teach us things that we might not have learned had life been going comfortably. It is when we move out of our comfort zone that we learn and mature the most.<br />
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<i>For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11</i></div>
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Debbie W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16954714548899067373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025932833338970403.post-37413124854152802782014-06-23T21:16:00.000-04:002014-06-23T21:16:15.354-04:00Summer Laughter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's here! The much anticipated, thoroughly enjoyable summertime! </div>
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In New England, where we live, it seems that there are only two seasons in the course of a year: Winter and Summer. As time goes on, the winters just seem to be getting colder and longer. (It must have something to do with the thinning of the blood or old age.)</div>
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Every summer our family takes a trip to Ohio and visits family, friends and our favorite amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio. I have visited Cedar Point annually for the last 40 years and it never disappoints. There is something fun for every person to do in any age and stage of life! </div>
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Weary and fresh from the long school year, our planned trip to the amusement park was just what we needed to unwind and have fun. Some of the biggest thrill rides and roller coasters in the United States are at Cedar Point, and our kids are finally tall enough and brave enough to ride them!</div>
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It's no secret that as kids get older they have more and more schedules and life stresses put on them. I found myself pondering why, as parents, did we not intentionally place teaching the kids to laugh often and have fun as one of those life skills and habits we all should have. As a parent, I yearn to hear my children laugh, have fun, be happy and just be a kid. Why does it take a great deal of "unwinding" to let go and just laugh?<br />
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No matter what the season in life, may each of us learn to laugh again. May our hearts be taken to that special place of our youth that lets us be unhindered and happy. May we seek the Lord for His strength and joy, even in times of great stress and pressure.<br />
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<i><b>Ecclesiastes 3:11-13</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end. So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.</b></i></div>
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Debbie W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16954714548899067373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025932833338970403.post-69530217320973683932014-04-30T15:06:00.002-04:002014-04-30T15:18:38.255-04:00God is in Control<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i style="font-family: Corbel, Verdana, sans-serif;">I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33</i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large;">W</span><span style="background-color: white;">hy do I measure things by time when God is timeless? </span></div>
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Lately my heart is perplexed by questions I just don't have answers to. It is amazing for me to experience the peace the Lord gives me on a daily basis in the midst of such an unsettled time in my heart. </div>
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Experiencing peace in my heart is not something that I can attain very easily. I'm <i>constantly</i> reminded daily of all the reasons I should be apprehensive and unsettled. My hope and faith are firmly rooted in my Savior, Jesus Christ, and I believe with all my heart that what He says and does in the scriptures is true. </div>
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Most days I remind myself to read and focus on His words help my heart be at peace. Jesus always did what He said He said He would do. He is always with us and works all things to bring glory to Himself. Having a deeply rooted faith in Him makes all things that are unknown that are on the horizon be ok. </div>
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Click <a href="http://www.openbible.info/topics/god_is_in_control" target="_blank">here</a> to be taken to an awesome page that lists <b>60</b> different references in the bible to God being in control! </div>
Debbie W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16954714548899067373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025932833338970403.post-56971287623125448422013-11-19T20:39:00.001-05:002013-11-19T20:40:25.375-05:00Give Without Sparing<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">There is one who covets greedily all day long, but the righteous gives and keeps on giving.</span><span class="p" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: 14px; line-height: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Proverbs 21:26 </i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have you ever worked with a person that had to be told to do a complete task and not half of a task? I'm sure many people can identify with working with someone who does the bare minimum. It is such a pain when a co worker always empties the coffeepot and baked goods and never offers to start a new pot or contribute to the kitchen. As a Christian, how do you handle this? Do you say something at the right time and place or do you continue to repeatedly give fully knowing your generosity is unlikely to be reciprocated. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sometimes our family members can be guilty of sapping the life out of us too. Good relationships are a two way street . Give and take with a equal balance is delightful...but it rarely works that way. In different seasons of our lives our amount of giving and receiving probably fluctuate a lot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Where us your heart today? As the season of "giving" approaches, are you fixated on what you'll get or are you pondering the perfect gift for each person on your list? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In your relationships, are you sapping the life out of your family members unintentionally or are you a willing contributor to healthy relationships with your loved ones? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The bible is very clear about how we, as Christians should live. The verse above says as Christians, we should give without any regard of the possibility of receiving. It can be exhausting, however the message of Jesus will shine through you like nothing on this earth could ever do. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There was a time in my life when my plate was very full. My husband had a serious and potentially life threatening illness and was in the ICU in the hospital. At the time we had two children under the age of five and we lived 700 miles from family. My loving sister left her busy family and came the long distance to my rescue! She stayed a long time while I sat at my husband's bedside and prayed for his healing. Dozens of friends prepared meals and helped our family. Clearly, they were serving the Lord without any thoughts of receiving anything in return. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My husband <u><i>thankfully</i></u> made a complete recovery and over the next several months, our lives slowly returned to normal. So many people left a mark on our hearts with their selfless giving. Both my husband and I consider that trying time in our lives as a defining moment in our walk with the Lord. We chose Jesus and to walk with Him daily in our lives! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lord, open our eyes <i><u>and</u></i> our hearts to selflessly give of ourselves to those around us daily. Help us be intentional in our giving to each other with our love and time for Your glory. Amen. </span></div>
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Debbie W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16954714548899067373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025932833338970403.post-56762650637120653362013-11-05T20:00:00.000-05:002013-11-05T21:15:40.828-05:00How to Love: Speak without Accusing<div class="heading passage-class-0" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 10px;">
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<span class="versenum" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.75em; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-GNT-33307A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><i>Remember this, my dear friends! Everyone must be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry. </i></span><span style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>James 1:19 (GNT)</i></span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #5c1101; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While visiting a doctor </span></span><span style="color: #5c1101; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">recently, a friend of mine was not understanding the important information being given to her about her health condition. After a while, the doctor noticed her perplexed look and asked if she understood what he was saying. After thinking for a moment, she quickly asked if he could repeat what he was saying. He asked her why. She informed him that he spoke much faster than she could think about what he was saying!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #5c1101; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The bible has much to say about our tongue and our use of it. The verse in James gives us very good directions for the way in which we should interact in our relationships. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #5c1101; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In New England, where we live, a majority of people are flippant and cross to strangers. You just have to wonder if they act that way towards their families? Witnessing this type of behavior is a great prompt to discuss what was seen with our kids. Pointing out how unacceptable it is to treat another human with such disregard is not only a bad witness for Christ, but a horrible habit to have. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #5c1101; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our reaction to things being said to us tells a lot about our heart. So many variables contribute to our mindset on a daily basis: fatigue, hunger, stress, pressure, sadness, bitterness are just a few. How we react may or may not make an impression on a life. My prayer is that when we encounter unfamiliar territory we will be able to quietly listen while silently praying to be mightily used by the Lord for His glory and none of our own.</span></div>
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Debbie W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16954714548899067373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025932833338970403.post-46941049035230917262013-11-04T20:33:00.004-05:002013-11-04T20:33:53.050-05:00How to Love : Listen Without Interrupting<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In our house, disagreements and lively debates are filled with one common phrase: "Let me finish...don't interrupt me!!!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Everyone wants their voice to be heard. Everyone feels their reasoning needs to be heard. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the Bible, the book of Proverbs 18 is full of wise words about listening to each other. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It starts by saying in verse 1 and 2:</span><br />
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<i><span class="chapter-2" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Prov-18-1" id="en-NIV-16903" style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-18-1" style="position: relative;">and against all sound judgment starts quarrels.</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="text Prov-18-2" id="en-NIV-16904" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fools find no pleasure in understanding</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-18-2" style="position: relative;">but delight in airing their own opinions.</span></span></span></i></div>
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I<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">n other words, an unfriendly fool has to have their voice heard and will not listen to anyone or anything else. It goes on to say that fools dig themselves into more and more problems when they don't stop talking long enough to listen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In verse 10, we are given hope with this <u>gem</u> of a verse:</span><br />
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<i><span class="text Prov-18-10" id="en-NIV-16912" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The name of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is a fortified tower;</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-18-10" style="position: relative;">the righteous run to it and are safe.</span></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is one of my favorite verses in the bible! No matter where we find ourselves in life we can run to our Lord and be saved from every calamity we find ourselves in! This encourages me so much and I need reminded of this <u><i>often.</i></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Back to the loving by listening topic, Proverbs 18 goes on to say in verse 15:</span><br />
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="text Prov-18-15" id="en-NIV-16917" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-18-15" style="position: relative;">for the ears of the wise seek it out.</span></span></i></div>
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This means that if we are learning to be wise, we will learn to the important skill of listening to each other. Whether it be about a topic that we want to hear about or not, whether it be difficult or easy to hear ~ listen. Stop in your tracks, open your mind. Be wise. <i>Listen. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Verse 21 wraps up the listening lesson with:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span class="text Prov-18-21" id="en-NIV-16923" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">The tongue has the power of life and death,</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-18-21" style="position: relative;">and those who love it will eat its fruit.</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Prov-18-21" style="position: relative;">Everyone occasionally says things they don't mean, but often we need reminded that our words have power. I can remember words said to me many years ago that still today sting in my heart. Of course I have forgiven the person saying the harmful words, but it is just an example of how a moment of irrational conversation can cause a person to never forget what has been said to them.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of the ways we can <b>love</b> each other is to <i><u>listen</u></i> to each other without interrupting. It is really really hard sometimes to take the time to hear something that either has been said before or is not comfortable to hear. We can show love by giving our undivided attention to those that we are in a conversation with. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Lord, help us to open our hearts and minds to show love in our daily conversations by listening without interrupting. Give us wisdom to know when to be quiet and give us soft words to communicate this love. Amen.</i></span></div>
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Debbie W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16954714548899067373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025932833338970403.post-31650968119619826242013-09-13T20:52:00.001-04:002013-09-13T20:52:30.816-04:00Happy Fall Y'all! Every have those times in life when you have a lot to say and not enough words to put together to say anything of any significance? I guess that is my only explanation for not writing a blog post for a while.<br />
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Summer was very quiet this year. We made a trip to Ohio in July to visit family and had a great trip. Ken went with us this year and we made some sweet memories with both my family and his family. We also were able to get to our favorite theme park, Cedar Point. If you aren't familiar with Cedar Point, I encourage you to google it. It is the place to go if you like roller coasters! They have 15 or more of them all within the park.<br />
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School started and the fall season is already upon us. Today we saw glimpses of trees that are starting to change colors already. Last week, we had the furnace on twice and shortly after experienced a bizarre heat wave that soared the temperature to 95 degrees on Wednesday! Today, we are cool again and we may need to turn on the furnace again this weekend.<br />
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Encouragement for the day: </div>
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<em style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"God loves us, He is taking care of us, and He’s got the whole world in His hands"</span></em></div>
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<br />Debbie W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16954714548899067373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025932833338970403.post-23658246352859152972013-07-08T17:33:00.003-04:002013-07-08T17:33:49.665-04:00Walking on Sunshine!Summer has arrived and is in full swing! We are so thankful for this season!!!<br />
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In New England, the school year ended later due to Hurricane Sandy and the snowstorms. All of these major weather events are said to be very rare for this region but they keep happening! It's a mystery and each event is yet another example of the mighty power of our Creator. We are thankful to be safe, we are thankful we survived and we are moving forward - even if it is later than normal.<br />
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Our summer plans this year are rather vague. We are planning a trip to Ohio to visit family and possibly taking a short trip to upper New England to see some recommended sites. That is about it for travel plans.<br />
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Josh has plans with friends quite regularly. Em is involved with youth group at church and has a fun activity with them about once a week. Ken and I try to keep up with the kids plans and have enjoyed doing several fun outside projects together on the weekends.<br />
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Aside from all of that, we are in total summer mode! Sleeping in, deep cleaning, organizing, playing with Buddy, home school curriculum planning for both kids, eating delicious fruit, baking, reading and positively loving summer!<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fffefd; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"> <i>"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9</i></span><br />
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<br />Debbie W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16954714548899067373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025932833338970403.post-76745147753141924262013-04-23T12:59:00.000-04:002013-04-23T16:16:06.221-04:00Spring Break!Last week was our spring break week from school here in New England. It seems so late compared to everyone else in the country! This year my parents invited us to join them in South Carolina. Unfortunately, Ken could not join us due to work obligations, but the kids and I were able to go.<br />
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What a blessing to have the opportunity to spend some quality time with my parents and build some memories with them both! As time marches forward, we are all very aware that spending time with parents and grandparents is a delicate process.<br />
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My parents have traveled to the Charleston area for many years in the springtime. They have tried so many different activities and know all the good places to stay and fun things to do! We stayed on the Isle of Palms all the way at the end of the island! What a beautiful place!<br />
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Both of them were teachers at one time and it was cute to see them plan out our educational adventures everyday. Charleston is very beautiful and is extremely rich with history. Josh loved the architectural parts, history and food. Emily loved the all of the flowers and the horses. We took a narrated carriage tour around Charleston, then shopped at the city market.<br />
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We took a ferry out to Fort Sumter and learned all about it's construction and the significant historical events that happened there.<br />
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Another day we toured Magnolia Plantation and witnessed first hand the beauty of the ol' south. Spring was in full bloom and all of us were in awe of how gorgeous it is there.<br />
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We had a wonderful visit with my parents in the south. It was a much needed break and change of scenery. Our weather was great and the memories we made with them are priceless.</div>
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<br />Debbie W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16954714548899067373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025932833338970403.post-60539465271651790802013-04-22T21:39:00.000-04:002013-04-22T21:39:36.281-04:00Date please....Oh my goodness. What has happened to this year? The time is flying by so fast!<br />
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I was shocked to look at this blog today and find that I hadn't posted in a long while. Truth is that I've been meaning to post more, but time and the schedules in my life are a bit overwhelming.<br />
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Enough excuses....<br />
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Blogging is a lot of fun and I enjoy writing. Tomorrow is a new day and I will share some pics from our spring break trip.<br />
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<br />Debbie W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16954714548899067373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025932833338970403.post-47883210761123993202013-02-26T13:58:00.002-05:002013-02-26T13:58:37.888-05:0011 Questions Church Leaders Should Be Asking I copied this blog post from Willow Creek Association. Please pass this along to your church leaders if you feel prompted from the Lord to do so. If you don't feel comfortable, maybe this will be a good tool to help you decide if you are attending the kind of church the Lord intended for you to attend.<br />
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11 Questions Church Leaders Should Be Asking:<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #999999; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Re-post by Tony Morgan:</em></span></div>
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A friend in ministry recently asked me what questions church leaders should be asking. I thought about the types of questions I try to help answer when I’m working with them in the <a href="http://tonymorganlive.com/consulting/" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #d56e2b; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">church consulting or coaching relationships</a>. Here are the first questions and some bonus thoughts that came to mind:</div>
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<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">When was the last time I heard from God? Am I doing what he called me to do?</strong> This is the “Acts 6″ question. Acts 6 is a great reminder that it’s possible to be doing the ministry of God without doing the ministry God has called us to do.</li>
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<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What should our church be known for in this community?</strong> For a moment, ignore anyone who attends your church. What does the rest of the community know about your church? That’s a better reflection of whether or not you’re really accomplishing your vision.</li>
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<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Are we really focusing our time, money, leadership, prayer behind the things that will produce life change and community impact?</strong> If not, there’s a good chance that “fairness” is driving these decisions. Fairness never produces revolution.</li>
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<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Is our church growing both spiritually and in numbers?</strong> Churches that are stuck and not bearing fruit hate this question. As I’ve shared before, I don’t believe healthy churches are necessarily big churches, but healthy churches <em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">are</em>growing churches.</li>
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<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Is there a clear path to help people take steps in their faith with the ultimate goal of them becoming fully-devoted followers of Christ?</strong> Having a vibrant Sunday worship experience is only one component of that. I’m amazed at how many churches haven’t really established a discipleship strategy beyond Sunday morning.</li>
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<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Have you taken the time to identify what a fully-devoted follower of Christ looks like?</strong> Most churches haven’t done this, so they end up just “doing church” without any intentionality of purpose or process.</li>
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<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Are you empowering the people of God to do God’s work?</strong> This is the “Ephesians 4:12-13″ question. Declining churches pay people to do all the ministry. Growing churches challenge people to use their gifts.</li>
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<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Are you developing leaders?</strong> This includes both spiritual discipleship and leadership mentoring, and I think it’s what’s going to distinguish the churches that last longer than one generation.</li>
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<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Is my community any different because of my ministry?</strong> We may need a whole new set of measures to confirm whether or not our churches are really making an impact.</li>
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<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Do believers see their ministry happening only at the church or have they become missionaries to their families, their neighborhoods, their workplaces, their schools, etc.?</strong> Honestly, I’m really tired of Christians thinking God saved them to go church on Sunday and then eventually experience Heaven. Our purpose is much bigger than that.</li>
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<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Do I have the right leaders around me to accomplish the vision?</strong> Read Exodus 18:18-23. This isn’t some new business leadership principle. This is biblical advice that’s been around for thousands of years and still applies today.</li>
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Those are the first questions that popped to my mind. What are the questions you are asking as a leader in the church?</div>
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<em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Tony is the Chief Strategic Officer and founder of </em><a href="http://tonymorganlive.com/" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #d56e2b; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">TonyMorganLive.com</em></a><em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">. He’s a consultant, leadership coach and writer who helps churches get unstuck and have a bigger impact.</em></div>
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Here is the direct link to the author's blog:<br />
<a href="http://www.wcablog.com/2013/02/11-questions-church-leaders-should-be-asking/#more-5269" target="_blank">11 Questions Church Leaders Should Be Asking | Willow Creek Association Blog</a>Debbie W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16954714548899067373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025932833338970403.post-54272506880298846742013-01-18T22:07:00.001-05:002013-01-18T22:07:05.896-05:00What's on the Horizon? <br />
A new year! A new chapter ~ 2013!<br />
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I love the holidays but I can honestly say I am glad the hustle and bustle is behind us. Today I put the last of the lingering Christmas decorations away and cleaned the whole house. What in the world got into me today? I think it was somewhat of a panic cleaning because Emily had the flu all last week. For those of you who know Emily, she is normally extremely energetic and bursting with life! Well, not this week. She was down and out for the last 6 days and she had the flu shot in October. I think my burst of energy was a mission to rid the house of remnants of flu and also partly in fear that I might be next in line. Praying for healing and protection for the rest of us not to catch the flu!<br />
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So what's on the horizon for the new year?<br />
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*Major project completion for Ken at work.<br />
*Home school, college testing with search, and air soft hang-outs for Josh.<br />
*Basketball, youth group, and dog training for Em.<br />
*Sewing, teenage taxi service, home making, and a new online Bible study for me!<br />
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HelloMornings is the name of the group of women I will be joining in just a few short weeks. After being put in a group of accountability partners we will encourage each other to have daily quiet time in God's word, exercise and plan the day - all before the day officially begins. Over the years I've heard different pastors say that we should give the Lord our best when we are freshest in the morning...not give Him our time when we are tired and at the end of the day. He wants our best - He deserves our best! It's not too much to ask, especially after all He's done for me!<br />
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I'd like to invite you to join me and<a href="http://www.hellomornings.org/info/" target="_blank"> HelloMornings</a>! The winter session study runs <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">January 28th through April 26th</span><span style="font-family: Lato, sans-serif;"> </span></span>and the study is entitled <a href="http://www.hellomornings.org/announcing-and-a-last-call-for-new-acs/" target="_blank">Abounding Hope</a>.<br />
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Here is some information from their site and a link to follow for even more information and to register:<br />
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What is <a href="http://www.hellomornings.org/info/" target="_blank">HelloMornings</a>?</h4>
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The HelloMornings Challenge was birthed to encourage Christian women toward the life-giving habit of waking up early.</div>
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Inspired by the (free) <a href="http://inspiredtoaction.com/ebook/" style="color: #a03231; text-decoration: none;">ebook</a>, Maximize Your Mornings, thousands of women from all over the world have joined the challenge. Through our tri-annual online community groups, these women are inspired to action as they receive encouragement and accountability.</div>
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Our hope is that over time <strong>HelloMornings participants will:</strong></div>
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<li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 35px; padding: 0px;">Experience quality time with God</li>
<li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 35px; padding: 0px;">Intentionally plan their days</li>
<li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 35px; padding: 0px;">Exercise regularly</li>
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—all before the day gets going! God. Plan. Move.</div>
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<a href="http://www.hellomornings.org/info/">http://www.hellomornings.org/info/</a></div>
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Hope to see you on HelloMornings and Happy New Year to you and your family from ours!</div>
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Debbie W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16954714548899067373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025932833338970403.post-21730839952673971192013-01-15T13:11:00.002-05:002013-01-15T13:13:47.405-05:00Healing for Newtown<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">Night of Hope and Healing for Newtown</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">Tonight 6-8pm EST </span></span></span></div>
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You can still worship and pray with us tonight, even if </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">you were unable to get tickets to a Night of Hope and Healing.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">This event is for the victims and community of Newtown hosted by Max </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">Lucado on Tuesday, January 15 in Bridgeport, Connecticut.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">The event will include Christian artists Chris Tomlin, Mandisa, Casting </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">Crowns, Tobymac, Steve Curtis Chapman and his wife MaryBeth, Bldg 429,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">and Laura Story. Author and Pastor Max Lucado will share messages of </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">encouragement, along with Louie Giglio.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">This free event is designed to bring comfort to the community through </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">music, prayer, and uplifting messages. 10,000 tickets were given to the</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">victims' families and citizens of the local area.A Night of Hope & </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">Healing tomorrow night. Please spread the word about the LiveStream </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">event to those who were unable to get tickets. All they need to watch is </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">the link below and a connection to the internet!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;" /><a href="http://bit.ly/hopehealing" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">http://bit.ly/<wbr></wbr>hopehealing</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"> </span><a href="http://bit.ly/hopehealing" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">http://bit.ly/<wbr></wbr>hopehealing</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">PS - Our school's 4 & 5th graders are singing Amazing Grace with Chris Tomlin. (Christian Heritage School)</span></span></span></div>
Debbie W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16954714548899067373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025932833338970403.post-17510776908805050442012-12-21T20:58:00.000-05:002012-12-21T20:58:04.757-05:00Christmas Blessings<br />
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<b style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><i>First Corinthians 13 - The Christmas Version</i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><b><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"> and shiny balls, but do not </span></i></b></span><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><b><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">show </span></i></b></span><b style="color: #1f1f1f;"><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">love to my family, I'm just another </span></i></b></div>
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<b style="color: #1f1f1f;"><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">decorator.</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><b><i>If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><b><i>gourmet meals and arranging a </i></b></span></span><b style="color: #1f1f1f;"><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">beauti</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">fully adorned table at meal time, but </span></i></b></div>
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<b style="color: #1f1f1f;"><i><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.</span></i></b></div>
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<b style="text-align: left;"><i>If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I </i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><b><i>have to charity, but do not show </i></b></span></span><b style="color: #1f1f1f; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><i>love to my family, it profits me nothing. </i></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; line-height: 14px;"><i>If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, </i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><b><i>attend a myriad of holiday parties and </i></b></span></span><b style="color: #1f1f1f; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><i>sing in the choir's cantata but do not</i></b></div>
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<b style="color: #1f1f1f; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><i> focus on Christ, I have missed the point.</i></b></div>
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<b style="text-align: left;"><i>Love stops the cooking to hug the child; Love sets aside the decorating to kiss </i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><b><i>the spouse; Love is kind, even </i></b></span></span><b style="color: #1f1f1f; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><i>when harried and tired. </i></b></div>
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<b><i>Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and</i></b></div>
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<b style="color: #1f1f1f; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><i>table linens.</i></b></div>
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<b style="text-align: left;"><i>Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are </i></b></div>
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<b style="color: #1f1f1f; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><i>there to be in the way.</i></b></div>
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<b style="text-align: left;"><i>Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in </i></b></div>
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<b style="color: #1f1f1f; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><i>giving to those who can't.</i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
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<b style="background-color: transparent; text-align: left;"><i>Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
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<b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; font-family: Georgia; line-height: 14px; text-align: center;">
<b><i>Love never fails.</i></b></div>
</b></div>
<b><i><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><i>Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust. But </i></b></div>
</i></b></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><b><i>giving the gift of LOVE will </i></b></span></span><b style="color: #1f1f1f; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><i>endure.</i></b></div>
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<b style="color: #1f1f1f; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b style="color: #1f1f1f; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b style="color: #1f1f1f; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></b></div>
Debbie W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16954714548899067373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025932833338970403.post-40391463130869455642012-12-07T11:39:00.002-05:002012-12-07T11:39:14.135-05:00Middle School Christmas Concert 2012The excitement is building as we get closer and closer to the holidays! It seems like the school Christmas concert is earlier and earlier every year! I think they are always concerned about inclement weather because they automatically schedule a snow date along with the concert date. These are the joys of living in the northeast.<br />
<br />
The middle school concert was excellent! Here are the three songs Em's class performed, Enjoy!<br />
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<i>A Baby Will Come</i></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/bxdYJzJO2PY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Carol of the Bells</i></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/pEn1YqXTZ-A?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A Classic Christmas</i></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/p7Gm6H-wLTs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Debbie W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16954714548899067373noreply@blogger.com