tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47871928815280406022024-03-05T10:50:56.305-06:00a day in the life - walking with GodDebra@CommonGroundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.comBlogger162125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-56596704636375462702019-07-17T19:55:00.000-05:002019-07-20T08:45:11.909-05:00Life Can Change in an Instant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hello Everyone, today I realized I hadn't shared this information with you all here on this blog. I blog regularly at my Home Decor/Lifestyle blog, <a href="http://www.commonground-do.com/" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Common Ground</a> and have kept friends up on what I've been dealing with health wise. So this post is from just a little over a year ago, in June. God is the center of my life and I totally trust Him with the path I've been on with heart problems and autoimmune illness. I'm much better a year later, but it's been a really hard year. God moved us to a new home and it involved this last year renovating a home built in 1964; not something I would have undertaken in my own power or strength. What a year we've had, things are finally settling down a bit.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Post from June 22, 2018</span></b><br />
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"Sometimes life can change within a matter of minutes... that's what happened to me last Friday at 5:00 in the afternoon. I had just published a post here on the blog about the heart procedure that I had had earlier in the week. Things had gone pretty well and I was home and feeling better. I had a few minutes to reply to a few of you that had left a comment. If you haven't read that post from Friday afternoon, <i><b><a href="http://www.commonground-do.com/2018/06/im-home.html" target="_blank">you can find it here.</a></b></i></div>
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My heart discomfort was minimal and I was just dealing with a little left over trauma from the procedure itself that had taken place on that previous Tuesday afternoon. When you have an angiogram or CTO heart procedure you are supposed to take it easy, not lift objects or put strain on the incisions in your groin/femoral area where the incision has been clamped off with a clamped "seal" which is a plug to keep the artery together. I've had at least 9 or 10 of these angiograms and not once any sort of a major problem other than a horribly bruised leg.<br />
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The hospital and nurses always go through all the information to caution you concerning any change in the incision: any signs of swelling, pain, bleeding etc. You KNOW that if anything looks even a tiny bit "Off" you get to the Emergency Room. So I took an hour's nap, basically just to rest and be off my feet. I had been up, dressed, even put on makeup. I was waiting for my husband to bring home take-out Indian food and settle in for a movie. Typical Friday night relaxation.<br />
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When I woke up from my nap I texted my older daughter and asked if she had a few minutes for a phone call to catch up on the week's happenings. But within a few minutes of being up on my feet I started having increased pain in my left femoral artery, and upon feeling around noticed a large goose egg type hematoma. "Oh no, what is <i style="font-weight: bold;">this?" </i>I didn't waste time, but called my husband's office that is only a mile away. He ran home, got me and we headed the two miles to the hospital. I almost had my husband turn around at one point when the goose egg started going down. Only problem was that it was spreading out... not dissipating. The ER people got me right in and within 45 minutes they were performing an ultrasound on the area. My husband and I could tell something was really wrong just by watching the monitor. So within another few minutes we were told I had what they call a "Pseudo-aneurysm" of the Femoral Artery. This is a weakening of the artery, likened to a bad tire before a blowout. It was large; over an inch long.<br />
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Next morning I had a procedure that injects a blood clotting drug into the aneurysm under x-ray. It seals off the weakened compromised area and allows the blood flow to continue, easily. This worked and I was sent back to the hospital floor. Head and legs down flat for several hours so as not to have a massive headache and put pressure on the aneurysm. This was around 1:00 pm on Saturday afternoon. After about an hour being still, I started having a lot of nausea. This is something I've dealt with often this last several years. Because I have a large Hiatal Hernia that bugs me, very often with violent hiccups and painful belching. sorry. but it's very painful and cannot be stopped until it plays out. The nausea and hiccups morphed into vomiting and dry heave retching. I hadn't had anything to eat in over 24 hours so there was nothing there. It just worsened, and became violent and uncontrollable. And the worst, was I could feel a painful <b>POP </b>in my left groin area. Within just a moment, it began swelling and I started feeling weak and disoriented. I was extremely hot all over and feeling like I was about to pass out. A<b><i> "rapid response" code </i></b>was called. Basically a Code Blue but I was still breathing.<br />
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I'm not sharing this with you for any kind of a titillating response. I don't want or need sympathy. I'm sharing this because it happened in just a moment, and I was not capable of any kind of decision making, remorse, regret, desire... no emotion... just the knowledge that I was likely to die and that was the end of it. I was not frightened about what was coming... just pulled along in some kind of dark "river" in which I had absolutely no control. I was in some kind of dissociative state.<br />
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This is where I started losing my grip on life and reality. I knew people were around me, but I thought I was in a large open space. (not a hospital room). I couldn't move or feel anything, everything went black, like a black mist was engulfing me. I could hear people speaking and tried to tell them what happened. But I could hear them call out Blood Pressure numbers. I remember hearing 50/30 and thought to myself. wow,<b style="font-style: italic;"> "that's dangerously low.". </b>I was being moved and stabbed with needles, but I couldn't feel a thing. I wasn't "afraid", but I knew I was about to die. It would have been painless. I didn't see any bright lights, hear angels singing, etc, but it would only have been seconds until I'd crossed that barrier. The team had hooked me up to a push bag of fluids, a "bolus" was given, and within seconds my body started to rally. I could feel myself coming back from the edge. My blood pressure was coming back up. An emotional deluge hit me as I realized I was just moments from death. Gratefulness, relief, many other emotions flooded me and I cried for awhile without embarrassment. I was immediately moved to a Critical Care Unit, and prepped for Emergency Vascular Surgery to suture the busted aneurysm. Basically I was bleeding out under the skin. Femoral blood was pumping into my leg and abdominal cavity. My heart was fine, this was in my upper leg, groin, and lower abdominal area. The Femoral artery is one of the largest in the body and one of the easiest to bleed to death from.<br />
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The surgeon sewed my artery up, and the rest of surgery went well. I was given 2 units of blood, which I feel has helped my recovery process greatly. I have been so anemic and weak this last 2 years so I think I will feel much better soon. The rest of the hospital stay was okay. I came out of it quickly and my blood flow was much better. Before the heart surgery on last Tuesday a pulse in my left foot as almost nonexistent; now it is strong. I went completely white during the blood loss my husband tells me, but by the next day, I had good color again.<br />
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I'm back home once again, a little worse for wear. I look like I've been in a car wreck; black and blue all over, but able to get out of bed for a bit for a bathroom break or up for a few minutes. Still very sore and weak and wobbly. But I will be better soon. My husband is taking good care of me and doing all the daily stuff around the house. We've all had a delayed reaction sort of PTSD over what took place this last week. Our older daughter came Sunday from St. Louis and our younger daughter was here too. My mom and sis and brother-in-law have been around. I'm so thankful for my family and their support and prayers.
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Please never discount the Power of Prayer. God wants us to rally as believers as He takes control and does His miracles. I've no doubt God saved my life on Saturday. I've talked to several nurses who've explained to me, that if I had been home (even 2 miles away) this would have had a much different outcome. So thankyou so much for your thoughts and prayers. You all prayed in advance and God was at work on my behalf. Even though I had no clue this was coming, I was prepared in advance for whatever might come my way.<br />
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I'll stay in touch, but I'm confident that this will all work out. Thankyou for your continued prayers, you cannot know how much I appreciate you all."<br />
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xoxo,<br />
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<br />Debra@CommonGroundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-19818034065698129272016-07-27T15:45:00.000-05:002016-07-27T15:45:01.147-05:00God is my Healer...but I'm still feeling badHi Everyone...I know it's been a long time since I've posted, and even longer since I've posted regularly. I've had some serious health issues this last few years and I've just not been able to feel like I could do this blog justice. I have another blog, which I started first; sort of a decor/lifestyle blog. It's listed on the sidebar here. <a href="http://www.commonground-do.com/">Common Ground. </a>If you'd like to catch up with my life then come on over. I've just posted about some of what's been happening with me healthwise. God has been leading me to some important life and health changing insights.<br />
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There will be more posts coming, but for now you can at least get an update, and understand why this blog has been silent. I've missed posting here, but I think you may understand that there are times when you just have to <i><b>listen </b></i>to God...<a href="http://www.commonground-do.com/"> www.commonground-do.com </a><br />
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Debra@CommonGroundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-63056200190139975882015-01-14T15:18:00.001-06:002015-02-10T22:10:42.013-06:00Should we...just because we can?It's obvious to most of you who are reading this post that I haven't published here at this blog in over a year. The last two years have been difficult to say the least. I had severe heart issues and then we made two moves. I didn't feel that God was asking me to write here, this last year. It has set on my sidebar, and I know many have visited and asked me when I would start posting again... I wasn't sure if I would. I didn't feel the call to do that until this last week.<br />
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God has been nudging me to write this post for this whole last week. I have been putting it off, hoping His promptings would let up, but they haven't. There is so much to say on the topic of the Paris murders at Charlie Hebdo, and the terrorist violence that has subsequently erupted. I don't want to "stir the pot" so to speak, but I think as a Christian, there is a viewpoint that needs to be discussed.<br />
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First let me say, I understand the concept of Free Speech, and yes, even "Satire". I understand the importance of being able to speak our thoughts and feelings concerning our government and our beliefs on religion, marriage, and personal rights and liberties etc. I know as a Democracy, our country was founded on the ability to freely speak and not be hauled into jail if we have a differing opinion than the government, the status quo, or even the "majority" in society. Having said that, I feel like we need to take a look at what the Bible says about "the match" that lit this current firestorm.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the writings of Paul, this verse has been on my heart all week:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-size: x-large;">1 Corinthians 10:23</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><u><i>Revised Standard Version</i></u><br />"All things are lawful," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful," but not all things build up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><u>American Standard Version</u></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">All things are lawful; but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful; but not all things edify.</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">New American Standard Version</span></u></i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Other words that we might use to finish this sentence would be. "...not all things are<i><b> beneficial, fruitful, useful, helpful, generous, gracious, kind, considerate, constructive, positive, productive, etc.</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We might be within the legal limits to: express our opinions in a public forum, make accusations toward others, denounce other religions, expose ideologies, even depict leaders, religious figures, and yes, even God in a way that is unbecoming, derogatory, and subversive. We may have the legal right to do these things, but is it going to do anything <i>beneficial</i>, or will it be like pouring gas on already smoldering embers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Bible tells us again in Roman 12:16 to <i>"live in harmony (peace) with each other"</i>. I'm not saying we have to agree or approve of other religions, beliefs, or ways of life, but if we know there is a problem, why go out of our way to cause <i>more</i> of a problem. It states in Islam and is known that no depiction should be made of the prophet Mohammad. I get that. Personally, I don't want anyone making cartoons of Jesus in a derogatory fashion. So in turn we should not be depicting anyone else's religious figures in a way that's inflammatory. I know that in a Democracy we have that right to say, write, publish anything we want...but at the same time we also know that exercising some of those same rights may start controversies, arguments, distrust, hurt, and yes, even wars.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I know that France is not a particularly "religious" country. I heard one TV commentator say that even school children could not wear a cross to public school, so that they were not just coming down on Islam; that France didn't "favor" any official religion. Early on after the first attack another TV news host, asked the hypothetical question: <i><b>"just because we can...should we?"</b></i> That question was steamrollered and ignored. This particular young man, voiced a wise truth, but in the heat of defending the rights of the cartoonists, there was no discussion. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Why would you go into a bull pen and wave a red scarf in front of a bull?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Why would someone go to Ferguson, Missouri and get a soapbox in the center of town and start yelling the "N" word?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Why would an American film corporation deliberately cause controversy in making a film depicting a plot to murder a leader of a country that already is unstable in thought and actions?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Why would anyone put themselves in the midst of controversy and then deliberately poke another "person" in the eye?</span><br />
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As Christians, we should know that hurling insults and "poking fun" does no good. It puts tension on already strained relationships and builds barriers instead of good will. The<b><i> beliefs and ideology </i></b>of a radicalized Islam or any other religion, will not be changed with anything other than God's divine intervention, and the prayers of His people. Purposefully printing rude, degrading, and lewd cartoons (even in the name of "freedom of speech") just incites anger and hate. Members of radical religious sects feel the need to avenge their wronged prophet; there's no laughing it off in their camp.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I believe in the uniting of countries and people against any and all brands of terrorism and murderers. <i>That is not the subject of this blog post.</i> I just think we need to be mindful of the consequences that might come about when we purposefully ignore good will and a little common sense. This question has been asked of me, and so to the world...</span><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-large;">When does a personal "Liberty" become a national "Liability"?</span></b></i><br />
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<i style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">I want to make it clear I in no way condone the brutal killings and terrorism that started at Charlie Hebdo. I don't feel that they in any way "deserved" what happened because of their choices or Religion. I have the same grief and bond that was evident in the public marches in Paris and throughout France and Europe. We need to stand strong and united against any and all forms of terrorism. </span></b></i><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></b></i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> love in Jesus,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>Debra@CommonGroundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-1722926757931161792013-10-21T12:05:00.001-05:002015-01-14T15:13:51.565-06:00Knowing the Father<div style="font-family: Arial;">
I want to share some thoughts with you about something that's been on my heart lately and that is not only our relationship with Jesus, our Savior, but with The Father. Let's face it, <b><i>"knowing"</i></b> God can be a little intimidating and confusing. Let's look at this scripture below and hear what Jesus has to say about it.</div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial;">John 14:6-15</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">6. Jesus said to him,<span style="color: #cc0000;"> "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me. 7.<b><i> "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him."</i></b></span> 8. Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us." 9. Jesus said to him,<span style="color: #cc0000;"> "Have I been so long with you, and [yet] you have not come to know Me, Philip? <i><b>He who has seen Me has seen the Father</b></i>; how do you say, 'Show us the Father '? 10. "Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. 11. "Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me; otherwise believe on account of the works themselves. 12. "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go to the Father. 13. "And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14. "If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do [it]. 15. "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #666666;">I've talked about this before, but when I was younger I just didn't comprehend well the difference in God the Father, and Jesus the Son. Oh yes, I understood the Trinity, and that Jesus was God's Son and was sent to earth to be mankind's salvation, but I needed to know the "personality" of God the Father; what He was like. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #666666;">I grew up in a denomination which at the time was pretty much an hour of yelling about how we were on our way to Hell if we weren't "saved". Week after week it was the same sermon disguised as different topics. I had a wonderful relationship with Jesus, but my relationship with the Father was based on fear... fear and misunderstanding. I envisioned Him not as a loving, kind, and generous Father, but as an Entity that was distant, demanding and strict; not someone I cared to have scrutinizing my every move, And certainly not someone I felt like I could really "trust", because, frankly I'd heard this phrase concerning God way too many times..."Well, you just never know." Who would want to have a Heavenly Father that you couldn't count on and<i> actually</i> trust?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #666666;">So this brings me to today and my relationship with the One who created the Universe, parted the Red Sea, and let His own Son die on a cross. Seemingly, some diverse qualities, and let's not forget how He opened up a hole in the ground and a big bunch of Israelites were swallowed up right in front of Moses. Yikes, I have to admit, sometimes I'm a complainer. I'm just hoping that He's cooled off a little since then or I might be in for some trouble. (I'm just having a little fun here) To the average Christian, God can be portrayed as a little scary and not someone who might be there for you when you just need some TLC.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #666666;">Jesus made a point of explaining that He was "in the Father and that the Father is in Him". Sort of sounds like, "OK, guys, do you understand...we're the SAME." Yes, before Jesus was sent to earth in the time of the Old Testament or the Old Covenant, God was pretty strict. He had some rules, but He had to give us those rules to live by. Rules are given to guide us, and show us that there are consequences when we go off and do things our own way. But God the Father has always forgiven our messing up. Just take the life of King David for instance. He was an adulterer and murderer, but someone who loved God and humbled himself before Him. God forgives, He loves us, He's just like Jesus who had His arms open to all the little children. We're His children and He loves us. He wants to hold us in His arms.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">So, if you're feeling like you don't measure up because of some past situations and sin in your life, or you feel like you're just not sure if God could really love you... or if you are going through some hard things like illness, marriage problems, or financial things, just remember<i><b> He's just like Jesus.</b></i> He already "knows" us, and He's longing for us to "know" Him too. There's a lot more to say on this subject, and I imagine that I'll continue this, but for now be sure of one thing. God has good plans for us. He may allow a time of trial or testing, but He sees our heart. Hang in there and know He's working on your behalf. You <i><b>can</b></i> trust Him.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #666666;">love in Jesus,</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span>Debra@CommonGroundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-88139434909340917902013-09-18T12:35:00.000-05:002015-01-14T15:14:18.188-06:00Be Available...In the middle of the night I heard a name being said. It wasn't my name, but someone else's. It was somewhat of a startling feeling, but I knew I hadn't heard it with my "physical" ears, but with my "spiritual" ones. I lay there thinking about it for a moment when I heard it again. Someone's name that I didn't know well, but as soon as I heard it, I knew exactly who this person was. Their identity was clear, but I didn't know what God was trying to say about them. That fact didn't matter, it was just the Holy Spirit's way of letting me know I needed to pray for them.<br />
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<i>Have you had something similar happen to you?</i><br />
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I imagine most Christian's have at one time or another, felt a burden on their heart for someone or some "thing", that was totally "off your radar"; something or someone that wasn't in your day-to-day thoughts or interest. The question is, what did we do about it. Did we dismiss the thought as being weird or creepy or even psychic? Or did we take a minute to go to the Lord and ask. "was that You, and what would you like me to do about this?"<br />
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I found out many years ago that God <i>really </i>wants to communicate with us, and that one of the first steps in moving into a deeper relationship with Him was being open to praying for others. God longs for intimacy with our heart, mind, and spirit. He desires that we take time to be open for His work, and one of the most important things we can do as a believer is to raise up our brothers and sisters in Christ in prayer, and yes, even those who don't know Jesus.<br />
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Prayer can be somewhat of a "mysterious" thing, an aspect of our Christian walk that is expected, and at the same time misunderstood. I remember when I first started seeking a deeper relationship with God that I was involved in our prayer ministry at a very large church. We each took turns praying for different ministries within our church. The college ministry, was one in particular that I had a deep affinity for because of my own daughter who was in college, but not attending church at the time. I knew there were kids there that were Christians that were living way outside of the scope that God had in mind for them. We would be given "outlines" of how to pray for these different ministry groups and the leaders. At first it was somewhat rote and methodical until I realized this was the perfect opportunity to let God be more specific in my prayer time. At first I was hesitant because I didn't want to get too "personal" but sometimes that's how God is enabled to do His work. He would bring young people's names and faces to mind during prayer time, and I could tell there were things that God wanted to do in their lives. Sometimes God reveals things to us about others so we can pray specifically, other times we don't need to know the details, just bring them before the Throne so God can get to work.<br />
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And that brings me to one of the great purposes of prayer, giving God the "go ahead" and invitation to "get to work" in the situation. People who are not "pray-ers" don't realize the importance of calling upon God to be involved in our lives, and the lives of those we care about. God works through His People and desires that we be participants in seeing His work accomplished. I used to have the idea that God was capable all by Himself to see His will done, and people be saved. What I didn't understand, that while that is absolutely true that He is Sovereign and Almighty, He <b style="font-style: italic;">chooses </b>to get the rest of us "involved".<br />
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So the next time you feel that tug to pray for someone, just take a moment to do it. Don't put it off, God is calling you to invite Him into the life of the person He's speaking to you about. You may or may not know the outcome of that prayer, but be sure, God has His purposes, and He knows those He can entrust to be doing His work. And let me also assure you, not only will you be doing God's work, He will begin to open those lines of deeper communication with you as well. Be available to God, He'll take you up on it!<br />
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love in Jesus,<br />
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<br />Debra@CommonGroundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-64665471858285702822013-06-10T18:12:00.001-05:002013-09-18T16:59:41.022-05:00Is there anybody out there...?<i>Have you ever asked that question? </i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sitting by the bedside of a sick child...lying in bed awake, when sleep won't come...when you've done everything you can trying to work on a marriage...when you're down to the last dollar and you don't know how to pay the bills...when you're lonely and frustrated and feel like things will never change... Have you ever looked up into the night sky and asked, "God are you there, and if you are... do you hear me?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think we've all been there at one time or another. Even those of us that "know" God. Those of us that walked down the aisle of the sanctuary and made that "public profession of faith". I'm Protestant, so that's how we do it. If you grow up in the Church, then usually it's when you're young; grade school, or junior high. Oh there are a few holdouts...sometimes high school, but most of us make some kind of public decision when we're young. But then comes marriage and a family and then all the life problems and situations that come with adulthood. You've been away from "church" for awhile...being a grown up...on your own...things to do...places to go...people to meet. Life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then one day you find you cannot do it alone. You can't see where it's all going and you've hit rock bottom. you're alone, by yourself, and there's no one...not one person you can count on to fix the mess that you're in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Ben Canales via Google Images</span></div>
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<i>Are you that person?</i><br />
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I had a strange request from the Lord today. He said to me, <i>"Go write a post". </i><br />
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Lot's of things have happened since the last post I wrote. My husband has had inner ear surgery for the Meniere's Disease, and is doing well. He's had a long hard road to walk with this, but we knew surgery would be necessary. He's improving every day. I haven't posted much because the truth of the matter is that I've been "waiting". I just needed to be quiet and let God lead in this health situation with my husband. It's been consuming to say the least. I felt that each post would be geared around this health problem and I didn't want to be a broken record. We've had faith for healing, and God has been doing that. Thank you, Lord!<br />
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But today I heard the Lord speak to me several times about writing a post, and all I knew was that someone was asking that question...<br />
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<i>"Is there anybody out there?" </i><br />
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And the answer...?<br />
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<i><b>Yes, He's there and He hears you.</b></i><br />
<i><b>He hears you and loves you and wants you to know you're not alone.</b></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">Matthew 6:8 "...your Father knows what you need before you ask Him."</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">Jeremiah 33:3 "Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know..."</span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">and if you need someone, I'm here too.</span><br />
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<i><b>in Jesus' Name,</b></i><br />
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<i><b><br /></b></i>Debra@CommonGroundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-55987564187702946882013-01-30T11:51:00.001-06:002013-05-23T11:19:13.707-05:00The Power of One Word...GraceI want to share a quote with you from a book I am currently reading. But before I do, I want to make an admission. OK, maybe we can just call it a "confession". And that would be that since I started blogging my reading has been almost non existent. I used to devour books: I'm talking Christian books. I'd spend hours in them, then looking up scripture and taking notes.<br />
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I love to study the scriptures, and to "dig" in the rich and fertile soil of God's Word. Now I wouldn't just read anything, <i>I'd pray first for God's direction in leading me to what He wanted me to read and study.</i> Sometimes it would be a new release by a popular Christian author, then sometimes it would be a book by an author that has been in Glory for years. <i><b>Prayer for direction is the key</b></i>. I don't want to waste my time on reading something that isn't "Truth". Just because it's by a Christian author doesn't mean its scriptural. Does that sound harsh? Let me explain. There have been several blockbuster books written by Christian pastors and authors that the Holy Spirit would not give me permission to read. Books that sounded good on the outside, but deep down were not God's heart; they missed the mark. Literally hundreds of thousands of books sold to hungry Christians that in reality were only one man's opinion, and that opinion was limiting of who God really is. And if there's something that I've learned in the last 15 years, it is that we cannot limit God. Not in His powerful love for us or His ability to work on our behalf. When at a later time I read those books, I felt like a black cloud was hanging over me. God was minimized, and "standardized".<br />
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So that brings me to the quote from the book I'm reading. <b><u>Relentless</u></b> by John Bevere.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Grace is God's empowering presence that gives us the ability </span></div>
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Such a simple statement, but one that can completely change our way of thinking about living our life.</div>
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Most of us think of Grace as God's free gift of salvation. Salvation that He gives us that is not earned or merited, but that is given to every believer in Jesus Christ. That understanding will get you into heaven, but what if the word "Grace" is more than just that one "gift". What if it is a deep well of knowledge and understanding; a place that has limitless possibilities for us in our Christian walk. Who wouldn't want to go to that well each day and dip out the "Grace" needed for what is ahead. The Bible says that Jesus is our "Living Water". He is the embodiment of God the Father's grace to us.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #666666;">(Google Images)</span></i></div>
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So today I just want to leave you with this. First of all "PRAY" for God's direction daily. Ask for what He wants to share with you, and be open to act upon those daily revelations. And then just as important, to seek Him in His "fullness", without limiting who He is and what He can accomplish. If we know Jesus Christ as our Savior, there is unlimited favor for us. There is Living Water to refresh us each day. Then, be open, be brave, be expectant.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Acts 4:33 </i><span style="font-family: Arial;">And with great power the apostles were giving witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all.</span></span></div>
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<i>to be continued...</i></div>
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Debra@CommonGroundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-17212789095713448892013-01-08T17:18:00.001-06:002013-01-08T17:18:24.770-06:00Don't Give UpI'm not sure how to get started with this post other than to just jump in. The last time I posted it was July. Six months ago. I knew when I posted last time that that would be "it" for awhile. My husband was ill, and he's been my focus for this last year. I didn't want to be a broken record about how bad he was feeling, or how life was changing, so God sort of gave me a break. But I've known that once the New Year rolled around I would need to find my way back to this blog.<br />
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He has been ill for over a year with vertigo attacks that became more and more frequent until they were an everyday occurrence. I'm not going to go back through all that, if you'd like to catch up please read the post before this. We did everything we could do to combat this illness by changing our diets. Limiting salt and processed food helped tremendously, but after a while even that wasn't enough. We finally found a specialist, that is located out of town to get the help that he needed. He was diagnosed with Meniere's Disease back in October and since then has been on different treatments that are helping, and he is feeling much better; not 100%, but enough better that he has been able to feel more confident about the future; which is a big deal in our lives. Being sick and feeling like things will never improve is just about the bottom of the barrel so to speak.<br />
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Back in July I talked about not giving up. Specifically, <b><i>not giving up on God.</i></b> Trusting Him for His timing, wisdom, contacts, favor...the list is a mile long. Basically, don't give up on believing that God has the answers to all our needs. Key word...<b><i>ALL</i></b>..our needs. My husband felt so beaten down with this illness that he entertained thoughts that were defeating. Thoughts like he would always be sick, that he wouldn't be able to continue working, that he was old and washed up...feel free to insert any other pitiful thoughts that we come up with when we are struggling through some sort of lengthy situation. I would listen to all this for awhile, because I realize that some days you just need to vent; to get all of it out to whomever it is that will listen. It makes us feel better when we can just unload some of our frustration. So I would listen. I love him, so I listened. But finally I realized that this wasn't getting him anywhere fast and he had to get past all of the negativity, otherwise we were both heading for a downhill slide.<br />
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I've said so many times before how important it is to be in God's Word each day. Even if you don't feel like reading...even if you're so sick and depressed that you don't feel like picking it up or looking at it. Distancing ourselves from Our Heavenly Father is the worst thing we can do in times of trouble and upset. Even if we <b style="font-style: italic;">feel </b>like God isn't around, I can guarantee that He is. I'd noticed that my husband wasn't reading his Bible anymore. I hadn't seen it out of his bedside drawer in weeks, maybe months. I waited and I prayed that God would speak to his heart and encourage him. Finally, I had an opportunity to ask him about it; not preachy or judgmental or condescending, I just encouraged him to get it out, open it up, and let God speak to his heart.<br />
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I've been through this so I know what I'm saying. Ignoring God because we aren't seeing things go our way is so easy. We feel hurt and alone and like He doesn't care. Why should we beat our head against the wall if God won't help us. Been there?<br />
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I believe there are answers in God's Word; inspired scripture that God shares with us. Words that He downloads into our hearts and spirit. Words that wake us up, encourage us, and give us direction. They inspire faith to manifest, that in turn gives us confidence in Him.<br />
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Are you going through something that has you worn out? Do you feel defeated and like things will never change? God has the Word for you. Come before Him with an open heart, open up your Bible, grab a pen and paper, then pray for wisdom and guidance. <i>I guarantee that He will show up.</i><br />
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I promise that it won't be another 6 months before I'm back...<i>promise</i>.<br />
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love in Jesus,</div>
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Debra@CommonGroundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-17868586972067860282012-07-27T19:02:00.003-05:002012-07-27T19:06:10.040-05:00Where's the Easy Button?<i style="background-color: white;">Today, I guess I'm just continuing some thoughts from my last post...</i><br />
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Wondering why is it that life sometimes seems so hard? I was thinking today about what my husband and I have been going through with his health, and why things seem to be such a blasted "process". Why can't things be easy? Then in my spirit I saw that "Easy Button" that was a commercial for Staples a while back.<br />
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[ You need new ink cartridges?...push the button. You need to get organized?...just push the button. How about starting a small business?...you got it...push the easy button, and everything you need magically appears]<br />
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Except this is real life, and although God does anoint certain tasks and plans, generally speaking, He's not in the habit of handing out "Easy Buttons". Believe<span style="background-color: white;"> me, there have been situations and projects that I've worried and stewed over, then finally turning it over to God, only to have Him effortlessly pull it all together without a hitch. Easy. Yes, He made it work, I trusted Him and He did it without breaking a sweat. But it seems that there are other times, times when it's me that He's working on, that it would be so much better...<i><b>if it was just easy!</b></i></span><br />
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Out here in blog land you get to know so many people...people that you would never know if it weren't for the good ol' Internet. Funny how I can "meet" and get to know the daily ins and outs of so many wonderful women...young and old. Women with young families and struggles, who make me think back on how what I've walked through and how I've handled things. Then knowing that I could have done so much better, been a better wife and mother, friend, daughter, sister...<br />
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But I guess that's part of what we call "life". It's a learning process. Wouldn't it be great if we would have known instinctively when we were younger how to react; behave; what to say...what not to say...how to have patience. How would life have been different if we would come "pre-packaged" with perfect skills, attitudes, emotions, and belief systems? Thankfully, God doesn't leave us on our own to figure it all out. He's with us if we just ask Him to be. He can take impossible situations and make them work. He can take our sorrows and turn them back to joy, our heartaches and mend them.<br />
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As I said last time, it's been a long process with my husband's health situation. We haven't had much help from doctors or professionals. When it comes down to it, we have to put our trust in God for our health. Yes, He uses doctors and medications, but we can't put them above our faith in God's ability to heal us. Nothing my husband heard from the doctors has helped, so as I said last post, we started praying for wisdom about what to do to get a handle on this inner ear problem. It turns out that there are several "diseases or conditions" that are similar and even though he didn't have a diagnosis we decided to implement the dietary changes that are suggested for Meniere's Disease, which is a deterioration and fluid build up in the inner ear. Finding out about food allergies and then doing the diet for this which includes not only low sodium diet, but no alcohol, no caffeine, no chocolate, and a few other "no-nos". Anyway, after 3 weeks he's been without an "attack" of vertigo and is starting to now feel so much better. God has the answers to our needs and problems. It may take a little while, but He will share those answers with us.<br />
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My point is this, do everything you can do in the natural, but then pray for God's supernatural wisdom and guidance. And then here's the biggy that I've learned...realize that He DOES have a plan to free you of what you are going through. It may not be <b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">easy</span></i></b><span style="background-color: white;"> , but if you keep trusting Him,<i><b> He will walk you through it.</b></i> Be willing to do the things He might ask you to do, even if they seem hard. I can guarantee you that He'll ask some tough things from you along the way, but honestly, in the long run it will be for our good. Just like physical growth, from babyhood to adulthood it's a process, not easy, but His plan.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Becoming closer to God, learning more about Him; walking in the Holy Spirit, and listening for His voice in our busy lives. Thank you, Lord. You're with us on the journey.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">love in Jesus,</span></div>
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<br />Debra@CommonGroundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-19633031466417159742012-07-03T11:19:00.004-05:002012-07-03T11:24:05.383-05:00Reading Paul...Hello all, I'm surprised and a little ashamed to say it's been almost two months since I've posted here. Life has been busy with some "good" and "not so good". First the good, and that is that last month I had a wonderful time with two wonderful gals that are blogging friends. God totally put together an opportunity to meet a dear friend that I've been talking to on the phone with for almost 3 years (since we started blogging), and another that I had met previously only briefly, but have now had a chance to get to know and love. We spent some amazing quality time together and I hope and believe we have cemented friendships that will last.<br />
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Also, I'm still on the lifestyle change "path" that I started back in March. My husband and I have had to totally rethink our eating habits and food preparation. He has for the last few years, suffered with occasional bouts of "Benign Positional Vertigo" which is an inner ear problem that causes vertigo, but has since the first of the year increased dramatically and has sort of taken over his daily life. Doctor visits, tests, etc. have labeled it, but treatment is elusive and not particularly effective. We've prayed for wisdom and guidance, and feel like God is narrowing down the triggers for these "spells" that leave him feeling sick and weak and disoriented. He's never been "sick" so this has been a real trial for him, (and me). Food allergies which have been detected such as Soy and all soy products have been eliminated (you may not know it, but soy is in almost all packaged foods, such as boxed crackers, protein bars, cake mixes, cookies, breads etc. literally everywhere!) and now we are going to a low low sodium diet, because we think salt may be a trigger. I've had to start cooking with just the basic foods, fresh produce, and lean cuts of meat. I can't complain on these food changes, since it will also benefit me with my cardiovascular issues and overall health. We're believing that God's wisdom in this will prove to be the deciding factor on how my husband feels, and we know that God has a good plan for our life and health, so we're going to stick with it.<br />
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Also, I am down 18 lbs. since March, not an enormous amount, but since I'm not trying to break records here; just lifestyle change, I feel good about it, and continue to feel better physically AND mentally. (Eating low carb, low fat) One of the best things is that I'm down 2 to 3 dress sizes and don't feel self conscious about my appearance. (I'm a small boned 5 foot nothing, so really 18 pounds on me is alot.) So if you think you can't lose weight like I did, ask God for His plan for you, and His anointing to do it, and things will start to change.<br />
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My husband and I have both questioned God about why we've had to go through these health issues that have caused us so much grief and upset. Things that can suck the joy out of daily life. I know that many of you have health concerns and issues, and other situations in our families, work, etc. that seem to press us down and make life harder than we think it should be.<br />
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I've been reading Paul's books of the New Testament, and I'm now in<b> 2 Corinthians</b>. I can't help but believe that by getting to know him, we can all gain a fresh perspective on our own trials and life in general. God doesn't promise us that our lives will be easy, but we can know that He is always with us, leading and guiding us. And yes, He allows us to walk through these tough times. What we learn from them is up to us. Do we give up and wallow in self pity or turn into an unhappy, unproductive person? I hope not. Sometimes I have to make a daily verbal statement that I know that God is here, and that He has a good plan. That I believe that things WILL get better, and that I'm not going to allow circumstances to dictate my Joy in life. I guess that's called Trust and Faith. Believing God is at work in our lives and He is Faithful.<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>2 Corinthians 4:7-10</b></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body."</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Whatever you may be going through, just know that you're not alone, God is there with you, and He sees the outcome. AND He will guide you through the hard times, to bring you to the other side.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">much love in Jesus,</span></div>
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<br />Debra@CommonGroundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-16194951835789879902012-05-08T16:32:00.001-05:002012-05-08T16:32:11.725-05:00Empowered for LivingWell, it's been about 3 weeks since my last post, and it's time for an update.<br />
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I don't want this to be about "dieting" or "weight loss" or any of those things, because in my heart I know that each of us can use this as a "fill in the blank" sort of post. It works for "not raising your voice to the kids", "not nagging your husband", and "not spending as much money" just as well as it does "take control of your health". Hmmmm....I guess it's safe to say that all of those aforementioned subjects are things that God has asked me to deal with.<br />
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I can happily and gratefully say that what I'm doing is not a "diet" but a lifestyle change and overhaul. And since what I'm dealing with right now is in the "food and what you eat" category, let's just call it what it is, but you feel free to insert your own particular "subject matter". If it was a "diet" I think that I may have fallen by the wayside by now, but it's not. It's a bonafide slapped upside the head sort of "epiphany".<br />
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I'm a believer that God's timing can be the make it or break it part of the story. He has His own timing, that I for one, always have trouble with. Call me stubborn, thick headed...whatever...I usually cannot see that His timing is "perfect" until it's in my rear view mirror. Good grief, I've been struggling with my weight for the last 10 years; ever since those pesky heart attacks. Up and down, happy and encouraged; then defeated by medication and a box of Russell Stover chocolates. I'm sure God became a little annoyed at my daily prayer of<i><b> "please help me lose this weight"</b></i>.<br />
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It's often said that "God helps those that help themselves" is a quote from the Bible, but actually it's not. Benjamin Franklin penned that phrase in Poor Richard's Almanac in 1757. Even though it's not a scripture verse, it does have some truth to it. Not in the sense of our salvation, but in our everyday life. God <b style="font-style: italic;">does </b>expect us to work with Him in most areas. I would have liked to wake up some morning after praying my socks off and find that I'd miraculously shed 25 pounds, but in reality I didn't really think that would happen. Guess what...it didn't. God expected me to get myself into the place where I was willing to work with Him. That's when He turns on the "anointing". That "only God can do it" power that He puts on us to accomplish something. In my case I needed His anointing to commit to this change...and stick to it. To just say no to those french fries, chips, and trips to Braum's as an after dinner treat with my husband. All it takes is one "treat" a day to completely mess up the best of intentions. This is not to say that I've been a saint, actually I had a few french fries the other day, but in the middle of my "happy place" I realized that I didn't want to fall off the proverbial wagon. It's just not worth it to me. To look in the mirror and see myself in a positive frame of mind instead of feeling unhappy and defeated...I'll take that over a french fry or chocolate truffle any old day.<br />
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I had to make a life decision that I was going to do everything that <b style="font-style: italic;">I </b>could to be healthy, and then trust God that he will do the rest. God sort of gave me the analogy of someone having diabetes and asking God to make them well while the whole time they were eating 3 candy bars a day. He doesn't work that way. God wants to help us, but He asks us to do our own part.<br />
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So, what am I doing you ask. Nothing earth shattering. I know there are a lot of great programs out there. Many ask that you order their food, or eat a restricted regimen, but I knew that for me to do this it had to be somewhat flexible and not a bunch of "rules". I'm doing a "shake" meal replacement twice a day and then for dinner eating only a small portion of meat, veggies, or a salad. Basically it's "The Zone" diet but with two shakes a day that are low carbs and high protein, and a snack or two that are also low carbohydrate. (no sugar, no boxed or packaged or processed food except kosher crackers, no starches, <b><i>just a little</i></b> fresh or frozen fruit)<br />
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It's working, I'm feeling better, mentally and physically and one of the best things is that my chest pain is much better. I know that I might not be able to turn the clock back 10 years with my heart problems, but I DO believe that I can minimize any further issues with heart disease and stop what might have been diabetes that has been crawling around on my family tree. I'm a work in progress and if it takes me the rest of the year to get to my goal weight, well then that's how long it takes. But I know one thing...I'm not going back.<br />
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<i>If I can do it, you can do it. Just ask God to lead the way.</i></div>
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<br />Debra@CommonGroundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-39302909850564355852012-04-18T11:01:00.000-05:002012-04-18T11:01:59.523-05:00What's Your "Response"?<i><span style="color: #666666;">If you remember the title of my last post it was "Can We Talk?" If you haven't read that post then please take a minute to scroll down to the next post. This is a continuance of that previous post. </span></i><br />
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As a wife and mother it's mind boggling to think of how many times I've asked a question directed at one of my girls or my husband.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #b45f06;">"What sounds good for dinner?...</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #b45f06;">When do I need to pick you up from practice?...</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #b45f06;">Do you have your homework finished?...</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #b45f06;">Have you taken time to make the dinner reservations?"...</span></i><br />
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OK, these are just a few minor examples from everyday life. A conversation with another person almost always includes a few questions being asked. Unless we are control freaks or dictators we all know that questions are important and then the value of a <b><span style="color: #783f04;">"response".</span></b><br />
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<b>The Oxford Dictionary gives the definition as " a reply or answer...reaction or comeback..feeling, movement or change... accountability, liability...effect, result, consequence."</b><br />
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I want to take a closer look at this word <b><span style="color: #783f04;">"response"</span></b>. There are a lot of words that are derived from this one word... respond, responsible, irresponsible, responsibly...you get my drift. When we ask a question we are always looking for a timely "response". Yes, we want an answer from the one to whom we a asking the question. If we don't get the answer, we may feel compelled to ask again...and again... But what if the question goes unanswered...do we continue upon deaf ears or do we walk away?<br />
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I told you last post that God had been seriously asking me to make some changes in my life. He would bring up the subject and ask...politely. He continued asking...proding...reminding...but my "response"? <i>I had been giving Him excuses.</i><br />
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Sometimes God gives me a date; a day in the future to put on my calender. Like a date that you circle, put a star next to, or outline in <span style="color: #990000;">red</span>. There have been lots of them, and for almost every "date" I have been given, something always takes place of importance. Well, He gave me a date in March, and I was excited. What would happen on that day? I was of course thinking along lines other than what was coming. I'd been praying about getting in better physical health, (that's always on my mind) but I was hoping some kind of miraculous thing would happen to me to all the sudden start this change. Yep, I wanted some kind of miracle, because I didn't think I could do it myself. It was easier to hope for a miracle than to take the <span style="color: #783f04;"><i>"responsibility"</i></span> to do something myself. I didn't want to <i><span style="color: #783f04;">make a change</span></i>...<i><span style="color: #783f04;">be accountable</span></i>..or face any <i><span style="color: #783f04;">consequences</span></i>.<br />
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We all probably have favorite scripture that has really spoken to us over the years. "Life Verses" I've called them. Ones that can speak to you over and over, and often result in those amazing "Aha" moments<b>. Romans 12:1-2</b> are those verses for me.<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><i>Living Sacrifices</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><i>Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- His good, pleasing and perfect will.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Did you read the scripture? think of <i>"spiritual act of worship"</i> as our response that God is looking for. </span><br />
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Just so happened that my daily Bible study time has been in Romans. I don't read to read. I know there are lots of good program schedules that tell you how to read the entire Bible in one year. Those have a purpose I'm sure...like maybe just getting you acquainted with what actually the Bible is all about. But if that's how you "read" and study the Bible then let me tell you that you may be missing what God is trying to share with you. "Volume of scripture" should never be our reason for opening the Bible. Let God lead you on where to focus. That is one of the ways He speaks to us.<br />
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<i>So that date?...it came and went...swoosh...nothing...nada...sound of crickets chirping.</i><br />
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The next day I asked God what had happened to my <span style="color: #990000;">"red letter day". </span><span style="color: #444444;">That's when I heard Him tell me about the decision that I was going to have to make. a big one. a life changing one. one that my future depended upon. And I knew that this time I would have to give a "response"...<i>not an excuse.</i>..to God.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">to be continued...</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">love in Jesus,</span><br />
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</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #351c75;">I always love to hear from you in the comment section...so does everyone else. Has God been asking you something? What was YOUR response?</span></i></div>Debra@CommonGroundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-38733800386028633472012-04-02T15:39:00.002-05:002012-04-02T15:48:01.908-05:00Can we talk?...I'm still here, just in case you thought I was "<i><b>backslidden"</b></i> or some other dreadful thing. I have to laugh, cause, wow, I really hate that word. I've heard it my whole life bandied about by regular churchgoers who describe some poor unfortunate that maybe isn't living up to everyone else's standards. Nope, not backslidden, I've just felt like keeping my mouth shut for awhile while I try to sort out my life. Of course I'm not sure that's very easy for any of us. Cause just when you think things are figured out you can have something hit you from out of the blue and there you are again facing those big <b style="font-size: xx-large;">?</b>s.<br />
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Actually what I really want to talk about is taking God seriously in the matters of our daily life and then the issue of God's timing. That can be a sore spot for a lot of us, because sometimes His timing feels really OFF. (can I get an AMEN to that?) I just want to share a "case-in-point" in my own life.<br />
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So, most of you know I have some heart and cardiovascular problems that are hereditary, but still MY problem no matter where they came from or how I got stuck with them. AND for the last three years I've had to take some (sometimes more, sometimes less) medications that yes, can save your life, but at the same time cause all kinds of other side effects.<br />
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I'll be honest here, I'm talking about weight gain and generally having low energy and yada yada yada. Throw in post menopause and I'm not a happy camper in the "look at yourself in the mirror" department. Plus the fact that I'm short so that just compounds the problem. Now, I want to make myself perfectly clear, this isn't just about appearance, but about my overall general health. I'm all for the idea of being happy with ourselves, but I have the added concern (and responsibility) of health. Actually we ALL have that issue. Taking care of our bodies by what we eat goes WAAAAAAY beyond how we view ourselves outwardly, but how we should be answering to God's plan to be and stay healthy.<br />
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I've whined to God for the last few years about getting in better shape, but exercise for me is tricky. I have to be careful to not overdo it. A day of physical activity can put me in bed for a day. I have to keep in mind that I need to "strenghen" myself slowly, not wind up in the hospital because my heart has been overtaxed.<br />
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And then the next idea is <i><b>e.a.t.i.n.g. </b></i>Good grief, I wish it could be more simple. OK, maybe it IS simple and I just hadn't grasped the concept. So, I'm praying and whining and praying and whining, the whole time I know that I need to get some pounds off cause my blood pressure is too high and I have some joints that scream at me any time I try to shop the mall. Not to mention the fact that I've had plenty of conviction to eat more healthily. The only thing I can say is that I was full of excuses. I won't even go there, because there are just too many.<br />
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A few weeks ago God woke me up in the morning and said very clearly to me. "Soon you are going to have to make a decision and this time it better be the right one. Your future depends on it." GULP... Can I tell you that that statement put the proverbial "fear of God" into me? My mind started racing as to what the decision actually was and of course my thoughts were not about my eating habits...but more earth shattering possibilities.<br />
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I'm going to finish this post in a few days, because I think that God can use just this much to speak to some of you today too. Anybody out there in the same boat with me? It doesn't have to be about "eating". Chances are God has been gently nudging some of us to do His will and we've casually been either ignoring Him or just not taking Him too seriously. Are you feeling it?<br />
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If so, you can take this opportunity to be open to what God's about to say...get ready...He might say something you're <b><i>really </i></b>needing to hear.<br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">p.s. just want to let you know that you can sign up to receive this blog's current posts in your email. (on the right sidebar) I'm pretty sporadic so it might be an easier way to keep track. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">love in Jesus,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuoOr_KoWRQaRK1PEKHPz03omFW6bMLlMwAgwEagiev1NYJWU9lwcxXrwd_tcxBzx1TVFRUyjycW9xPTVXbAzr39m3Os2MLU8OH3puPh8OTz8asdTp1hbNqi61wICbyg3aMVZgKWFMHm-/s1600/C86F7605D739C10FAC4F4BD7CD26A993.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuoOr_KoWRQaRK1PEKHPz03omFW6bMLlMwAgwEagiev1NYJWU9lwcxXrwd_tcxBzx1TVFRUyjycW9xPTVXbAzr39m3Os2MLU8OH3puPh8OTz8asdTp1hbNqi61wICbyg3aMVZgKWFMHm-/s1600/C86F7605D739C10FAC4F4BD7CD26A993.png" /></a></div>Debra@CommonGroundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-78709249315658926162012-03-01T00:11:00.000-06:002012-03-01T00:11:14.051-06:005 Things to Grow OnI just did a post on my "other" blog, Common Ground, on things that I think are critical in seeing our blog grow and take shape. But as I've read it again, I think it pertains to more than just blogging. As you read it, just substitute "life", for the blogging part. If you'd like to <i><b><a href="http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/2012/02/so-i-was-just-minding-my-own-business.html?utm_source=BP_recent">click here,</a></b></i> you can read how God has led me in all aspects of my life, blogging being just one part of it.<br />
I haven't forgotten this blog, God actually has let this last post sit for awhile. I've had many personal emails about it and how God spoke to more than just a few people. I always love hearing from you in comments or emails. Thank you for taking time to interact and let us know how God is speaking to you.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Be blessed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">love in Jesus,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64flSE4ALOTcdnqU-OLoiSLLO4JFwyAEYF-TZubYIrM9UO-LcRdZBzBzuXtvaNC74DeXymSqMg4JijdEsgqC7dDSP5n4e_coObjPfW2SHOycI6bb1Idk2mpCrpplOSlUiu5ltDbYBRnrk/s1600/C86F7605D739C10FAC4F4BD7CD26A993.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64flSE4ALOTcdnqU-OLoiSLLO4JFwyAEYF-TZubYIrM9UO-LcRdZBzBzuXtvaNC74DeXymSqMg4JijdEsgqC7dDSP5n4e_coObjPfW2SHOycI6bb1Idk2mpCrpplOSlUiu5ltDbYBRnrk/s1600/C86F7605D739C10FAC4F4BD7CD26A993.png" /></a></div>Debra@CommonGroundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-14471869912466921652012-01-23T13:34:00.000-06:002012-01-23T13:34:36.070-06:00Why are you crying?<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've said this before, and I will say it again today, I'm not a Bible Scholar. I don't have any degrees in theology or Biblical Studies. I have a poor memory and cannot quote scripture. And the truth be told, I'm not even good at remembering where verses are located. But I </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold;">DO </i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">love the Bible and God's Word to us. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm basically a blank slate. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Lord says to me frequently, "Be available", and that's what I try to do; to</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>be available</i></b> in my life, time, and finances, but mostly be available so that He </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">might speak. This morning as I sat here at the computer, knowing He had</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">something to say, He spoke a verse to me. John 20:14. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">No, He didn't quote it to me. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He just gave me chapter and verse. When I </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">opened my NIV Bible this is what I saw.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus."</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODHs5CC_ptRixnmTGaJbTdEAt8dGAi9Hv8dAyG0_KzhkOdhB4P8oTv70BhbsqXGcZQaabnu67YX6jGnZzcysW46h-vbcnzoOXkIzLN2Exo_tY6QL1qvofLV_RkdzsDrtHIgYFxKPLj2SH/s1600/woman_crying_1_7djdj_16613_310x235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODHs5CC_ptRixnmTGaJbTdEAt8dGAi9Hv8dAyG0_KzhkOdhB4P8oTv70BhbsqXGcZQaabnu67YX6jGnZzcysW46h-vbcnzoOXkIzLN2Exo_tY6QL1qvofLV_RkdzsDrtHIgYFxKPLj2SH/s400/woman_crying_1_7djdj_16613_310x235.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">google images</span></i></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here it is in context of the surrounding verses:</span><br />
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<h1 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #5c1101; font-size: 16px;">John 20:10-18</span></h1><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #5c1101; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">New American Standard Bible (NASB)</span></div><div class="display-passages" style="background-color: white;"><div class="content-wrapper" style="float: left; width: 984px;"><div class="content-col" style="margin-right: 230px; min-height: 300px;"><div class="passage-wrap" style="float: left; padding-top: 15px; width: 754px;"><div class="passage-left passage-class-0" style="display: inline; float: left; width: 754px;"><div class="result-text-style-normal "><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #660000;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NASB-26878" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top;">10</sup> So the disciples went away again <sup class="xref" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0.5em; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-26878A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>to their own homes.</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #660000;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NASB-26879" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top;">11</sup> <sup class="xref" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0.5em; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-26879B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping; and so, as she wept,</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #660000;"> she <sup class="xref" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0.5em; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-26879C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>stooped and looked into the tomb; <sup class="versenum" id="en-NASB-26880" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top;">12</sup> and she *saw <sup class="xref" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0.5em; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-26880D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>two angels in white</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #660000;"> sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had </span></div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #660000;"> been lying. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NASB-26881" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top;">13</sup> And they *said to her, <b>“<sup class="xref" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: 0.5em; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-26881E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>Woman, why are you weeping?”</b></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #660000;"> She *said to them, “Because <sup class="xref" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0.5em; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-26881F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>they have taken away my Lord, and I do not </span></div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #660000;"> know where they have laid Him.” <sup class="versenum" id="en-NASB-26882" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top;">14</sup> When she had said this, she turned</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #660000;"> around and *<sup class="xref" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0.5em; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-26882G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>saw Jesus standing <i>there</i>, and <sup class="xref" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0.5em; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-26882H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>did not know that it was Jesus.</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #660000;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NASB-26883" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top;">15</sup> Jesus *said to her, <span class="woj"><b>“<sup class="xref" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: 0.5em; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-26883I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>Woman, why are you weeping?</b> Whom are you seeking?”</span></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #660000;"> Supposing Him to be the gardener, she *said to Him, “Sir, if you have carried</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #660000;"> Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” <sup class="versenum" id="en-NASB-26884" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top;">16</sup> </span></div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #660000;"> Jesus *said to her, <span class="woj">“Mary!”</span> She turned and *said to Him <sup class="xref" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0.5em; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-26884J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup>in <sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0.5em; vertical-align: text-top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-26884a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2020:10-18&version=NASB#fen-NASB-26884a" style="text-decoration: none;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup>Hebrew,</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #660000;"> “<sup class="xref" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0.5em; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-26884K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup>Rabboni!” (which means, Teacher). <sup class="versenum" id="en-NASB-26885" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top;">17</sup> Jesus *said to her, <span class="woj">“Stop clinging to</span></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span class="woj"> Me, for I have not yet </span> ascended to the Father; but go to <sup class="xref" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0.5em; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-26885L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup>My brethren and </span></div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #660000;"> say to them, ‘I <sup class="xref" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0.5em; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-26885M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup>ascend to <span class="woj"> My Father and your Father, and My God and your</span></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span class="woj"> God.’”</span> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NASB-26886" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top;">18</sup> <sup class="xref" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0.5em; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-26886N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup>Mary Magdalene *came, <sup class="xref" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0.5em; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-26886O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup>announcing to the disciples, “I have seen </span></div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #660000;"> the Lord,” and <i>that</i> He had said these things to her.</span></div><div class="footnotes"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="footnotes"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>My first question was why this particular scripture, and He said it</b></i></span></div><div class="footnotes"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>was </b></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>because </b></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>someone </b></i></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>was crying and needed to know that He was </b></i></div><div class="footnotes"><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>there with them.</b></i></div><div class="footnotes"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="footnotes"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've read this so many times and the thing that I realize is that sometimes we are</span></div><div class="footnotes"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">so </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">distressed </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> in the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">circumstances </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">that we do not realize or feel that God is with us. </span></div><div class="footnotes"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mary </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Magdalene had </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> just seen Jesus </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">crucified and put in the tomb. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Yes, the</span></div><div class="footnotes"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">circumstances </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">looked the worst; Jesus </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">was gone from them, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">brutally murdered, and</span></div><div class="footnotes"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the plan that they </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">had </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">all hoped for seemed </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">destroyed. Her future and that of </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">all the</span></div><div class="footnotes"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">others in Jesus' circle </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">was in </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">dire </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">jeopardy</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. The future </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> seemed</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> hope</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">less and bleak.</span></div><div class="footnotes"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">How did </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">they move </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">forward </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">when </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">their leader, their king and friend </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">was gone...?</span></div><div class="footnotes"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="footnotes"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Have we all not felt like this at times. We are in the middle of horrible circumstances</span></div><div class="footnotes"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">that cause us to </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">lose sight of </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the fact that even though we do not see how things can </span></div><div class="footnotes"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">work </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">out Jesus is there with us, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He is in control, and He has </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">a plan. And His plans are </span></div><div class="footnotes"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">always </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"good". </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lately God has been reminding </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">me to not let what is happening in the</span></div><div class="footnotes"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"circumstances" </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">blind me from the fact that He </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">is there with me. </span></div><div class="footnotes"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="footnotes"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I know Mary was distraught, overwhelmed with grief and sadness, and fearful and </span></div><div class="footnotes"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">uncertain as how </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">to proceed. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But a </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">voice from behind her called her name and when </span></div><div class="footnotes"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">she heard that voice her attention </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">turned from "herself" to </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">realizing</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> that Jesus was </span></div><div class="footnotes"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">right there with her.</span></div><div class="footnotes"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="footnotes"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">No matter what you are going through at this moment, Jesus is there with you. He</span></div><div class="footnotes"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">will </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">listen to you </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and comfort </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">you, and give you direction and peace. Sometimes He </span></div><div class="footnotes"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">is speaking </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">to us but we don't </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">know that it is God. Get quiet </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and let Him speak to you. </span></div><div class="footnotes"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He is there </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">with you, and loves you...and He <b><i>does </i></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">have the answers.</span></div><div class="footnotes"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="footnotes"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">love in Jesus,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHSMj8GB5KM2uottOXqMo62uLI5axk-qhHhDZPjVwFB8XCfZK5hhdAm_5QmLy_Mtk6QpZT8Z0zbux9hmS3fmXe0slqYgZgK8on1ZgkgQs__D_y0LClDdffKr8idFbC1lXGLKG7KdfKmcZ/s1600/C86F7605D739C10FAC4F4BD7CD26A993.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHSMj8GB5KM2uottOXqMo62uLI5axk-qhHhDZPjVwFB8XCfZK5hhdAm_5QmLy_Mtk6QpZT8Z0zbux9hmS3fmXe0slqYgZgK8on1ZgkgQs__D_y0LClDdffKr8idFbC1lXGLKG7KdfKmcZ/s1600/C86F7605D739C10FAC4F4BD7CD26A993.png" /></a></div><div class="footnotes"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Debra@CommonGroundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-30279400576216662432012-01-03T12:48:00.001-06:002012-01-03T12:51:21.573-06:00Verse for the New Year<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This post may be a little late for the "contemplating the New Year" kind, but I haven't had the opportunity to sit down and put these thoughts into writing until now, so today it is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've read and enjoyed so many of your New Year's posts sharing your intentions and resolutions, plans and goals, and just plain old hopes and dreams. Especially you younger gals with big things happening in your lives. Blogging has given many of you some amazing opportunities this year; from recognition in magazines, photography, television, and the book world, to actually "living your dreams". Honestly, I couldn't be happier for you...<i>really...truly! </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have to warn you though, as you get older the concept of making resolutions fades a bit and the turning of the calender page takes on a little less significance. Life experience and circumstances have a bad habit of wearing a person down a little. I know what it's like to have "resolutions" wind up in the ditch by the end of January, or to have something thrown in my path unexpectedly like a family crisis or health setback. "Life" has a way of derailing the best of intentions. I guess the blessings of youth are optimism and the promise of the future. I'm not on a "downer" here, just contemplating life a little, I guess. And how we view what is ahead of us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Many of you have talked about how you have a "word" for the New Year. A word that some of you will use as a roadmap for the journey into 2012. To other's it's a definition of what you desire the atmosphere around you to be; a goal, an attitude, and a viewpoint. Hopefully our words are God given and spoken. I know that God likes using dates, times, and seasons to express Himself in our hearts. When we're prayerfully contemplating our lives and the prospect for change, He's is more than happy to speak to our open hearts and minds. He's an "encourager", and He desires to bring us into a place of possibilities and optimism. He's been working on me in that area...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">OK, back to the "word" idea for the New Year. So I asked God if there was a specific word for me to contemplate and keep in my spirit for this year. It didn't come immediately, but as I was doing a short post for New Year's Day, a scripture verse came to mind. It had nothing whatsoever to do with the adorable vintage postcard with kittens, but it had to be included. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Proverbs 16:9 "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.</span>"<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It seemed a little out of place and incongruous with that postcard post, but I've learned to go with it, if it's something from the Lord. This verse has been rattling around in my head for a few days and the more I've thought about it the more I've realized God has been speaking to me concerning this thought for quite a while now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Let me share just a little of what I think He may be trying to say. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">First of all for this verse to be truly accurate we need to be a child of God. Believers can have a firm faith that if we really love the Lord and seek Him that He <i style="font-weight: bold;">will </i>ultimately be in charge of our lives and destinations. If we never seek Him for help and guidance then it's easy to get off track in our thinking and plans. This in turn can send us down the wrong path. Staying in touch with the Father on a daily basis and letting the Holy Spirit lead us may not mean that our lives will be easy or perfect, but they will be "determined". </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Oxford dictionary says this about the word <span style="color: #783f04;"><b>"determine, -ed"</b></span> <b>fixed, precise, distinct, settled, </b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>persistent</b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>, unwavering</b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Another word that stands out for me in this verse is <span style="color: #783f04;"><b>"course"</b></span>. Here is the definition: <b>onward movement or progression, path, way, route, or track, a lesson, a part of a meal, a series of hurdles, a horizontal layer of bricks" a length of water.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And then this word, which really means a lot to me at this time. <span style="color: #783f04;"><b>"Step"</b></span>.<b> a unit of movement, a manner of walking, a degree in the scale of promotion or advancement, making progress, pace, stride, taking action, being in agreement.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At this stage in my life I'm more "contemplative" about the future. I've learned the hard way not to run off on my own and in my own thinking to do a certain thing. I don't want to get into something that's just not part of God's plan for me. There have been a few things that I've been "measuring" in my mind and considering so I've turned them over to God for timing and specifics. He's <b><i>determining</i></b> them for me and I'm allowing Him to plot the <b><i>course</i></b>, not only of this New Year, but of my future. He can do all that for me, but if I don't lift up my foot one day at a time and exert some effort to take the <b><i>"step"</i></b> nothing will happen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I had a sprained ankle last week, and now that I think of it, it may have been a little teaching tool that the Lord allowed. The thought of not being able to walk for a few days had me reeling. The concept of taking a "step" has a little more significance than it did before.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'd love to hear in the comments if God has spoken a "word" or verse <i><b>to you</b></i> for the year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Love you all, thanks for listening, and sharing my life. You're a huge blessing to me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In Jesus,</span><br />
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Debra@CommonGroundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-18036659292140059922011-12-20T11:16:00.000-06:002011-12-20T11:16:52.077-06:00Some random thoughts this Christmas week...Just wanted to "touch base" with all of you out there and wish you a wonderful Christmas.<br />
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Last time I posted I was headed to the doctor having had some blood tests. After being off medications for about a month, and trying to get to the cause of my ridiculous skin rash it seems like a sulfa based drug has been wreaking havoc with me. I'm off of that, and the rash is gone. Yay, but all this and a monster cold during the whole month of November, has left me feeling not too "Merry" in the Merry Christmas department.<br />
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I've received some wonderful comments and emails lately, thanks so much everyone. There are so many of us in the same religious "boat". Just today, someone who reads both my blogs, sent me a note about her life experiences. Church and family life shape us, and unfortunately negative experiences are so lasting. Even though we love and forgive those that have hurt us, it's still difficult to not let those hard things continue to effect our outlook on life.<br />
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I haven't been very good at returning emails and comments so please forgive me. It's not that I'm not interested or care, sometimes I just listen and process. I pray for each of you that comment, and for all of you who come by this blog. God directs so many of you here. Please know I appreciate you!<br />
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I'm not a big fan of television, but yesterday morning I had on NBC and was watching Hoda and Kathie Lee. (what a pair!) Poor Kathie has had a rough time of late too. She's had a couple of minor injuries, but the sad moment in her conversation came when music came up of her singing Christmas carols from a past album. She has a lovely voice, and I know loves the Lord. She listened for a moment and then said in a sad, "I'm over it" sort of voice. <i><b>"Oh that was me when I could sing."</b></i> Maybe not those exact words but that was the thought. Her words of passing on the "busy-ness" and self imposed expectations of Christmas were so telling. "Let's keep Christmas in our hearts each day, but just do Thanksgiving...twice." The older we get the more our hearts can hold the past. Sometimes we find ourselves in a place where "Christmas" <i><b>isn't the same </b></i>as in the past.<br />
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I know it's so easy to get worn out this time of year. (physically and mentally) I have it pretty easy. I've pared down. I guess what I'm trying to say is this. I know God loves our joy and adoration of the Christmas Season, and children in the house give us a chance to "present" Christmas in a special and magical way. Cooking and baking, attending parties, having a house full of friends and loved ones are all part of the enjoyment of Christmas. I'm trying to let God reveal Himself to me, and how to celebrate the birth of the Savior, individually.<br />
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This Christmas has been more low-key for me, and I'm focusing on the fact that the birth of Jesus, was in a "trying time" for the sweet young family. Tired and worn out, away from home, and stressed with the impending delivery, Mary and Joseph were out of their comfort zone, but let God direct them forward. Not really understanding all that they were about to be a part of or witness... The birth of the Savior, and God's Grand Plan in action.<br />
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Whatever you may be going through in life, may God's peace, comfort, joy, and strength surround you this Blessed Christmas.<br />
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love, in our precious Son of God,<br />
DebraDebra@CommonGroundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-55746918320983532542011-12-06T11:58:00.000-06:002011-12-06T11:58:50.089-06:00Just "Do it"!I remember many years ago when we were in a large church, our girls were young, still at home. We loved this church and it was the center of our lives; family, friends, and social activities included. We loved our pastor and the church; things were great. Then his sermons started becoming "weird". Each week they were judgmental and "fingerpointing". Full of condemnation and talk of God's punishment. Sunday morning in the sanctuary took on a dark, depressive and ominous vibe. It felt like the same sermon over and over, just in a new black package. "What's going on?" we all wondered, and in the meantime he started crumbling...<br />
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Fast forward 15 years...<br />
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Our older daughter started smoking when she went away to college. I know so many kids do. She started a habit she wasn't happy with, but enjoyed smoking. She knew God wanted her to stop but never actively pursued the "doing it" part. She spoke to me about it several times and of course I encouraged her to stop. This was before my heart attacks and all of us knowing what kind of hereditary problems lay ahead. Week after week she'd mention it in her phone calls home. "What are you doing to stop?" I asked. "Nothing" she would say. Then one day she called me and said that each time she tried to pray or read her Bible that this <i><b>stop smoking thing </b></i>would come up again and she was tired of it. She wanted to speak to God about other matters, but there was a wall there in her prayer time, and she couldn't get past it.<br />
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God has been speaking to me for awhile about some of the vast number of medications that I've been taking. When you have cardiovascular disease then the doctors want to throw the whole medicine cabinet at you. Know what I'm saying? this and this, and oh yeah, better take this too. During the summer if you remember, I had to go on a lot more meds because of some sort of something that happened. Anyway, I found myself taking huge amounts of all kinds of stuff...hated it.<br />
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I've been better the last month or so and God has told me over and over, "Stop taking this". Then the fear factor set in. I wouldn't do it. I trusted God for my health, but still was hanging on. (These aren't the regular medications for my situation, but above and beyond with dosages that were scary.) Oh yeah, and have I mentioned that I have had some kind of full body rash going on that isn't contact dermatitis. yep, it was getting worse and worse.<br />
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OK, so then back in October we went to St. Louis for a long weekend. Well, guess what happened. I accidently left my medications at home. I made it fine, but then when I got home, started back on all the extras despite my knowing God was saying, "You don't need these anymore. Stop taking them." This is all that I was hearing. Each and every time I started to pray or read my Bible it was about these extra medications. I tried to dismiss it...didn't happen.<br />
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So then about 3 weeks ago I caught a cold and the rash stepped up into high gear. I got off the extra medications because I knew I better start listening to what God was saying to me. Sometimes we forget that He sees the <b>"big picture"</b>. He may be saying something needs to change because He sees down the road to what's coming. He wants what's best for us.<i> He wants us to avoid something that might be coming if we don't listen. He gives us opportunity to let Him help us change. </i>It's called <i><b>"conviction". </b></i><br />
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Why am I sharing all this? Because God has been insistent that I be transparent here in this blog. He wants me to share what's happening so that it might help someone else.<br />
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Is God speaking to you about something that needs to happen or change, and you've been dragging your feet? Has it gotten to the point that you feel the pressure of that decision constantly and either are afraid or reluctant? <b>I'm telling you now that you <i><u>will</u></i> have to deal with it.</b> Open up your heart and spirit and let God speak to you about what He's asking you to do. It may be a small thing, like giving up dessert, or maybe it's bigger, but whatever it is, let Him lead you into the change. He can do it, give Him control. He will walk you through whatever it is. He knows the future and the things He calls us to do are for a purpose.<br />
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<i>The pastor in the first part of this post...? </i>He was having an affair and God was asking him to stop and ask forgiveness. He didn't, and within a few horrible months the church was torn apart and He lost his ministry. His life went down in flames. We were not there to witness it, God had pulled us out.<br />
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My daughter finally gave God permission to help her stop smoking and she did. She and her husband no longer smoke. It wasn't particularly easy, but God gave them the grace and help they needed, to <b><i>do it.</i></b><br />
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And me? I had some blood tests taken last week, we'll see what's going on. I know that God knows. I'll keep you informed.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-weight: bold;">Ephesians 5:17</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"> Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">James 1:22-25</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #5c1101; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">New American Standard Bible (NASB)</span><br />
<div class="result-text-style-normal " style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NASB-30289" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top;">22</sup> <sup class="xref" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0.5em; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-30289A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.<sup class="versenum" id="en-NASB-30290" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top;">23</sup> For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0.5em; vertical-align: text-top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-30290a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james%201:22-25&version=NASB#fen-NASB-30290a" style="text-decoration: none;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup>natural face <sup class="xref" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0.5em; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-30290B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>in a mirror; <sup class="versenum" id="en-NASB-30291" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top;">24</sup> for <i>once</i> he has looked at himself and gone away, <sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0.5em; vertical-align: text-top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-30291b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james%201:22-25&version=NASB#fen-NASB-30291b" style="text-decoration: none;" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</sup>he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NASB-30292" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top;">25</sup> But one who looks intently at the perfect law, <sup class="xref" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0.5em; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-30292C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>the <i>law</i> of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0.5em; vertical-align: text-top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-30292c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james%201:22-25&version=NASB#fen-NASB-30292c" style="text-decoration: none;" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</sup>an effectual doer, this man will be <sup class="xref" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0.5em; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-30292D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>blessed in <sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0.5em; vertical-align: text-top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-30292d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james%201:22-25&version=NASB#fen-NASB-30292d" style="text-decoration: none;" title="See footnote d">d</a>]</sup>what he does.</span><br />
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</div> Love in Jesus,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79KEudZLa6vS_NJliUlw_oo_pTc7La35FJgoqZbwdjPSopaLvJUu-mBCUKUwbE35hF3Vg9n43OnGwtfx9qv2uIAx7Y-mfT-Xe8bqIfEsUy7Y7aLUn2cbPNBD02r-pFjJXMIbrK0M1ZFKq/s1600/C86F7605D739C10FAC4F4BD7CD26A993.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79KEudZLa6vS_NJliUlw_oo_pTc7La35FJgoqZbwdjPSopaLvJUu-mBCUKUwbE35hF3Vg9n43OnGwtfx9qv2uIAx7Y-mfT-Xe8bqIfEsUy7Y7aLUn2cbPNBD02r-pFjJXMIbrK0M1ZFKq/s1600/C86F7605D739C10FAC4F4BD7CD26A993.png" /></a></div>Debra@CommonGroundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-30354507646067049902011-11-13T13:40:00.001-06:002011-11-13T13:41:26.361-06:00Set Apart?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Last night my younger daughter and I had a "Girl's Night Out". The hubbs and son-in-law were out in the woods deer hunting so that means she and I get to have a night out just the two of us. When we're alone we always end up talking about spiritual things. She is a young woman who has such a close relationship with the Lord. She's had a lot to walk through in her 31 years, and it's brought great insight and love for her Heavenly Father. We covered many subjects but one thing that we discussed was the fact that none of us are currently attending church on a regular basis. OK, I said it. It's just a period of time that is "in between" and not one that I like to advertise because it can bring a lot of "heat". </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm all for belonging to a church or fellowship, wherever God leads, and that's the key. <b>"Where God leads..." </b>I<i>'m going to get honest right now so buckle your seat belts as they say, it may be a bumpy ride. </i>Please don't email me any sermons on the importance of church attendance. I know them all and I totally agree. So hopefully you'll just listen to what I'm saying without feeling the need to lecture me, fair enough?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've been to a lot of churches in my time for one reason or another. I'm not here to discuss them all, I could write a book about all my experiences...good and bad. My point today is to be doing what God is calling you to <i style="font-weight: bold;">at this time. </i>I want to be about God's "business", and my prayer is to do what He asks; where and when. Right now, even though I'm totally open and agreeable to be in a church fellowship, we just have not been led to be there. Many reasons why. I'm not fooling myself on this subject. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Having said all that, these passages in<b> Luke 4</b> hold a lot of insight and "mystery" for me concerning this subject. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Luke 4:1 </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">"Jesus, <i><b>full of the Holy Spirit</b></i>, returned from the Jordan (after being baptized) and was led by the Spirit in(to) the desert... </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">and</span><b> Luke 4:14 </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">"Jesus returned to Galilee <i><b>in the power of the Spirit..."</b></i></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sometimes the Holy Spirit leads us in a time of separation. That may mean many things, but it's different with different people. Maybe God is calling us apart for preparation, for emotional healing, for physical reasons, or just to rest and be with Him. The thing I've learned over the years is not to say <i>"Well, God just doesn't DO that"</i>. <b><i style="background-color: white;">(in my best "Church Lady" voice) </i></b>Judging how God works in our lives and the lives of others is a no no. God works with people in various ways, many times it's contrary to "popular opinion". So I've learned to "zip it". If I have a question about someone's experience I try to take it to the Lord for clarification instead.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I don't want to lose sight of the point of this post and that is the scripture from Luke. Jesus was <i><b>"filled with the Spirit"</b></i> after his baptism, and was led out for a time of separation, but when He returned He came back <b><i>in the POWER of the Holy Spirit.</i></b> Time apart, listening to God alone, can result in being empowered by the Holy Spirit.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So if God has you in a time of "separation" or you feel like you're in the wilderness, don't let the devil have a field day making you feel guilty. Isn't that funny, the devil doesn't want us in church, but if God is doing something <i>"different"</i> with us, then the enemy will use "guilt" instead. Just be with God every day. Ask for His leading and guidance. Ask for His plan to become clear and savor every moment you have with Him. Because we never know when things will change in life. Who knows...<i> things might change tomorrow</i>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">love in Jesus,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Debra</span><br />
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</i>Debra@CommonGroundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-46232372424804339672011-11-01T15:04:00.000-05:002011-11-01T15:04:11.741-05:00God is Above All ThingsOne of the amazing and wonderful things about God's Word, the Bible, is that it speaks to each one of us for whatever it is we are going through. We all have our different issues and problems, needs and desires. For one of us it's finances, another, our children, still another health or relationships...then again some of us have all of these things in our lives to deal with. Right now the one that's on the "front burner" so to speak is my health. I know... it's been that way for awhile, but I know you can relate. Problems rarely are solved overnight, and sometimes God allows us to walk "through" for a while. Mine has been awhile.<br />
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I had a tough summer, but God has been doing some things for me and I'm feeling better pain-wise. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-style: italic;">(Thank you Lord!) </span><span class="Apple-style-span">I'm definitely giving Him credit, it wouldn't be happening without His hand on me. I was in a spiral down and it wasn't fun. Medication wasn't helping, and if I looked at the "big picture" of textbook diagnosis and prognosis, mine was crummy to say the least. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span">But, with one thing, it always leads to another with God. He may let you sit for a little while, but then He's always there moving you forward once more, stretching your faith, and causing you to get uncomfortable in the place that He last left you. Do you understand what I'm saying? God isn't stagnant and He doesn't want us to be either. So we may have a victory and praise, but before you know it He's knocking on the door again asking us to step out of our comfort zone and go further down the "faith" road.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span">God sometimes plants me in a particular chapter in the scriptures and leaves me there. I may read something a dozen times before it starts to sink in. Has this happened to you? I go over and over and sometimes frustration happens before enlightenment. Then sometimes He shows me something ahead of time and I find myself realizing I need to pay attention for what's coming. Case in point. John, chapter three. I'm there alot.</span><br />
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What I've been reading over and over is <b>John 3:31 </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">"The one who comes from above is above all".</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>Sounds simple enough to understand. But understanding and putting into practice are two different things. He's asking me to believe and act upon that statement. He's in control. He's the One who makes the decisions. He's the One who can bring the manifestation of healing when no one else can. He's the One that can transition you from head knowledge to actually doing what needs to be done. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">God gives promises and sometimes those promises seem distant and unattainable. Often times they are fraught with difficulty and ditches along the way. But a day comes when things start to change. I'm reminding myself to praise God along the way, and to keep moving forward. He will be there with me each step of the way.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I found this illustration today that says it all!</span></span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wherever you might be in this circle, just let God keep moving you forward.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">love in Jesus,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzu3qLDI0l5jpVwEHjyO7R1DQFQSCojEE45HrAGhlGuct25EjRTeszKwFURICBDJYn8h4zCjTmGDl8YFCRBRFNINBGJiQ36obwfVhvgM9rQugicExVATP5Pt69GHOCQ-S_F9R55wErpamC/s1600/C86F7605D739C10FAC4F4BD7CD26A993.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzu3qLDI0l5jpVwEHjyO7R1DQFQSCojEE45HrAGhlGuct25EjRTeszKwFURICBDJYn8h4zCjTmGDl8YFCRBRFNINBGJiQ36obwfVhvgM9rQugicExVATP5Pt69GHOCQ-S_F9R55wErpamC/s1600/C86F7605D739C10FAC4F4BD7CD26A993.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</span></span>Debra@CommonGroundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-14077378271983750962011-09-16T13:00:00.000-05:002011-09-16T13:00:32.267-05:00the daily walkI just love it when God blesses you while you're walking your daily path. It just let's you know you're in the right place and His right timing. It shows He's interested in what we're doing in our daily lives.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Yesterday afternoon, I was at my friend Debra's Fall Open House at Inspirational Home, taking photos for my blog when someone said "hello" to me. I didn't think I had met her, so I walked over and asked if we'd met before. She at first from a distance thought I was the other Debra who owned the store, but when we started talking she realized that I wasn't. She is new to our town, from California, and didn't know many people. I mentioned that I had a blog and she stopped me saying, that she read my blog and knew who I was. She continued telling me that she'd been reading this blog also, and that God had put me on her heart to pray for. Talk about a God moment! What a blessing! We chatted for quite awhile, exchanged cards with phone numbers and email, then we had to have a hug, because it was so evident that this had been a God "setup"!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4_XzlpdyF43AN6NfCLKloSVHc69H1yAVVohG0_OMqdhougxTxlkqrlA27qTXsXEDp60qkUyqVTGYlq6B2y5DaD4k8HVpa_yvEN6ieA4f65zIebWYVQE8JPhK_tVPotrPPIDnxZ0EMPao/s1600/road+back%252Cdeviant%252Cnature%252Cphotography%252Croad%252Cscarabuss%252Cstreet%252Cwalking%252Cwoman-53e6598769e5cbe5095e7bb5e0c75196_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4_XzlpdyF43AN6NfCLKloSVHc69H1yAVVohG0_OMqdhougxTxlkqrlA27qTXsXEDp60qkUyqVTGYlq6B2y5DaD4k8HVpa_yvEN6ieA4f65zIebWYVQE8JPhK_tVPotrPPIDnxZ0EMPao/s320/road+back%252Cdeviant%252Cnature%252Cphotography%252Croad%252Cscarabuss%252Cstreet%252Cwalking%252Cwoman-53e6598769e5cbe5095e7bb5e0c75196_m.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I used to be so intense when it came to seeking God's will; wanting to know what lies ahead, how to plan, having the future laid out..<em>.know what I mean</em>? This last several years I've just asked God to not let me make mistakes in His plan for my life and to make sure I'm doing and being in the place I need to be.<br />
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How wonderful to have confirmation in the little things, knowing that each day if I follow God, seeking Him, He makes sure I'm on the path...you just never know who'll you'll meet!<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">love in Jesus,</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiv4PIHXCREPofUnllInp2X1Ntc5T04XB6JW5EokdDTsPjk-3ABgOKKa_IXxZ7VFj2gcUYa9AXT5v9us5PXtJUy8YzQC7tkEHj9VeO4LyQdNbsOiafA7lWWFTKx0GGwiMDKw2q98CUCBVJ/s1600/C86F7605D739C10FAC4F4BD7CD26A993.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiv4PIHXCREPofUnllInp2X1Ntc5T04XB6JW5EokdDTsPjk-3ABgOKKa_IXxZ7VFj2gcUYa9AXT5v9us5PXtJUy8YzQC7tkEHj9VeO4LyQdNbsOiafA7lWWFTKx0GGwiMDKw2q98CUCBVJ/s1600/C86F7605D739C10FAC4F4BD7CD26A993.png" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div>Debra@CommonGroundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-81542640761017098312011-08-01T11:26:00.000-05:002011-08-01T11:26:23.049-05:00JustifiedThis is a word that's in my head and spirit today. I woke up with the whisper of it in my ear. <br />
<em><span style="color: #741b47;">"What do you need to say to me, Lord?"</span></em> I asked. <br />
Again the word came; this time with a thought that I needed to investigate.<br />
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Most days starts off fine. A little of this and that. A sit down with a cup of coffee and a blogging session that can sometimes last into the afternoon. I have household things that need to be done; a load of clothes in the washer, kitchen dishes to be put away. My time is abundant, it's how I choose to use it. "Getting things done" can lead to time spent accomplishing everyday things, but neglecting the <strong><em>one thing</em></strong> that really is of the most importance in my life...my relationship with God, and His desire to work with me.<br />
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So what does the word <em><strong>"justification" </strong></em>have to do with what I've said here?<br />
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I have <strong>time</strong> alloted in life, as we all do. What are we as individuals doing that enhances our relationship with the Lord? On a daily basis, what are we doing with our "time" that counts in eternity? Reading daily Bible verses and time spent praying for others? Although that's good, because praying for others enables the Holy Spirit to work in thier lives, but I'm talking about, what as individuals are we doing to <strong><em>enhance</em></strong> our own relationship with God? <br />
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It's about a time spent alone with Him when there's nothing "on the agenda". When it's about quality time, and yes, even quantity. Five minutes can be good, but even fifteen would be better.<br />
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Now, on to <strong><em>"justification"</em></strong>. This is a word used in many circles to express and define our Christian experience of salvation. Our being made right in the eyes of the Lord. Our sin being paid for by Jesus Christ on the cross.<br />
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<em><span style="color: #783f04;">But the concept of what I'm feeling about "justification " in my spirit today is<strong>: How often are we concentrating on God Himself? </strong> </span></em>He longs to be with us and just see us face to face. Looking at our own loved ones faces brings us great joy. So as our Heavenly Father goes, He feels the exact same way with us. He longs just to spend some one-on-one time with us. I need to put away the prayers for my health, worries about the future, etc. and <strong><em>just concentrate on Him.</em></strong><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">By having this alone time with Him, I'm <strong><em>justified , and made right, </em></strong>in His presence. </span>Spending time with Him is what He longs for. <strong>Deuteronomy 4:24 </strong>says, <em>"For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God." </em>Not jealous in a negative way, but as in strongly desiring our attention. Just like a lover who wants to be with His beloved. In His presence leave the place of our daily "existence" and get away with Him for a moment. It provides the plan for our lives. <em><strong>Just being in His presence</strong></em> enables us to refill and recharge, to receive revelation, and find security in His arms. How to do this? Just ask Him, He wants to show us. Christian music, maybe just quiet and solitude; an open Bible and an open heart. <br />
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He's able to take care of all our needs and give us the desires of our heart. He's just reminding me that I need to focus on Him, and let Him become one of my great desires.<br />
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love in Jesus,<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimO-c81OiVNnza_JZ9ScEdYg7_z6wceKqrM7CRjkThFv2uq-Eq9mn3axHc_13skuxoFZsgDXO5WSYbVCWYfDdbNH5RSfaAnOeSSZRonlyqzPafOqDvUNd7QLbXsmJJYMIEFx-zV-gR1-c3/s1600/C86F7605D739C10FAC4F4BD7CD26A993.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimO-c81OiVNnza_JZ9ScEdYg7_z6wceKqrM7CRjkThFv2uq-Eq9mn3axHc_13skuxoFZsgDXO5WSYbVCWYfDdbNH5RSfaAnOeSSZRonlyqzPafOqDvUNd7QLbXsmJJYMIEFx-zV-gR1-c3/s1600/C86F7605D739C10FAC4F4BD7CD26A993.png" t$="true" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>(If this seems a little "ramble-y" it's because this came straight from my spirit, from God's heart to mine. When He's talking I try not to change much. He loves to communicates with us, just try having a pen and paper with you when you are with Him. Let Him share His thoughts with you.)</em></span>Debra@CommonGroundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-2772591503476750222011-07-22T14:29:00.000-05:002011-07-22T14:29:12.187-05:00I've been thinking...<span style="color: #444444;">Yes, I know that can be a dangerous thing for some of us.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Just wanted you to know that I'm still here. I've been thinking about things that have been going on with my life and in my spirit...wanting to talk about some of the things that God has been showing me in these last few months. I've been contemplating the last nine years of my life; trying to make sense of it in the spiritual realm.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">I have a tendency to "overthink" sometimes, especially on weighty subjects. And there have been two weighty subjects in my life throughout this time that seemingly contradict themselves. A call to ministry in regard to healing, and then the fact that I was about wiped out with heart disease. It would be easy for me to just feel like they cancel each other out, but God won't let me go there. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">I've been thru every emotion under the sun in this last few months, but I haven't given up on getting out of the place I seemingly am stuck in health wise, or the fact that no matter how hard I want to quietly slip away from posting here, God will have none of it. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Playing house at my other blog has given me a distraction. Painting furniture, rearranging things, sewing, having linky parties; God has all approved and basically said, "Go ahead, have some fun, then come back here when I say so." ...so I'm back...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">My husband and I talk alot, he's my best friend, and good thing too. Otherwise living with me might not be such a picnic. God has put something in him that I can only call divine love for me. We've had alot of ups and downs in 38 years of marriage. <em><span style="color: #666666;">(Who can be married and not have some ups and downs?)</span></em> He's a good listener, and always processes what I need to share. I can complain and fuss and whine, and he's always there to pray for me and encourage me. He helps me sort things out and sift thru the junk in my life.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><em>OK, so here's the jest of this post. </em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">I still believe in healing. I have a long history with the Lord on this, so it ain't changin' or going away.</span><br />
<em><span style="color: #666666;">(I know not all of you have this same belief, but God has settled this with me many years ago, so even though I respect your opinion, please don't try to change mine.)</span></em><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I've done everything I can "do" to show the Lord I mean business. Below are just a few things that God has given me over the many years I've been here. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I've read every book on healing from founding spiritual fathers to current ministries.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I've taken communion every day, as I know that we do this in remembrance of what Jesus has done for us.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I've looked up every scripture on healing and taken it to the Lord in prayer.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I've rebuked the enemy.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I've submitted myself to the Lord.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I've done extensive evaluation led by the Holy Spirit to reveal to me things in my life that I have needed to turn over and let God deal with.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I've forgiven every one who ever did something against me, and I've asked forgiveness of those that I may have harmed.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">the list goes on...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">you get my drift?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I have faith in God for His will to be done.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I'm believing and standing on the promises.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I'm there.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">So when I went back to the Lord this last week about , </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">"Is there something I haven't done?,</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"> Is there something you want from me? </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Why is this still continuing?"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I received an answer...</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><strong><em>"wait, and call it done."</em></strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">All the good things that teach us and grow us and reveal God's Word to us can become "works" if we aren't careful. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">God knows our heart.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">He knows our faith. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">He wants us to trust Him.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><strong><em><span style="color: #444444;">Then we wait...</span></em></strong><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">love in Jesus,</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUodTNqZjeN27cEqP38zS2XLcdm90wnmvuTWLUw6SUHeHQxrVTPtt7PwtlotyQUyGK6GxYa5uKznZu6gm2vAFAWcETipbCFrvkk-RiZrksKfHIw8oJYNlIcgN6QArccjiX-FftVnkqUZ1/s1600/C86F7605D739C10FAC4F4BD7CD26A993.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUodTNqZjeN27cEqP38zS2XLcdm90wnmvuTWLUw6SUHeHQxrVTPtt7PwtlotyQUyGK6GxYa5uKznZu6gm2vAFAWcETipbCFrvkk-RiZrksKfHIw8oJYNlIcgN6QArccjiX-FftVnkqUZ1/s1600/C86F7605D739C10FAC4F4BD7CD26A993.png" t$="true" /></a></div>Debra@CommonGroundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-37600717874626997582011-06-18T13:45:00.000-05:002011-06-18T13:45:11.370-05:00For Today...<div style="text-align: center;">For an update on life as I'm living it, please come visit me at my "other blog",<strong><em><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"> </span></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/">Common Ground</a></span></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTTiaqec-D5LqBtxBwSRrraoBu4Gbu2GXZsGJve_j5-ajDWhkLnlRSm0UsMtfYiyZqtw116V7Zpv7Ia9_OTni-RtZTdxhOlgieL4CcN9WyrVQXStW-gsMq6OhwFNNkb1u5I-9Jlm_L92z/s1600/16-Imperfect-Letter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTTiaqec-D5LqBtxBwSRrraoBu4Gbu2GXZsGJve_j5-ajDWhkLnlRSm0UsMtfYiyZqtw116V7Zpv7Ia9_OTni-RtZTdxhOlgieL4CcN9WyrVQXStW-gsMq6OhwFNNkb1u5I-9Jlm_L92z/s400/16-Imperfect-Letter.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Debra@CommonGroundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-143423703410878232011-05-31T12:34:00.001-05:002011-05-31T18:21:57.073-05:00Still Hangin' In...I'm still here, I don't know too much other than I've had my medications upped. An improvement in the amount of chest pain I'm having. The medication is handling it, but without it, I'm not functioning too well. So a new beta blocker (slows down the heart pumping action, and keeps blood pressure down) and increased vessel expanders and I'm doing day to day things. I can't carry anything of much weight, but my energy level is still pretty good. I go back to my cardiologist the middle of June, and of course the stand-by option of heading to the emergency room if things take a change for the worse.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxJVAQrxwgEhd9Kn-kz7JPO5-y5_du-i7EHqwSQ56f8SW2Pq1MLfGp6hNGooKVftX57tI0zGXClYEbS_kN8SR7GRDdlR2tGXTeVlllc8Uys1mAB4PGr372jCOlOvBc4_pkO09Bj0fPwIm/s1600/HanginThereMP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxJVAQrxwgEhd9Kn-kz7JPO5-y5_du-i7EHqwSQ56f8SW2Pq1MLfGp6hNGooKVftX57tI0zGXClYEbS_kN8SR7GRDdlR2tGXTeVlllc8Uys1mAB4PGr372jCOlOvBc4_pkO09Bj0fPwIm/s400/HanginThereMP.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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To look at me you wouldn't know that I'm having problems. It's always been this way. I don't like to be "down and out" about my health. I'm slowing down on my antique business, having left one store, so now I'm just in one place with several booths. Right now I'm focusing on selling what I have, cleaning out my stashes of "stuff" inside and in the garage, and simplifying life in general.<br />
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I love you all and I'm hoping to be back to this soon. I'm taking things day-by-day and I will post when the Holy Spirit gives me the "word" to share. Thank you for all your prayers, and good thoughts. I'm confident in God's healing power and great love, so I'm not in dispair or frightened for my life. Just waiting and listening and thankful that He's there.<br />
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love in Jesus,<br />
DebraDebra@CommonGroundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.com9